Wedding invitations haven't changed drastically over the years. Invitations from the pioneer days (look on genealogy websites for some examples) were straightforward, written in elegant script on plain white or brown paper. Victorian wedding invitations often had elegant embossed borders, and were composed in the formal speech of the era.
Here are some unique ways to add a little vintage flair to wedding invitations and announcements.
Vintage Paper Dolls
For an elegant yet playful wedding invitation, consider using vintage paper dolls. Simply attach a cut out paper doll to a cardstock base and compose the wedding announcement or invitation on the back. Find envelopes that will suit the size and shape of the dolls at stationary shops or online.
Think of creative ways to send RSVP cards: they could be attached to a paper doll's hat or outfit.
Vintage Letterpress Companies
Letterpress printing evokes a bygone era of inky newspaper printing. While newspapers are no longer printed using this method, letterpress printing is still used in fine literary editions or for wedding invitations. The crisp imprinted lettering created by this printing technique is best for use on simple, text-based invitations, as graphics and designs may be less clear with letterpress printing.
Telegrams
Extend a wedding invitation through the old-fashioned communication of the telegram. While Western Union halted their telegram service in 2006, it is still possible to research and use a telegram design for a wedding announcement or invitation. Search for images online and work with a custom wedding invitation company to find the perfect paper and font for the design.
Society Columns
A unique way to announce a wedding is through the format of the old-fashioned society column. These columns, still prevalent in some form in many local newspapers, updated readers on everything from who was going on vacation to who in town was still recovering from the flu.
Visit a local library to find society columns from the early 20th century to get a sense of the wording and format of these columns. Compose a wedding announcement and print it on newspaper stationary (available at zazzle.com) to complete the look.
Researching Vintage Wedding Invitations
Starting the search for the perfect vintage wedding invitation can be overwhelming when sorting through all of the styles and historical eras. Do plenty of research ahead of time online or at the library to find the exact style that appeals most. The Smithsonian Institute's website and The American Wedding blog are both useful resources for this kind of research.
If using a wedding invitation company is the best option, talk with friends and family and read reviews at Invitesweddings.com to find the right printing company.
Here are some unique ways to add a little vintage flair to wedding invitations and announcements.
Vintage Paper Dolls
For an elegant yet playful wedding invitation, consider using vintage paper dolls. Simply attach a cut out paper doll to a cardstock base and compose the wedding announcement or invitation on the back. Find envelopes that will suit the size and shape of the dolls at stationary shops or online.
Think of creative ways to send RSVP cards: they could be attached to a paper doll's hat or outfit.
Vintage Letterpress Companies
Letterpress printing evokes a bygone era of inky newspaper printing. While newspapers are no longer printed using this method, letterpress printing is still used in fine literary editions or for wedding invitations. The crisp imprinted lettering created by this printing technique is best for use on simple, text-based invitations, as graphics and designs may be less clear with letterpress printing.
Telegrams
Extend a wedding invitation through the old-fashioned communication of the telegram. While Western Union halted their telegram service in 2006, it is still possible to research and use a telegram design for a wedding announcement or invitation. Search for images online and work with a custom wedding invitation company to find the perfect paper and font for the design.
Society Columns
A unique way to announce a wedding is through the format of the old-fashioned society column. These columns, still prevalent in some form in many local newspapers, updated readers on everything from who was going on vacation to who in town was still recovering from the flu.
Visit a local library to find society columns from the early 20th century to get a sense of the wording and format of these columns. Compose a wedding announcement and print it on newspaper stationary (available at zazzle.com) to complete the look.
Researching Vintage Wedding Invitations
Starting the search for the perfect vintage wedding invitation can be overwhelming when sorting through all of the styles and historical eras. Do plenty of research ahead of time online or at the library to find the exact style that appeals most. The Smithsonian Institute's website and The American Wedding blog are both useful resources for this kind of research.
If using a wedding invitation company is the best option, talk with friends and family and read reviews at Invitesweddings.com to find the right printing company.
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