Formal wedding invitations have changed in many ways since the beginning of time, but one thing has remained the same. Whether you’re marrying your high school sweetheart or your long-term partner, an invite to your formal wedding will be one of the most treasured keepsakes in your future bride or groom’s memory book.
This article takes a look at the various types of formal wedding invitations that are out there and how they’ve changed over time. Your formal wedding invitation should reflect who you are as a couple, and this article can help you choose the right one to match your style.
The evolution of wedding invitations
Once upon a time, wedding invites were very formal, including printed addresses and sometimes even an engraved illustration of a building or something similar. These days, wedding invitations tend to be more casual and personal. However, there is still something nice about seeing how formality has changed over time with different eras and different cultures.
Historical forms of invitation have ranged from calling cards to notes hidden in flowers. In more recent times, especially with modern technology making communication easier, formal wedding invitations aren’t as standard as they once were.
Today’s invites may not even be printed on paper. They might instead be sent by email or text message or announced on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. But there’s still a general structure to follow if you want your invitations to reach their recipients’ mailboxes rather than trash cans. Here’s a look at how formal wedding invitations have evolved through history
In 1920s Germany, rich people invited their guests via custom-made metal plates that were delivered via messenger; these were often embossed with intricate designs. They also sent out silk ribbons so that guests could easily tie them to a door handle in order to indicate whether they would attend or not.
In France during World War II, it was customary for people to send out handwritten letters instead of using expensive materials like paper and ink. This letter was written on a piece of brown paper bag because it was all that one family had at hand at the time. For French weddings in the 1930s, it was common for families to send saving stamps along with their invitation cards.
These stamps represented money that guests could later use to purchase items for couples as gifts. These days, most couples email their closest friends and family members- no need for stamps or envelopes.
The history if wedding invitions
In ancient times, marriage was a property transaction between two families. The property was all about land and money in those days, and weddings were no different. Today, most of us don’t think of getting married as a business deal, but we’d be lying if we said that legal formalities like prenuptial agreements aren’t a consideration for many couples.
A wedding is a joyous occasion full of celebration, friends, and family. But planning it can be stressful. On top of selecting a date, choosing an appropriate venue, and finalizing guest lists, one has to worry about making sure all guests receive their invitations in time (and letting them know how they can RSVP).
For many couples, designing their own formal elegant wedding invitations is both fun and personal—it’s also nice to get creative when it comes to deciding what message you want your wedding invitation to deliver.
But while there are no rules as far as what goes on an invitation or how it looks, there are some common design styles that have been used for years. Here’s a look at how formal wedding invitations have changed through history.
This is why it’s not at all shocking that wedding invitation wording has changed over time—and it continues to change today. Here’s a look at how wedding invitations have evolved over time. How old-fashioned.
If you’re planning an informal, backyard bash or want to put a more personal spin on your big day, skip our etiquette tips on traditional ways to ask friends and family members for their presence. You’ll also want to steer clear of outdated phrases that make it seem like you’re inviting people out of obligation rather than because you genuinely want them there.
Digital & RSVP Trends
While it may be too late to say something like we’re having a text-free wedding, it might not be too late to start trying a more modern approach to your invites. If you do want an invitation with a digital option, there are now many beautiful ways to include RSVP information and further details in digital format.
Or, if your guests don’t have digital invitations sent directly to them, you can print them out for their convenience at home. Another idea is creating something that gives guests multiple options of how they can respond: text or email, for example. This way, everyone has a choice and those who aren’t comfortable texting will still feel included.
But don’t be afraid to use modern technology to make your day truly one-of-a-kind. Modern brides and grooms are increasingly personalizing their invites, putting their personal stamp on them so each guest feels as if it was meant for them alone.
Sending invites digitally through an online invitation service like Vistaprint or Minted is a great way to get started—but these sites have some pretty rigid design templates that might not reflect your own unique style. This can be solved by combining digital with physical invitations, so those who choose physical will feel special too.
If you want something more customized, you could always hire a graphic designer to create something just for you. Or look into DIY wedding invitation kits which offer all of the supplies needed to create your very own wedding invitations from scratch.
It may seem daunting at first but once you start creating something yourself, you’ll see how easy it really is! Whatever option works best for you and your budget, there are plenty of ways to give guests a taste of what they can expect from your big day without being too formal about it.
Customization for every bride
As wedding trends have changed and grown over time, so too has wedding invitation etiquette. Whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a grand gala celebration, there are elements of etiquette to follow when creating your custom wedding invitations.
Modern-day brides have it easy with all the digital tools available to create their own wedding invitations— but whether you plan on doing this yourself or use a professional instead, keep up-to-date with what’s trending and in fashion.
Customization is all about finding the perfect balance between your desires and your budget. If a fully customized wedding is not in your future, look into ways to customize portions of it. Choose specific elements to customize, such as napkins or frames for photos, or have a friend design a piece of stationery.
Whatever you choose to do, don’t shy away from customizing to save money. Your guests are fully aware of the fact that you’re footing the bill- so don’t hold back when they ask about every single detail of your wedding. After all, memories last much longer than any little details.
Here’s a look at how formal wedding invitations have evolved through history: From handwritten calligraphy to computer-generated designs, modern invites can feature anything from unique typography to pop-up card boxes.
And while some couples may still prefer traditional paper cards, couples who choose more contemporary designs often include details like color themes, flower types, and menu options in order to reflect their personalities.
The Evolution of Traditional Wedding Invitation Etiquette: In days gone by, written correspondence was reserved for important events such as weddings. Handwritten notes were sent out weeks before the big day in order to give guests ample time to prepare for travel arrangements and RSVPs—so including all necessary information was paramount.