NOTE in letter-writing is a short communication of a transient or local interest, by which persons make known to each other their wishes, compliments or commands. Notes, except familiar notes, differ from ordinary letters in the following particulars: 1. They are more formal. 2. They are written wholly or partly in the “third person.” 3. They are

usually dated at the bottom. 4. They are without signature. They are appropriately used in all matters of ceremony, such as weddings, dinners, parties, etc.; in any brief communications between persons but slightly acquainted. They should in all instances be short, plain, and polite, and of a reserved manner of expression. In the formality of notes, great care must be taken not to change from the third person to the first or second. Such a mistake would plainly indicate inexperience or carelessness; as for example— Mr. Davis presents hits compliments to Miss Marsh, and would be pleased if you would accompany me to the opera on Thursday evening next. No 650 Euclid Ave., June 5, 1880.

Substitute for you “she,” and for me “him,” and the form will be correct.

The paper and envelopes used should be plain, and of the heaviest and finest quality. For weddings, only pure white or a delicate cream white tint is allowable. For other occasions very delicate tints may be used, but white is always in good taste. No definite size or shape can be named, as both are constantly varying. The size most in use at present is the long sheet, folding once, into a square envelope.

Both paper and envelopes may have embossed or printed on them the monogram, initial, crest, or coat of arms of the writer, except on wedding notes, which should be perfectly plain; though a few years since it was the custom to have the notes bear the monogram composed of the initial letters of the surname of both the bride and bridegroom. In addition to the fine envelope enclosing the note, upon which the name alone is written, an outside envelope of coarser or more ordinary material should be used, upon which the full address of the person for whom it is intended should be written. Answers to invitations do not require outside envelopes, nor do any private or personal notes, whether formal or informal.

The most fashionable notes are characterized by an elegant simplicity. The language is concise but courteous. The writing (or engraving) plain but beautiful. All flourishes in notes and letters, whether of tongue or pen, are out of place.

Wedding invitations are issued ten days or more before the ceremony, by the parents or nearest friends of the bride. They may be printed or written on note paper or cards, but the note form is to be preferred for all ceremonious invitations. Notes and cards may be printed from type or from engraved plates. Those printed from plates

make the most elegant finish, and are greatly superior, and are almost exclusively used by fashionable people. If an answer is expected, the words “The favor of an answer is requested,” or the French

phrase Respondez s’il vous plait, or abbreviated R. S. V. P. are written or printed at the bottom. A few forms of wedding notes are here given.

Note. This illustration is printed with script letter, in order to exhibit the style of the best engraved and most fashionable invitations. The size at the present time in use is Paper 3 ¼ by 6 ½ inches; Envelope 3 ½ by 3 ¼. The models given are a little smaller than regular size. (We are indebted to J. B. Wiggins, Card Engraver, 46 Madison St., for forms given.)

If desirous of giving information of the time of return from bridal tour, and an invitation to receptions afterward, the card like illustration given in lower left-hand corner should be sent. With invitation a reception card should be inclosed [sic].

This form, is convenient, and in fashionable use:

The following form requires no cards, and is in good taste:

The following style of invitation is frequently used, and requires no cards:

Another form is the following, with personal and reception cards enclosed:

In the following, the reception card should be enclosed:

In the eastern part of Pennsylvania the following form [much more familiar in the twentieth century than any of the above, except for the Quaker date] is often used:

Still another and more fashionable method is to have both the announcement of the marriage and the reception engraved or written on the same note sheet.

Still another method is, the announcement may be made by sending two cards, a large one containing the combined names, with the residence and time of reception, and a smaller one containing the bride’s maiden name.