Before the printing press cam into being, weddings were announced by town criers. Wealthier families, however, still commissioned skilled calligraphers, frequently from monastic orders, to create elaborate wedding notices as keepsakes. These wedding invitations often carried the crests of the people who were getting married, and were wax sealed. To be sure, most traditional wedding invitations bear this decorative motif. After the emergence of the printing press, hand written invitations continued for a while.
The printing methods of the era failed to measure up to the steady hands of trained calligraphers. Nevertheless, it became common practice to announce weddings in the local newspaper. It wasn’t until the invention of mezzotint, or metal plate engraving, that high quality printed wedding invitations were available. This occurred in the mid 1600s, and was welcomed by the emerging middle class. Each engraving required an artisan to write the text in reverse onto the plate, using an engraving tool. The plate was then used to print the invitations. To keep the wedding invitations from smudging, a piece of thin paper was placed on top, which is why we still use tissue paper between invitations. Wording for invitations were significantly more elaborate than modern versions.
In 1798, a new process was invented by Alois Senefelder. Lithography allowed sharp, distinctive inked lines without needing to engrave metal plates. That allowed real mass market wedding invitations to be created. However, despite the relatively modern printing methods, delivery was still quite old fashioned. Wedding invitations were delivered by horseback courier and by hand, since the postal system was quite unreliable. The invitations were packaged in double envelopes to protect them from damage, a tradition that remains today, despite the fact that our postal systems are much more reliable.
It was not until well after World War II that commercial printing provided a vast selection of printed wedding stationery. Consumers were now able to send a caliber of invitations heretofore reserved for wealthier citizens. Thermography, an inexpensive method of making raised type, was also in wide use. It’s less distinct and fine than engraving, but far less costly. It makes raised, shiny lettering without making an impression in the paper’s surface. Combined with other advances, this new method of making attractive type allowed fine wedding invitations to be available to almost every couple.
It is still common practice to have wedding invitations printed on special paper and sent with double envelopes. Often they still contain a sheet of tissue to prevent the ink from smudging, though, of course, modern inks seldom smudge. RSVP cards and envelopes may also be included along with the wedding invitation. However, there are many more forms to choose from in modern times. Not all wedding invitations have to look the same, and you have the latitude to be truly creative.
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