Tech is the name of this game, the history of invitations closely parallels the inventions of all matters of the written word. The invention of the quill and of paper only slightly predates the invention of the invitation.

As soon as aristocracy invented free time they decided they needed to entertain themselves. That quickly led to the need for parties. This in turn led to the need to invite guests to them. At the time it was impossible to call or email.

Hand written was probably considered the most polite approach to the invitation through out most of time even after printing was invented and became affordable. Early writing was quickly elevated to an art form and one which was treasured then as it is now. Parchment was carefully decorated with calligraphy and folded into an envelope that was sealed with wax. This was stamped with the family crest of the sender and the intended guest's name was written on the outside.

Delivery in the earliest days of the formal occasion was performed on horse back on mud roads and the perfectly formed invitations required outer envelopes which could handle the abuse. Later the post printing press invitations needed to be protected from smudging so that tissue paper was inserted. The process has improved but the tradition of tissue inserts persists.

Much of our tradition of the invitation comes directly from the history of invitations. It is as much a keepsake in today's hectic society as it was in the day of grand balls and official court functions. Although today's invitation is probably not going to be hand lettered unless the function is a very important one. When that is the case professional artists can be found who will charge a kingly sum for the task. Today computers are often used.

Gail Leino
http://partysupplieshut.com