The story behind wedding announcements: History, etiquette, and modern trends

Wedding announcements are more than a note to friends and family. They provide a lens that focuses on social history, etiquette, and evolving traditions. From medieval church banns to Instagram posts today, these declarations tell a story about how society has marked one of life’s most celebrated moments. Today's post delves into the fascinating journey of wedding announcements, their etiquette rules, and how they’ve adapted to the modern age.

 

History of Wedding Announcements

The tradition of announcing marriages dates back centuries, long before save-the-date cards, printed invitations, or social media existed.

• Medieval Europe: In many communities, couples’ intentions to marry were publicly declared in churches on three consecutive Sundays. These “banns of marriage” provided an opportunity for anyone with legal or religious objections to speak up. Back then, society was largely illiterate, and this practice provided an essential public form of communication.
• Heralds and Nobility: Among aristocratic families, marriage announcements were often delivered by heralds, high-ranking officers of a monarch or nobleman. These formal proclamations weren't just about love. In fact, love might not be a factor at all. They signaled information about social alliances, inheritance, and status.
• The Printing Press Era: The advent of the printing press offered a new way to publicly record matrimonial unions. Because of newspapers, printed marriage announcements came about in the 17th and 18th centuries. These announcements were initially a privilege of the wealthy, who could afford the cost of printing their names and lineages in local papers.

By the 19th century, etiquette guides formalized the style and wording of announcements, often detailing the family lineage of both the bride and groom. Newspapers became the standard medium for the broader public, while handwritten and engraved announcements remained a mark of prestige.

 

Etiquette of Wedding Announcements

The shift from pre-wedding notices to post-wedding announcements happened gradually over several centuries:

17th–18th Century Newspapers

• As printing became common, newspapers began publishing wedding notices.
• By the late 18th century, most announcements were post-wedding rather than pre-wedding.
• The focus shifted from legal or community obligations to social recognition and prestige.

Victorian Era (19th Century)

• Engraved announcements mailed after the wedding became fashionable among middle- and upper-class families.
• Including the date and venue after the ceremony allowed families to celebrate the union and broadcast their social status. 

  

Modern Trends in Wedding Announcements

Today, the way couples announce their marriages reflects changes in society, technology, and personal style:

• Digital announcements: Social media, email, and wedding websites allow couples to share news instantly with friends and family worldwide. Some even combine photos, videos, and interactive elements.
• Design and personalization: Many couples now choose custom designs, illustrations, monograms, or keepsake-quality stationery to reflect their personalities. Minimalist and eco-friendly designs are increasingly popular, and sites such as Canva provides a wide range of customizable templates with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
• Blending tradition and modernity: Some couples honor tradition by sending printed announcements while also posting online, merging historical etiquette with contemporary convenience.

 

Why Wedding Announcements Matter

Wedding announcements are more than a formality. They:

• Connect communities: Historically, they informed communities of a major life event.
• Reflect social customs: The format, wording, and medium show societal values across centuries.
• Preserve memories: Whether printed or digital, they serve as keepsakes of a milestone moment.

Even in the digital age, announcements continue to honor the balance between sharing news and celebrating personal milestones with style and intention. 

From church doors and town criers to newspapers, engraved cards, and Instagram posts, wedding announcements have evolved alongside society itself. They combine history, etiquette, and creativity, offering couples a meaningful way to celebrate and share their marriage. Understanding their origins enriches the modern tradition, reminding us that even a simple announcement carries centuries of social and cultural significance.

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Why Do Newlyweds Tie Tin Cans to a Just Married Car?

Have you ever seen a “Just Married” car clattering away with tin cans bouncing behind it? I used to think this tradition started as a prank so the bride and groom couldn't make a quiet getaway, but that is not the case. It wasn't just for laughs. Turns out that, like most traditions, this quirky wedding tradition has a long and fascinating history.

 

A Noisy Beginning: Charivari and Old-World Customs

The roots of this tradition go way back to Europe. In France, they had a custom called charivari (also known as “shivaree”). After a wedding, neighbors would gather outside the newlyweds’ home, banging pots and pans late into the night. It was loud, chaotic, and meant to celebrate the couple, but also to scare away evil spirits that might bring bad luck to the marriage.

Over in Tudor England, there was another unusual custom: throwing shoes at the couple’s carriage. Believe it or not, it was a playful, slightly chaotic gesture meant to usher in luck if the shoe hit! Thankfully, that one faded out, but the idea of sending the couple off with a noisy, symbolic farewell stuck around.

 

Why All the Noise?

In many cultures, noise has long been seen as a way to ward off evil spirits. Weddings were seen as vulnerable moments where bad luck might try to sneak in, so communities did their part to keep the couple safe—with a whole lot of racket.

But noise wasn’t just about superstition. It was also about joy, fertility, and letting the world know that something worth celebrating had just happened.

 

From Carriages to Cars

As transportation changed, so did the tradition. Horse-drawn carriages gave way to automobiles, and instead of banging pots and pans outside a house, people started attaching objects that would clatter as the couple drove away. Tin cans were cheap, easy to find, and perfectly noisy—the ideal solution. And sometimes a shoe or two is still added to the mix.

And just like that, the “Just Married” car we know today was born.

 

What It Means Today

These days, tying tin cans to the back of a wedding car is less about superstition and more about fun. It’s a playful way to say, Hey world, we’re married!

Some couples stick to the classic cans, while others swap them out for ribbons, bells, or eco-friendly alternatives. No matter the variation, the tradition carries the same spirit: sending the couple off into married life with joy, laughter, and maybe a little extra good luck.

 

A Tradition Worth Keeping?

Whether you love the nostalgia of rattling tin cans or prefer a modern twist, the meaning behind the tradition is the same. It’s about celebrating loudly, boldly, and together.

So the next time you see a car clattering down the road with a “Just Married” sign and a string of cans, you’ll know it’s more than just noise—it’s history, love, and joy on wheels.

 

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