http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/society/marriage/wedding-invitations-history.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/marriage/wedding-invitations-history.html Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600
The first type of wedding invitation was actually announced by word of mouth, before the days of printing and the Internet. During the 12 century, town criers would stand in the village square and announce weddings to everyone within earshot. A town crier got paid to stand on the corner and announce the daily news, much like news reporters on television today. As a result of the town crier's efforts, everyone within earshot was invited to share the wedding with the bride and groom – imagine trying to get a head count for that event?

The first written invitations were made during the Middle Ages of Europe, by religious monks. Because of the Plague, literacy rates were very low and only nobility and religious figures had the opportunity to learn to read and write. Wealthy nobility seeking to marry off their sons and daughters would pay incredible sums of money to monks to hand-craft wedding invitations to announce the special day. Monks were learned in the art of calligraphy and royalty appreciated this decorative skill. When the invitations were complete, they were delivered to the potential guests by a courier on horseback. During the Middle Ages, the coat of arms was also developed in response to the need to identify a person and this personal crest was often affixed to important papers, such as wedding invitations created by monks.

By the 1600's, metal plate engraving was invented, which is the same process used today. As a result of metal plate engraving, fancy engraved invitations on paper became popular. After the process was completed, a sheet of paper would be placed on top of the engraving so that it would not smudge – this is the same tissue you see left inside invitations today.

During the 18th century, wedding invitations were also published in newspapers. In Wales, bidding letters were dispatched to let people know about upcoming weddings. Furthermore, the Indians actually used smoke signals coupled with a birch bark inscription to announce future nuptials.

As literacy rates grew through during the Age of Enlightenment, more people were able to read and write. As a result, an increasing number of “regular” people began to send paper invitations to invite people to their wedding celebrations. Fine stationery was created in the 19th century because of the development of machines, which made sending paper wedding invitations even more popular. The postal system was also created and used for the delivery such invitations, along with personal couriers for those folks that felt the new mail system was unreliable. These methods of delivery encouraged the use of the double envelope to protect the invitation from being soiled or damaged en route. Although delivery methods today are cleaner and more reliable, the use of a double envelope has remained a tradition for formal wedding invitations.

Today there are numerous ways to invite people to a wedding. Invitations can be engraved or use imitation engraving known as thermography, which is less expensive. Informal invitations can be done with offset printing, home computer printing or handwritten in calligraphy and beautiful penmanship. Personalized invitations are even created on blocks of chocolate, thick paper stock or other wedding-friendly media. Some people even send their wedding invitations over the Internet!

Despite the many developments to wedding invitations over the centuries, the most popular and socially acceptable manner to invite guests is by using classic paper invitations that are carefully chosen the reflect the spirit of the event. The beauty of a traditional wedding invitation remains unsurpassed.

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For more information on weddings, go to the wedding blog.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-ultimate-bridal-challenge--making-your-wedding-invitations-unique.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-ultimate-bridal-challenge--making-your-wedding-invitations-unique.html Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
No matter what makes you refreshingly different as a bride, you should be aware of the fact that it is entirely possible to plan a wedding that follows all major etiquette rules—and still has your own special stamp. This is true for every detail of the event—from the locale to your attire on your wedding day. Of course, one of the challenges you’ll face as a non-traditional bride is sending out invitations that are special—yet won’t be dismissed as odd by your future mother-in-law. You’ll want invitations that are eye-catching—but that will not offend any of your wedding guests. Keep in mind that your invitations will set the tone for your wedding. In other words, if you get the invitations right, much of the rest of the affair may fall into place.

Be aware of the fact that, in 2007, there are plenty of varieties of invitations from which to choose. For instance, you can experiment with shape, size, and paper stock. You can use earth shades, pastels, or bolder colors. In addition, you can experiment with a wide range of fonts. Believe it or not, a particular font can make a bold statement, catching the interest of the invitee and making him or her eager to attend your blessed event. One effective way to make your invitations unique is to include a photograph. A picture—particularly of you and your intended—can turn a ho-hum wedding invitation into a sensational one. With a memorable picture to highlight your invitation, you make an instant emotional connection with those who are fortunate enough to receive your invitation. In fact, some of your guests may actually keep your invitation as a treasured keepsake.

Of course, you can, too! Many brides choose to frame their wedding invitations for posterity. As a result, it’s important for you to work carefully with your wedding invitation supplier to ensure that your invitation is everything you dreamed it would be. While you can use many different formats to craft wedding invitations, don’t forget to include all the essential information: the names of the bride and groom, the date and time of the event, the address of the wedding location, and information for submitting an RSVP. Even if the look of your invitation is quite unusual, try to make any important wording as clear as possible in order to make life easier for your guests.
Since each bride’s wedding is a one-of-a-kind event, it’s important that your invitations reflect that fact. By paying careful attention to all invitation design details, you can fashion an invitation that is not only polite, but powerful as well.

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For more information on weddings and wedding invitations go to http://www.kardella.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-history-of-wedding-invitations.html http://www.articletrader.com/society/weddings/the-history-of-wedding-invitations.html Wed, 10 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
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!


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For more information on weddings and wedding invitations go to http://www.kardella.com .


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