Cheap Wedding Invitations – Learn From History
The 1400’s
Before the printing press was invented in 1447, weddings were frequently announced by a town crier, someone that would walk through the center of town announcing the upcoming nuptials in a loud voice. The town crier would usually be paid for by the family of the bride. Even today, there are approximately 400 professional town criers throughout the world, about 30 of which reside in the United States. Town criers then, as now, announce the upcoming wedding date, time, and location. They would also lead the wedding procession through town, open the wedding ceremony, and introduce the new married couple to wedding reception attendees. Imagine someone dressed in brightly colored clothing boldly striding through a small town (sometimes with a small bell) announcing your wedding event! However, in the 1400’s anyone that heard the town crier’s announcement was invited!
The 1500’s
Because so many people couldn’t read, printed or written wedding invitations were primarily limited to the wealthy and powerful families. These families would usually pay monks to hand write the wedding invitations using beautiful calligraphy. The invitations would contain the family’s coat of arms or a personal crest. These designs were then sealed in wax. This is another wedding practice that continues today. Many wealthy people hire professional calligraphers and design a family crest and have the invitations sealed in wax.
Cheap wedding invitation alternative #1: Using Calligraphy
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Purchase calligraphy kits and blank wedding invitations from bookstores, craft stores, or online.
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Decide on the text to include in the invitation. Use scrap paper to practice writing the invitation. When you’re ready, begin writing the announcement on the blank wedding invitations.
Cheap wedding invitation alternative #2: Making a “Coat of Arms”
To imitate a coat of arms or a crest simply use colored ink (a deep red looks very classy) and a beautiful rubber stamp design! Seal the wedding invitation in the envelope and then stamp the center-back of the envelope.
The 1600’s
Although the printing press was over 100 years old at the time, the quality of the print (created by stamping the letters onto the paper using lead type) left a lot to be desired. However, with the printing press came newspapers, and it became stylish to announce weddings using that medium.
By 1642 the art of metal plate engraving was invented. To engrave a wedding invitation the engraver would carve the text of the invitation in reverse onto a metal plate. The plate was then inked and stamped onto the paper for the invitation. The paper was protected from smudging by placing a thin sheet of tissue paper on top of it, another practice that continues today. However, in the 1600’s wealthy families would have the name of each invitee engraved onto the invitation, a time consuming practice.
The 1700’s
Print improvements continued and by the end of the 1700’s the quality of printed invitations was greatly improved. The text was clearer and easier to read. Hand engraving was not longer required. This opened the door for mass-producing wedding invitations.
The 1800’s
Although wedding invitations were now being produced in large quantities and in less time they were still hand-delivered either on foot or horseback. Although a postal system had been created in 1639 in the U.S., it was still fairly unreliable and not widely used. Because those delivering wedding invitations would have to walk and ride through inclement weather conditions most invitations were double-sealed by first placing them into the envelope that matched the paper of the invitation and then placing them into a sturdier, less penetrable envelope. If the exterior envelope got dirty or wet the interior envelope was protected.
Today’s Invitations
Fine stationary shops began appearing after World War II. Stationary shops usually have samples of different types and qualities of paper to choose from as well as sample invitation formats and designs. They also have printing companies that they work with on a regular basis, sometimes exclusively. This is the traditional method (since the 1950’s) of selecting wedding invitations. It’s also one of the more expensive methods to use although it can still be affordable if you choose moderately priced paper and forgo features like raised lettering.
The advent of personal printers (either laser or inkjet) puts the ability to produce cheap, affordable, but quality wedding invitations into the hands of the average computer user. In general, technology has greatly increased the options available to brides-to-be. They can comparison shop, conduct research on inexpensive wedding planning tips, and locate bridal services in their local areas, all without leaving home.
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