Long before the existence of printing presses and computers, weddings are done without the wedding invitations. A wedding card is given high regard then as this is an indication that the family is of nobility. Only families of titles or those of good financial status are able to commission monks to do the calligraphy on their wedding stationery. Thus the evolution of wedding card in England started with those families of good stature as illiteracy is also widespread during those times.
Traditionally, weddings then were announced using a Town Crier. A gentleman not using any wedding stationery but his loud voice to announce the news of the wedding of who and who. That however would mean that everyone within earshot or those who heard the news may take part of the celebration. Can you imagine the amount you'd likely spend if you were to hold your wedding then with the entire town in the banquet versus now when you can do a wedding card with an RSVP card enclosed?
Then on the 1600s with the emergence of printing press, wedding card starts to flourish, however these were not the stylish type yet since ink would usually blot the wedding stationery and the result is of poor quality. The announcement of weddings of the majority though is usually done in newspapers since it's accessible to everyone.
In 1642, metal plate engraving came to life. This caused a revolution of wedding card. To protect the engraved wedding stationery, a sheet of tissue is placed on top. This will prevent the ink from smudging the wedding stationery creating a quality which up to this day is still being practiced. The invention of Lithography paved way for the emergence of mass-market in wedding notices.
During those times, delivery of invitations is done through horseback. Thus the need to use double envelopes to protect the invitation from any damage. The practice of using double envelopes is being used still up to this day.
It was not until after World War II that resurgence in etiquette when sending out wedding invites thrives. Go to persons or wedding planners for wedding emerged like mushrooms and they were the ones who give advice to ordinary men and women on the etiquette and art of wedding invitations.
Today, wedding invitations are pretty much accessible and affordable for everyone. The invention of thermography started this swirl and now, there are various means that couples can use to send out their invites. Invitation to let everyone knows that they are tying the knot.
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