The practice of sending announcement cards to announce the birth of a child began in Europe in the 1600s. The wealthy usually announced a birth in their family by having a servant deliver the birth announcements that were always hand written. At that time, sending anything but personable, hand written birth announcements was considered poor taste. Since proper manners required that the birth announcements be handwritten, each announcement was customized with the recipient's name and address and usually a small personal note. The envelopes were typically sealed with hot wax seals. Read More About Birth Announcements Cards

During the past decade, there is a growing trend toward custom announcements that are unique and allow for personalized messages like in the olden days. Like several centuries ago, the modern birth announcements allow the new parents to add their personal taste, personalities and individual message to the birth announcements cards. With the explosive internet growth and exploding use of computers there are many more options for announcing the birth of a new baby or any other social occasion.