The History of Wedding Invitations

Invitations are as much a part of a weddingink from smearing. Many modern invitations still
today as the bride and groom! While manyinclude tissue paper, though it is largely a
couples send traditional formal invitations, casualdecorative element now.
invitations are gaining popularity in today's society.In the late 18th century, the art of lithography
Whatever invitation the happy couple chooses,was developed, making it possible to create
there is little doubt that for every weddingbeautifully printed invitations without engraving.
planned, invitations will be created and sent byInvitations at this time were generally still
one means or another.delivered by hand, so they were often sealed
When did wedding invitations first come into use?within a second envelope for protection. This is
Most people agree that the tradition began in theanother tradition that modern society still
12th Century with the town crier, who would walkobserves.
through the town and announce important eventsModern wedding invitations became more
to the public. Word of mouth was an importantwidely-used after World War II. The development
means of spreading news, and anyone withinof thermographic printing allowed more
hearing of the town crier was, by default, invitedsophisticated designs to be stamped on invitations
to the wedding!at less cost than tradition engraving.
During the Middle Ages, when great numbers ofThermographic printing creates a raised effect
people were illiterate, noble families wouldthat is often used for letterheads, business cards,
commission monks to hand-letter and illuminateand even Braille. Its versatility lends itself perfectly
wedding announcements in calligraphy. Theseto the artistic nature of modern wedding
invitations often included a family crest or coat ofinvitations.
arms, an important symbol that helped identifyToday, invitations are often creative and individual
the family of the engaged couple. Many peopleexpressions of the couple's personality. Some
today include such a family crest or coat of armscouples might send a small gift as an invitation,
on their wedding invitations as a nod towardsuch as a box of chocolates. Other couples may
tradition and heritage.send an invitation with a framed photograph and a
In the 1600s, literacy increased and it becamepersonalized letter. Some people choose
common for weddings to be announced in thenontraditional papers, such as handmade stock
newspaper. At the same time, the technology ofwith flower petals pressed into it. Invitations may
engraving emerged as a new way to printeven include favorite cartoon characters, symbols
announcements. Soon, middle class citizens begansuch as an Irish claddagh, ribbons, bows . . . the list
to send customized, engraved wedding invitations.is endless!
To create an engraving, a metal plate wasSo next time you open your mail and find that
engraved in reverse with the desired text. Thendistinctive envelope amongst your letters, take a
the plate was inked and stamped onto paper tomoment to ponder the history of how that
create the finished product. Engravings wereinvitation came to be. Just think, it all started with
often covered with tissue paper to prevent thethe lowly town crier!