What’s the right way to say RSVP? Does it really matter if there’s an “st” on my date? How do you say ‘no gifts’? Is 5:00 p.m. afternoon or evening? We’ve compiled a list of the most popular etiquette/grammar related questions we get on a daily basis from our customers and thought we’d share the knowledge….
How do you write RSVP?
RSVP
r.s.v.p.
R.s.v.p.
Kindly respond
Please respond
When writing a date, when do you use the “rd” and “st”, when do you include the year?
Informal:
March 2, 2009
March 2nd
Monday, March 2, 2009
Monday, March 2nd
*note: if the date is followed by a year, the “nd” or “st”, etc. is NOT included.
Formal
Monday, the second of March
Two thousand and nine
Monday, the second of March
*note: if the date is followed by the year, it should be on the second line of text whenever possible. Only the “T” in “Two thousand and nine” is capitalized.
When writing the time, what are the correct abbreviations, etc.?
3:00 p.m.
3:00 PM
3 o’clock
at three o’clock in the afternoon
Noon
12:00 p.m.
12:00 PM
*note: you never want to write “12 o’clock noon” or “12 Noon” because this is redundant. Choose one or the other.
What is the time table for morning/afternoon/evening?
12:00 AM – 11:59 AM Morning
12:00 PM – 5:59 PM Afternoon
6:00 PM – 11:59 PM Evening
Do I need to include a zip code on my invitations?
It is not necessary to include a zip code on an invitation and typically a city/state will suffice. If you have a lot of out of state guests you are welcome to put the zip code on the invite, however it is not traditional etiquette.
Should my registry be listed on my invitations?
Traditional etiquette dictates that registry information should be spread by word of mouth only. While this is a good sentiment, in modern times it is just not practical. It has since become acceptable to include this information on your baby or bridal shower invitations or even your wedding website. However, registry or gift information should NEVER be listed on a wedding invitation, under any circumstances.
How do I ask for cash only?
It is in poor taste to request specific gifts from a guest (i.e. cash, checks, gift cards, etc.). If this is your preference you should not include any information about gifts or registry on your invitation and have your family/attendees spread your gift requests by word of mouth only.
How do I say ‘no gifts’?
The best way to ask for no gifts is to put “no gifts, please” in a small font in the bottom corner of your invitation. You can also state this by writing “please make the gift of your presence your only gift to us”.
Still have more questions on etiquette? Feel free to reply to my post and I’ll be happy to answer any questions that come along!!
