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I recently read an article which said that the earliest known wedding invitation had been painted onto a cave wall in Bulgaria. After translation by experts, it had been found to say, “Grog getting married. Bring meat.” The author of this article was only kidding with this story, but somewhere there probably is a cave like that. Couples have been inviting loved ones to share in their special day for centuries - long before print invitations were sent through the mail.

After reading the article with the cave painting story, I began to wonder about the actual history of wedding invitations. I was surprised to learn the origin of some of the components of traditional-style invitations still used today. In the mid-1600s invitations were made using metal plate engraving. The text could be transferred from the plate to the invitation, giving it a polished look. However, the ink tended to smudge, so a sheet of tissue paper was placed over-top of the words. Although no longer necessary, many modern invitations still include a sheet of velum.

In the 19^th century, the postal system was sometimes used, but it was unreliable and slow. Double envelopes protected these invitations on their long journey. One envelope was placed inside the other. Upon reaching its destination, the outer envelope was removed by a servant, and the pristine inner envelope was presented to the head of the household. Often, two envelopes are still used today. (Find more facts like this at: http://www.myexpression.com/ArticlesWedding/HistoryOfWeddingInvitations.cfm

Gina and Mike did not choose to include either of these two elements in their wedding invitations. Instead, they decided upon a more modern card-style design. Their invitation design is called Dramatic Roses. Magnetstreet.com has this to say about their choice:

Drama and interest best describes this wedding invitation design. The front side of the folded wedding invitation features vivid red roses surrounding your personal photo. Vibrancy in color continues to be found on the inside with your monogram on the left side, and lightly visible roses with your invitation details atop on the right side. Put additional wedding information on the backside of this stunning folded invitation design. The coordinating RSVP postcard and return address seal complete this gorgeous ensemble.

            With that type of description, who wouldn’t select those invitations? I think the excessive use of adjectives (“vivid, vibrant, stunning, and gorgeous”) really drives the point home that these are the perfect choice! In all seriousness though, the invitations are beautiful and unique, just like the bride herself. To see them, go to: http://www.magnetstreet.com/Dramatic-Roses-Half-fold-Wedding-Invitations

 There is a place on the front to upload a picture of the bride and groom, which adds a nice personal touch. Gina and Mike used this site to create save the date magnets, as well. By sticking these to refrigerator doors, guests are sure to remember the wedding date.

The invitations went out the other day, and ever since my sister has been anxiously awaiting the arrival of the RSVP cards. Gina’s been checking the mailbox as often as Charlie Brown on Valentine’s Day. It reminds me of when she was a kid and she knew that Christmas packages would soon be arriving from out-of-state relatives. Gina loved receiving things by mail and even used to refer to the UPS deliveryman as “the nice man in the brown truck” because he always brought her presents!

I spoke with her on the phone today, and she rattled off the list of people set to attend the wedding. She said that the anticipation of discovering which loved ones would be coming made “every day feel like Christmas.” For those of us who know Gina, we understand exactly how exciting this time is for her.

When we were young, my sister would get so excited waiting for Santa Claus that she would be physically incapable of eating dinner on Christmas Eve. She couldn’t sleep that night either, and would end up in my bedroom, practically bouncing up and down on my bed while asking, “What do you think Santa will bring?” That’s not to say that she was only interested in receiving gifts. Gina really looked forward to watching family members enjoy Christmas morning too.

I suppose that’s what the wedding day will be like, as well. As much as she looks forward to the ceremony itself, Gina’s most excited to share the day with friends and family. I hope that her wedding day is like Christmas morning. I hope that it is a day of celebration, of joy, and of love. If I were writing to Santa this December, I’d ask him to bring our loved ones together for a day that creates memories for years to come. It may be a tall order, but like my sister, I believe. I believe that her excitement will spill over onto those invited, and that Gina will get the gift that she wants most this year.