The History of Wedding Invitations
- Date: 2007-01-10 - Word Count: 520
Share This!
Invitations are as much a part of a wedding today as the bride and groom! While many couples send traditional formal invitations, casual invitations are gaining popularity in today's society. Whatever invitation the happy couple chooses, there is little doubt that for every wedding planned, invitations will be created and sent by one means or another.
When did wedding invitations first come into use? Most people agree that the tradition began in the 12th Century with the town crier, who would walk through the town and announce important events to the public. Word of mouth was an important means of spreading news, and anyone within hearing of the town crier was, by default, invited to the wedding!
During the Middle Ages, when great numbers of people were illiterate, noble families would commission monks to hand-letter and illuminate wedding announcements in calligraphy. These invitations often included a family crest or coat of arms, an important symbol that helped identify the family of the engaged couple. Many people today include such a family crest or coat of arms on their wedding invitations as a nod toward tradition and heritage.
In the 1600s, literacy increased and it became common for weddings to be announced in the newspaper. At the same time, the technology of engraving emerged as a new way to print announcements. Soon, middle class citizens began to send customized, engraved wedding invitations. To create an engraving, a metal plate was engraved in reverse with the desired text. Then the plate was inked and stamped onto paper to create the finished product. Engravings were often covered with tissue paper to prevent the ink from smearing. Many modern invitations still include tissue paper, though it is largely a decorative element now.
In the late 18th century, the art of lithography was developed, making it possible to create beautifully printed invitations without engraving. Invitations at this time were generally still delivered by hand, so they were often sealed within a second envelope for protection. This is another tradition that modern society still observes.
Modern wedding invitations became more widely-used after World War II. The development of thermographic printing allowed more sophisticated designs to be stamped on invitations at less cost than tradition engraving. Thermographic printing creates a raised effect that is often used for letterheads, business cards, and even Braille. Its versatility lends itself perfectly to the artistic nature of modern wedding invitations.
Today, invitations are often creative and individual expressions of the couple's personality. Some couples might send a small gift as an invitation, such as a box of chocolates. Other couples may send an invitation with a framed photograph and a personalized letter. Some people choose nontraditional papers, such as handmade stock with flower petals pressed into it. Invitations may even include favorite cartoon characters, symbols such as an Irish claddagh, ribbons, bows . . . the list is endless!
So next time you open your mail and find that distinctive envelope amongst your letters, take a moment to ponder the history of how that invitation came to be. Just think, it all started with the lowly town crier!
For more information on weddings and wedding invitations go to http://www.kardella.com .
When did wedding invitations first come into use? Most people agree that the tradition began in the 12th Century with the town crier, who would walk through the town and announce important events to the public. Word of mouth was an important means of spreading news, and anyone within hearing of the town crier was, by default, invited to the wedding!
During the Middle Ages, when great numbers of people were illiterate, noble families would commission monks to hand-letter and illuminate wedding announcements in calligraphy. These invitations often included a family crest or coat of arms, an important symbol that helped identify the family of the engaged couple. Many people today include such a family crest or coat of arms on their wedding invitations as a nod toward tradition and heritage.
In the 1600s, literacy increased and it became common for weddings to be announced in the newspaper. At the same time, the technology of engraving emerged as a new way to print announcements. Soon, middle class citizens began to send customized, engraved wedding invitations. To create an engraving, a metal plate was engraved in reverse with the desired text. Then the plate was inked and stamped onto paper to create the finished product. Engravings were often covered with tissue paper to prevent the ink from smearing. Many modern invitations still include tissue paper, though it is largely a decorative element now.
In the late 18th century, the art of lithography was developed, making it possible to create beautifully printed invitations without engraving. Invitations at this time were generally still delivered by hand, so they were often sealed within a second envelope for protection. This is another tradition that modern society still observes.
Modern wedding invitations became more widely-used after World War II. The development of thermographic printing allowed more sophisticated designs to be stamped on invitations at less cost than tradition engraving. Thermographic printing creates a raised effect that is often used for letterheads, business cards, and even Braille. Its versatility lends itself perfectly to the artistic nature of modern wedding invitations.
Today, invitations are often creative and individual expressions of the couple's personality. Some couples might send a small gift as an invitation, such as a box of chocolates. Other couples may send an invitation with a framed photograph and a personalized letter. Some people choose nontraditional papers, such as handmade stock with flower petals pressed into it. Invitations may even include favorite cartoon characters, symbols such as an Irish claddagh, ribbons, bows . . . the list is endless!
So next time you open your mail and find that distinctive envelope amongst your letters, take a moment to ponder the history of how that invitation came to be. Just think, it all started with the lowly town crier!
For more information on weddings and wedding invitations go to http://www.kardella.com .
Related Tags: wedding invitation, wedding invitations, unique wedding invitations, wedding invitation wording, free wedding invitation, wedding invitation card, wedding invitation sample
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Wedding Photographer Outlay
Weddings are special moments that ought to be shared with other people, especially with the future c - Wedding Song: Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wedding Song
A wedding song is a very important part of the wedding ceremony. For instance, songs are usually pla - Wedding Song: How To Choose A Wedding Song
A wedding song is an integral part of the wedding ceremony. The wedding will not be as meaningful or - Why Handkerchiefs Make Great Wedding Accessories
Handkerchiefs are an ideal accessory to add to any wedding because they carry significance and meani - Top 7 Money Saving Tips On Wedding Dresses Ideas
When preparing wedding for the big day, I am convinced that you will come upon wedding dresses choos - Wedding Reception Venues On Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has one of the most striking and memorable beaches on the Florida coast. On the is - Anna Maria Island Wedding Planner
If you are looking for one of the most scenic and romantic spots on the coast line of America to get - Wedding Checklist - How To Get Started
Your wedding checklist will quickly become your bible as your plan everything for your big day from - Ideas To Find The Best Nashville Wedding Venue
Searching for the best place to get married in Nashville? Here are some ideas that you may find help - Colorado Springs Florists
This coming Celebration Season, florists in Colorado Springs will be happy to adorn all your parties
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Getting Married? Don't Feed The Band
So, you've picked out your reception hall and you've signed the best wedding band you've ever heard - Differences in Wedding Customs
There are other differences in wedding customs. In Russia, the bride and groom stay attached to each - When Things Go Wrong at Weddings
Usually at most weddings, something in the plans goes wrong. At our wedding, the limousine didn't sh - Tips on Garden Weddings
The 21st century has brought much change in the world of tradition. Once time honored traditions ha - Pharmacies offer deep discounts for buying Viagra online
The benefits of buying Viagra online (sildenafil citrate) are vast. First, it's confidential. - How to throw a French Themed Bridal Shower
Although the French themselves do not have the tradition of holding bridal showers, there is no rea - How to Dress All Your Bridesmaids to Look Their Best
You want your wedding to be fabulous. Fantastic, even! But there are so many headaches to deal wit - Weddings - A Matter of Perspective
When you decide to commit to someone for the rest of your life, you should start out on a high note - Ring in the New Year With Beautiful Bridal Jewelry for you and your Maids
This coming up year, brides are looking for unique and beautiful bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Mor - and Don'ts for the Bride-to-be
Ladies, when it comes time to plan for your big day, do a little research on wedding traditions, bud