In old England, wedding invitations were usually announced to the public by bidders, and anyone within earshot became part of the celebration. In the 18th century, people began publishing wedding invitations in the newspaper, and in Wales, bidding letters were sent to announce upcoming nuptials. Native Indians summoned guests via smoke signals, sometimes accompanied by a birch bark inscription. 

In the Middle Ages, nearly everyone was illiterate; therefore writing anything was considered laborious. The cote d'armes (coat of arms), or personal crest, was born out of the need to identify a person, as one's signature does today, and it was affixed to all objects and papers of import. Today, the family crest is still the hallmark of class and individuality, and often appears at the top of a formal wedding invitation. 

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It is said that the first written wedding invitations were crafted by European monks in the Middle Ages, experts in the art of calligraphy. Those who could afford it -- usually royalty or high society persons -- hired monks to hand write their wedding invitations. By the 1600s, metal plate engraving -- the same process used today -- had been invented, and fancy engraved invitations became popular. A sheet of tissue paper was placed on top of the engraving to keep it from smudging; the same tissue left inside invitations today. 

Fine stationery was unknown until the mid-19th century when the ascendancy of the machine made it possible. Victorians sent engraved wedding invitations or simple handwritten notes to friends and family, and if mailed, they were sent just two weeks in advance. However, because of the dubious mail system, almost all wedding invitations were hand delivered until the 20th century. Thus the origin of the double envelope, which protected the invitation from being soiled en route to its destination. The courier rode up on horseback and handed it to the butler, who discarded the outer envelope, placing the inner envelope onto a silver tray. This ensured that Madame's hands would never come into contact with the filth of the mail. The postal system has since improved, and most invitations are mailed today, but the double envelope remains a traditional choice for many. 

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Since the written invitation emerged in society, proper wording has been key in signifying the degree of a wedding's formality. The earliest edition of Emily Post dictates "… the invitation to the ceremony should always request 'the honour' of your 'presence,' and never the 'pleasure' of your 'company.'" ("Honour" is spelled the old English way, not "honor.") Names are always written in full, family order written out, i.e., "Junior," and only "Mr., Mrs. and Dr." may be abbreviated. According to Ms. Post, the proper wedding invitation form includes the names of the bride's parents, and sometimes the name of the guest. Other than that, nothing -- the wording, engraving, paper or double envelope -- should ever be varied. 

Today, etiquette rules have relaxed, and the wording of a wedding invitation may vary, depending on how formal the event. The groom's parents are often included, and if the parents are divorced and remarried, all of their names (if hosting) are included. In the event that the bride and groom are hosting the wedding themselves, the parents' names might not be included at all.

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In the Victorian age, separate reception cards became popular, considering that not all guests invited to the church were invited to the reception. Today, these additional cards are sometimes used if the ceremony and reception are at different locations. If you choose to send them, they should include the address of the reception as well as a request for an R.S.V.P.

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