Wedding Invitation Wax Seals

Who's initial is used when using a wax seal for wedding invitations?

Answer by Diane:

Hello and thanks for asking such an interesting question.

I love nostalgia and I love the classic, elegant look of calligraphy and wax seals. What better way for your guests to receive your wedding invitation.

Before I answer your question, though, I thought that you might like to know a little about the history of the wax seal.

Way back in history, it's function was to act like a "signature" or an authoritative stamp of approval.

During this time, almost everyone had their own wax seal and it was common practice to destroy the seal when the owner died.

This is the reason so few original seals are still in existence today.

Seals were, of course, also used to seal letters and envelopes and to ensure privacy as the only way to open them was to break the seal.

Wax seals were used less and less as literacy increased and the gummed envelope was introduced.

So wax seals became a more personal expression as well as a decorative embellishment, which is the way you would like to use them for your wedding invitations.

By using an initialled wax seal, you will be adding dignity, prestige, and a personal flair to your wedding invitations.

Although wax sealed invitations are extremely elegant, you do have to be careful about sending them through the Post Office as today's modern postal equipment can be hard on delicate wax seals.

It is advisable to choose a sealing wax that contains a flexible agent in it in order to avoid breakage and damage during it's voyage through the postal system.

It is also recommended to use an outer padded envelope for extra protection of your wedding invitations or you can ask your local post office to hand cancel your envelopes.

Now, the answer to your question.... As the bride is marrying into a new family name, you use the husband-to-be's last name initial, if you are using just one initial.

By the way, if you are looking for a great company to buy your wax seal supplies from, you should look at Nostalgic Impressions

Hope it helps you out and best wishes to your always,

Diane