Wedding Planning Tips for Brides -- from iVillage Wedding Expert Anne Chertoff
- Weddings
- From I Will to I Do
Stationery Week: Invitations & Grammar
If you’ve been reading this blog for awhile you’ve probably noticed that my spelling and grammar skills aren’t topnotch. So, to help me get better at writing I’ve started listening to Grammar Girl podcasts. While listening to a few on the subway the other day I was pleasantly surprised when the topic turned to the proper grammar and wording for wedding invitations and announcements, and I thought I’d share her tips with you.
A groom called in to ask how he should have the year (2008) printed on their wedding invitation as well as the use of British English (honour) vs. American English (honor) on invites.
The general explanation is that we – the American public – tend to think of British English as a more formal language, and therefore it is appropriate to use the British English spellings and year on an invitation, which you may want to feel more formal than an invitaiton to say a backyard barbeque.
Click here to read, or hear, what Grammar Girl had to say about correct grammar for wedding invitations. You can download the podcast for free.
Hi, my daughter is in the process of wording her invitations for her wedding. We are stumped on the proper grammar for writing out 2008.
Is it: Two Thousand Eight or Two Thousand and Eight ?
I have actually seen it written both ways.
Thank you,
MOB
They are both correct.
Two Thousand and Eight is the British English version of writing the year, and Two Thousand Eight is the American English version.
If your daughter's wedding invitation is using British English - honour instead of honor, go with the British English year.
Hope this helps!