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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In cases where the public is not allowed in the church during a wedding, a small card has traditionally been enclosed with the invitation. The following is an example given by Emily Post: 

Please present this card
at St. John's Church
on Tuesday the first of November 

And for those who are to be seated in designated pews in the church: 
Please present this to an usher 
Pew Number ________
On Thursday the ninth of May 

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Although handwritten or engraved invitations were the only choices until this century, there are various types of invitations to choose from today.

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The most formal, this is also the most expensive process. The paper is pressed onto a metal plate, causing the letters to be raised on the paper. Once you create a die, you "own" it, and the stationer will usually keep it on file for you.

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Described by some as imitation engraving, this process infuses ink and powder together on paper to create raised lettering. The letters are not pushed from behind, and no metal plate is used, therefore, this costs about half as much as engraved invitations. 

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In this process, the ink lays flat on the paper for a less formal look. This is appropriate for an informal wedding. 

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Perfect for informal invitations, this type of printing costs the least, yet you can still use elegant fonts and create beautiful borders and frills with the right software.

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Handwritten calligraphy is still the most elegant, yet it can be extremely expensive. Many stationery stores now have calligraphy machines that can inscribe invitations without breaking the bank. If you love the look of handwritten calligraphy, but can't afford to do all of your invitations, consider hiring a calligrapher to address just the envelopes. 

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For those with beautiful penmanship, consider buying some beautiful paper and handwriting personal invitations with a pretty pen. However, for a guest list over fifty, this isn't the most practical method unless you've got time to burn.

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In days of old, most people knew where the church and your home were located, so it wasn't necessary to provide a map. Today, maps and directions are extremely practical, if not crucial in some cases. 

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Although they probably won't attend, if you send a wedding invitation to the President of the United States, you will receive an acknowledgement signed by the President and First Lady. If you are Catholic, you may send an invitation to the Pope, and a lovely papal blessing will be sent to you. Such written responses can be keepsakes to cherish. 

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Today in the Australian Outback, if you hear of a wedding, you simply show up. In many parts of Africa, a family friend makes the rounds in person, inviting guests with an oral invitation, while in Bulgaria, the bride's parents often send little cakes to guests as invitations to the wedding feast. 

Most Americans and Europeans follow the time-honored tradition of formally engraved invitations; however, there are some new trends on the rise, according to Jim Josoff, President of William Ernest Brown Stationers in Beverly Hills. "Customers are looking for something new, something that sets them apart." Quite simply put, it comes down to "the new elegance as opposed to the old elegance." 

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One of the most stunning new invitations is a singular, high quality stock card, anywhere from three- to nine-ply thick, the latter specially handmade by combining three sets of three-ply stock. These invitations may have straight or rounded corners, and gilded, hand cut, beveled edges. The look is extremely elegant, and the use of an extra high or "double bump" crest, monogram, or antique letter on top not only incorporates our heritage, it creates a look befitting the Queen herself (rumor has it that the Queen of England uses six-ply). In fact, celebrities and nobility alike are opting for this unique style. 

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The boxed invitation is an oversized invitation decorated with everything from ribbons to real garden roses, and may be delivered to your guests' doors at about $35 per invitation, including a response set.

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A high quality stock with dried flowers pressed into it makes a beautiful, unique choice for both formal and informal weddings, and handmade papers from various places such as Bohemia or Japan, are also in vogue. Note that some handmade paper cannot take the stress of engraving; therefore, flat printing is recommended for this delicate paper.

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If the bride and groom are from different countries, a folded invitation with separate wording in the two native languages, facing one another, is both special and practical. 

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