Tissue Paper In Wedding Invites: Necessary Or Not?

Tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over a wedding invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. It is usually white or cream, with a soft, cloudy appearance, and is cut to standard sizes to cover the wording on an invite. The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and tissue was used to prevent smudging. While modern inks don't usually smudge, the tradition has continued, and tissue paper is still considered standard in formal wedding invitations. Today, tissue paper is more of a preference than a requirement, adding a touch of elegance to wedding invitations.

History of tissue paper in wedding invitations

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to a time when invitations were handwritten. Quill pens and ink pots were used for writing, and tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to prevent smudging. The tissue acted as a protective layer, ensuring that the ink didn't smudge before it was completely dry or if it got damp during transport to the recipient.

In the Middle Ages, illiteracy was common among the common people, so the practice of sending written wedding invitations emerged among the nobility. Families with the means would commission monks, skilled in calligraphy, to hand-craft their invitations. These invitations often included the family's coat of arms or personal crest and were sealed with wax.

While the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1447 revolutionized the creation of invitations, the ordinary printing techniques of the time did not produce elegant results for stylish invitations. It was the invention of metal-plate engraving, or Mezzotint, by Ludwig von Siegen in 1642 that brought higher-quality wedding invitations within reach of the emerging middle class. The engraved invitations were protected from smudging by a sheet of tissue paper, a tradition that has endured.

Today, tissue paper is still used in wedding invitations for both practical and aesthetic reasons. It prevents ink smudging, especially for invitations printed using inkjet printers, and adds a neat and elegant touch by separating the layers and cards within the invitation suite.

Practical reasons for using tissue paper

Tissue paper has been used in wedding invitations for hundreds of years, and while it may no longer be necessary, it still serves some practical purposes. Here are some practical reasons for using tissue paper in wedding invitations:

• Ink Smudging Protection: Traditionally, tissue paper was used to prevent ink smudging on handwritten invitations. While modern printing methods have reduced the likelihood of smudging, tissue paper can still offer protection for invitations printed with specific methods, such as inkjet printing, or those that feature raised prints. By placing tissue paper over the invitation wording, couples can safeguard their invitations during the mailing and handling process.
• Protection from Damage: Tissue paper can act as a protective layer for wedding invitations, especially those with intricate designs or embellishments. Crystals, string, ribbon, or other decorations may rub against each other or neighbouring cards, causing scratches or damage. Tissue paper provides a barrier that helps maintain the integrity of the invitation suite during transport.
• Separation and Organisation: Tissue paper can be used to separate and organise the various cards within a wedding invitation suite. By placing tissue paper between each card, couples can ensure that their invitations remain neat and tidy. This is especially useful for pocket invitations or invitations with multiple inserts, as it prevents smudging, scratching, or other types of damage.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: While not strictly practical, the use of tissue paper can enhance the overall aesthetic of the invitation suite. It adds a soft, cloudy appearance and a sense of formality to the presentation. Couples can choose between traditional tissue paper or its contemporary alternative, vellum, to achieve their desired look.

Aesthetics of tissue paper

Tissue paper is a delicate luxury product that has been an essential part of the wedding invitation tradition for centuries. The soft, cloudy appearance of tissue paper, usually in white or cream, adds a touch of elegance and formality to any invitation suite. Its thin, translucent nature not only protects the invitation from smudging but also enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to the time when invitations were handwritten with quill pens and ink pots. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging and protect the ink from dampness during transport. While modern printing methods have reduced the risk of smudging, the tradition of including tissue paper in wedding invitations has endured.

Today, tissue paper is chosen for its aesthetic value, providing a nice, organized, and formal presentation. It is often cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on the invitation. The translucent nature of tissue paper adds a subtle hint of mystery and elegance to the invitation suite.

In recent years, tissue paper embossing has gained popularity, transitioning from a functional aspect to an aesthetic one. Embossing enhances the visual appeal of tissue paper products by adding intricate patterns, textures, or even branded logos. It creates visually appealing products that stand out on the shelves, attracting consumers' attention.

Tissue paper is also available in a variety of colours and designs, allowing couples to personalize their invitations. From vibrant rainbow agate glitter tissue paper to elegant ornamental mandalas, there are numerous options to match any wedding theme or colour palette.

In conclusion, tissue paper plays a significant role in the aesthetics of wedding invitations. It adds a touch of elegance and formality while also providing a practical solution to protect the invitation from smudging. With its soft appearance, translucent nature, and embossing options, tissue paper enhances the overall visual appeal of the invitation suite, making it a timeless choice for couples around the world.

Vellum as an alternative

Vellum is a popular alternative to tissue paper for wedding invitations. It is a thin, delicate, and translucent paper that is placed over the invitation card. Vellum offers a more contemporary look than traditional tissue paper, with greater translucency. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes, making it a versatile option for wedding invitations.

One of the main advantages of using vellum is its customisability. It can be easily cut to custom sizes and printed with custom text and designs, making it a great choice for couples who want to add a personal touch to their invitations. Vellum is also more durable than tissue paper, which makes it ideal for protecting invitations with raised items such as ribbons, rhinestones, and multiple layers. It helps to ensure that the invitation arrives at its destination in its original state, with all the embellishments intact.

Vellum is particularly useful for DIY invitations. Its thickness and durability make it easier to work with than tissue paper, especially when cutting by hand. While vellum may be more expensive than tissue paper, it is worth considering for the protection it offers to intricate and detailed invitations.

When assembling wedding invitations with vellum, the process is similar to using tissue paper. The vellum is placed over the invitation card, followed by any additional enclosure cards such as the reception card, map, and hotel accommodations. The reply envelope and card are placed on top, with the printed side visible. For a formal look, an inner envelope can be used, followed by an outer envelope.

How to assemble wedding invitations with tissue paper

Wedding invitations are a very special gift to send to your loved ones. The process of assembling them can be made easier by following these simple steps:

Firstly, if you have chosen to include tissue paper in your invitations, it is important to note that this is a nod to the tradition of preventing ink from smudging or smearing. The tissue paper is placed on top of the invitation card, which is usually the largest card in the suite. This is then followed by the reception card, which outlines the time and location of the wedding reception.

Next, you can add any remaining enclosure cards, such as maps, hotel accommodation cards, and travel information. If there are separate directions for the ceremony and reception, place the ceremony details on top. It is important to note that if your invitation is a folded-style card, all enclosures are placed within the folds rather than on top.

After this, place the reply envelope face down on top of the enclosure cards, with the reply card tucked under the envelope flap, face up. Ensure that the printed side of the reply card is visible.

Finally, insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the inner envelope, if using a double envelope system. The left edge of the invitation should go in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. The printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope flap is opened. Then, place the inner envelope into the outer envelope, ensuring the guests' names are visible when they open it.

If you are using a single envelope system, simply insert the fully assembled invitation suite into the outer envelope, with the left edge of the invitation going in first for a single card, and the folded edge for a folded invitation. Again, the printed side of the invitation should be visible when the envelope is opened.

And there you have it! A beautifully assembled wedding invitation with tissue paper, ready to be sent to your guests.

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