Somebody told me of a colorful envelope that they had seen in my letter box. And I thought of taking a look. Hearing the description, it definitely did not sound like anything from a business house. It had to be something else. The mail box opened to a bright red envelope with some calligraphy on them. It was Fred's wedding invitation.

Wedding invitation is generally a letter sent to somebody, asking them to attend the wedding. The invitation comes with a calligraphy written on it or in many cases, the printing could also include thermography, letterpress printing, engraving and embossing sometimes. Mailing these invitations are usually done six to eight weeks before the wedding. This is done so early to avoid any kind of postal problems. In most cases, the wedding invitations are sealed in double envelops. The inner envelope comes in a matching color usually to RSVP. They are generally not sealed. This inner envelope is then fit into an outer envelope which is glued for sealing and addressing.

Fred's wedding invitation carried along yet another card. It was the response card. It is usually send to all the invitees. It could also be a folder. The guests are supposed to send back these cards or folders with the details of the number of people attending the wedding party. This is done to make things easier for the caterers. The card/folders are pre-addressed and pre-stamped. It is expected to be returned two weeks before the wedding or on the date mentioned on it. Fred's wedding is on its way and the card needs to be mailed soon.

A proper look at the wedding invitation makes you feels that, you are almost reading a book. It does not just come with the invitation card but also carries along a numerous other things. The envelope comes along with a reception card which carries a lot of information. It gives you a detailed information of all the pre-wedding events. The cocktail party, the dance, dinner...mention of all this is made. The envelope also brings along a map or a direction card. This is mainly for those who are not acquainted with the venue of the wedding. Fred chose to mention the accommodation details too in his reception card. Most people do that. They also mention the air-fair, hotels booked and the transportation arranged. This makes it easier for the guests coming from far places.

In some of the elaborate weddings, there is the inclusion of a ?save the dates?. This is very similar to an invitation and is mailed to the guests almost a year before the wedding. It portrays a humble and genuine urge that the dates of the wedding has been fixed and the recipients should be well prepared before hand to attend the same.

Fred's wedding invitation was too tempting to be overlooked. It almost told a story. An interesting one. The envelope also carried an exclusive stamp. The love stamp. The postal services in the United States issue these love stamps each year.

The concept of the wedding cards did not come until 1447. It was in this year the the printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg and things started becoming easier. Prior to this, weddings in England were announced by a Town crier. He was a gentlemen who kept shouting through the streets announcing the day of the wedding. With the printing press in, a lot of noise pollution come under control.