Wedding invitations are a time-honoured tradition, and tissue paper has long been a part of this ritual. Tissue paper, or vellum, is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over or between the cards in a wedding invitation. Its use dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and it served the practical purpose of preventing smudging and protecting the invitation from damage during transport. Today, it continues to be used for both practical and aesthetic reasons, adding a formal and elegant touch to wedding invitations.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
History | Wedding invitations were historically handwritten with quill pen and ink, which tended to smudge. |
Purpose | To prevent ink from smudging, to add a layer of protection, and for aesthetic reasons. |
Texture | Thin, delicate, slightly translucent. |
Colour | Usually white or cream. |
Size | Cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on an invite. |
What You'll Learn
To prevent ink from smudging
Wedding invitations often include a layer of tissue paper or vellum, placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. This tradition dates back to when invitations were handwritten, and tissue was used to prevent smudging.
Today, most inks are smudge-proof, but the tradition of including tissue paper has endured for several reasons. Firstly, it serves an aesthetic purpose, adding a formal and elegant touch to the invitation. Secondly, it can still be practical, as some printing methods and designs are prone to smudging, scratching, or damage during mailing. In these cases, tissue paper provides an extra layer of protection.
Tissue paper is typically thin, delicate, slightly translucent, and cut to just the right size to cover the wording on the invite. It usually comes in white or cream, although vellum—a more contemporary alternative—is available in various colours and sizes and can be printed with custom text and designs.
If you're concerned about ink smudging, tissue paper is the better option, as vellum may not be as effective in absorbing ink and preventing smudges. Vellum, however, is excellent for protecting embellishments like crystals, ribbons, or rhinestones.
When assembling your wedding invitations, you can choose whether to include tissue paper or vellum. If you opt for tissue paper, place it over the invitation card, followed by the reception card and any other enclosure cards. Finally, add the reply envelope with the reply card tucked under its flap, ensuring the printed side is visible.
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To blot excess ink
Wedding invitations traditionally include a thin, delicate, slightly translucent piece of tissue paper. This is placed over the invitation card to prevent ink from smudging during the mailing process.
Historically, invitations were handwritten with quill pens and ink pots, or printed with slow-drying ink. The tissue paper was used to cover the print and prevent smudging if the ink was not completely dry, or if it got damp during transport. Today, most wedding invitations are printed with quick-drying ink, or with a process called thermography, which uses heat to dry the ink faster. As a result, tissue paper is no longer necessary to prevent smudging. However, the tradition of including tissue paper in wedding invitations has persisted.
Some couples choose to include tissue paper in their wedding invitations for aesthetic reasons, as it adds a formal and elegant touch. It can also serve a practical purpose, protecting the invitation from scratches or damage during mailing, especially if the invitation has raised print or embellishments.
When assembling a wedding invitation suite, the tissue paper is typically placed on top of the invitation card, followed by any other enclosure cards such as the reception card, map, and hotel accommodations. The tissue paper adds a delicate and elegant layer to the invitation, enhancing its overall presentation.
While some may consider tissue paper to be a fancy and unnecessary addition, it is still considered standard in formal wedding invitations. Ultimately, the decision to include tissue paper comes down to personal preference and the desired "look" of the invitation suite.
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For aesthetic reasons
Wedding invitation tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually white or cream, and placed over an invitation card. It is used for aesthetic reasons, adding a formal and elegant touch to the invitations.
The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten and the ink would smudge. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging and protect the invitation during transport. While modern printing methods have made this use of tissue paper unnecessary, the tradition has persisted, and tissue paper is now used primarily for aesthetic reasons.
Tissue paper adds a formal and elegant touch to wedding invitations. It provides a nice, organised presentation, separating layers and cards, and keeping the invitation suite neat and tidy. The soft, cloudy appearance of the tissue paper, usually in neutral colours like white or cream, complements the invitation card and enhances its overall appearance.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, tissue paper can also serve a protective function. In some cases, wedding invitations may still be prone to smudging or damage during transport. Tissue paper can act as a protective layer, safeguarding the invitation and ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations is a long-standing tradition that combines functionality with aesthetics. It adds a touch of elegance and formality to the invitation suite, making it a popular choice for couples who want to create a sophisticated impression for their wedding guests.
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To protect embellishments
Wedding invitations often include tissue paper or vellum to protect embellishments. Crystals, string, ribbon, and other decorative elements can damage neighbouring cards or the invitation envelope if they are not protected. Tissue paper or vellum act as a barrier, preventing scratches and other damage.
Tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually cut to a standard size that covers the wording on an invitation card. Vellum, on the other hand, is a more contemporary alternative, offering more translucency and a more modern look. It also comes in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs, making it a popular choice for DIY invitations.
In addition to protecting embellishments, tissue paper and vellum can also serve aesthetic and practical purposes. They add a formal presentation to the invitation suite and can help prevent ink smudging, especially for invitations printed with ink jet printers.
When assembling a wedding invitation with embellishments, it is recommended to place the tissue paper or vellum between each layer of the invitation. This will ensure that the embellishments remain intact and in their original positions when the recipient opens the invitation.
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To follow tradition
Wedding invitations have long included a layer of tissue paper, and this tradition persists today. The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. As ink had a tendency to smudge, tissue was placed over the invitation wording to prevent smudging and protect the invitation during transport.
Today, modern inks are smear-free, and the use of tissue paper is more of a preference than a requirement. However, the tradition has continued, and tissue paper is still considered a standard in formal wedding invitations. It adds a soft, cloudy appearance to the invitation and is usually white or cream, cut to just cover the wording.
In addition to tradition, there are also aesthetic reasons for including tissue paper in wedding invitations. Tissue paper provides a nice, organized, and formal presentation. It separates layers and cards, keeping the invitation neat and elegant.
If you are creating a formal wedding invitation, including tissue paper is a way to follow tradition and add a touch of elegance.
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Frequently asked questions
Tissue paper is traditionally used to prevent ink from smudging or smearing. It also adds a layer of protection and can be used for aesthetic purposes, giving invitations a neat and formal presentation.
The use of tissue paper dates back to when invitations were handwritten with quill pens and ink. Tissue paper was placed over the invitation to prevent smudging during transport.
The use of tissue paper is no longer necessary due to modern printing methods, but it is still considered a standard for formal weddings. It is a matter of personal preference and the style of your wedding.
Traditional wedding tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually in white or cream colours. It is cut to standard sizes to cover the wording on the invitation.
Place the tissue paper over the invitation card, followed by any additional cards such as reception and enclosure cards. Finally, add the reply envelope and card before inserting everything into the inner and outer envelopes.