Besides the social visit, calling cards should also be presented or sent for various occasions and also created for special circumstances.

 

Mourning Cards

To signify that a bearer is in mourning, a black border is included on the normally plain card. In the first year of widowhood, a border of slightly wider than 1/3 of an inch is acceptable. During the second year the border may be a full 1/3 of an inch and every six months thereafter the border is decreased by 1/16 of an inch until the woman is no longer in mourning. If the widow chooses to remain in mourning, a permanent border of 1/8 of an inch is adopted. For a widower, the band is slightly more narrow to begin with, since the card itself is more narrow. If the bearer is mourning the death of a child, parent or sibling, the border should not diminish but remain at 1/8 of an inch for the duration of the mourning period. A border of 1/16 of an inch is sufficient for the mourning of a grandparent, aunt or uncle.

 

Birth Announcements

A joint or double card can be used in addition to a small card signifying the name of the newborn. The name of the newborn is printed on a separate card and attached at the top of the parents' card with a colored ribbon of pink or blue.

 

Special Visits

A card should always be presented or sent for the following circumstances and should be inscribed with an appropriate salutation or inquiry:

• Before and after a Funeral (Deepest Condolences and Sympathy)
• An inquiry of health (Wishing a most speedy recovery)
• Weddings or Engagement Announcements (Wishing you much Joy)
• Births (Most Sincere Congratulations)
• Change of Address
• Re-entrance into society
• Announcing a pro-longed absence