The Journal

This is part twenty-eight of a series called One a Day in May, where we will review one wedding stationery term every day in May!

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Dating back to the middle ages, wax seals were originally used to seal important documents and letters for secure passage to their addressee. Heated wax was poured over the seam of a folded document and pressed with a carved brass (or other metal) stamp that was unique to the sender, which provided proof of authenticity as well as evidence of tampering if a document arrived with a seal that was broken. 

Modern wax seals are much less serious, since the invention of gummed envelopes which are sealed completely shut on their own. Wax seals are now available in any color under the sun and can be stamped with just about any design you can imagine now, florals and foliage, animals, monograms, you name it! They can also be used on more than just envelopes or letters. 

Many couples now choose wax seals as decorative elements to add on to their actual invitation card, or on menus, programs, place cards, just about anywhere!