What time should you put on a wedding invite?

Short answer

Put the ceremony start time, not the reception time, on your invite. Choose a time that gives guests enough notice to arrive, usually 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony actually begins.

The time on your invitation should be the time the ceremony starts, because that is the moment your guests need to be seated. If you want everyone settled and calm, print a time that is 15 to 30 minutes earlier than the actual ceremony. For example, if the ceremony begins at 2pm, put 1.30pm or 1.45pm on the invite. This builds in a buffer for traffic, parking and finding their seats.

If you are having a civil ceremony at a venue, check with the registrar or venue coordinator whether they have a fixed start time. For a church or religious building, the officiant may have their own timing rules, so confirm with them first. You can also add a separate line for the reception start time, for example "Reception to follow at 4pm", if it is at a different location. That way guests know when to move on.

Do not put just a vague time like "afternoon". Be specific and clear. If you are inviting guests to a ceremony and then a gap before the reception, mention that on a separate card or your wedding website, so people can plan. The time on the invite is the anchor for the whole day, so make it accurate and generous.