The number of colors you use may impact the final cost of your invites. Purchasing paper in multiple colors or designs or printing in colored ink vs. black can add a bit to your cost, so keep that in mind.
Think about additional information you may need to include such as a contact or RSVP phone number, instructions about attire or gifts, directions and/or a map and a web address (if you’ve created one for the occasion). [2] X Expert Source Christina MillikinFounder & CEO, Glow Events Expert Interview. 11 February 2020. Some events, such as weddings, often include multiple events–rehearsal dinner, post-wedding day brunch and the like. Be sure all the information about auxiliary events has been decided and confirmed.
Envelopes. The most common style of envelopes are A-style (also called A-line) They have side seams and square, sometimes deep flaps. They come in a range of sizes and their numeric designation corresponds to set dimensions. For example, A1 envelopes are 5. 125’ x 3. 625’ while the larger A-8 are 8. 125’ x 5. 5’. You can do some research online about envelope sizes. Be sure to make note of the size of the invite that will fit into the envelope you choose. Mailing costs. Mailing regulations vary from country to country, so you want to check with the service you’ll use about the specific regulations that govern cost. For example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) requires that letters not exceed 11 1/2" long x 6 1/8" high or be more than 1/4" thick. [3] X Research source Envelopes that are square or another unusual shapes incur an additional mailing cost because their size makes it difficult for them to be processed on mail sorting machines. Before you decide to get clever with addressing your invites, know, too, that envelopes on which the address is written parallel to the shorter edge cost more to mail. [4] X Research source
Pick a medium- to heavy-weight piece of Cardstock for the first layer of your invitation. This will give some weight and firmness to your invitation. This kind of paper is most readily available in solid colors. Chose one or more coordinating papers to glue to your first backing sheet. Pick papers in different patterns, related colors or different textures to add interest. Layered invitations are not folded before being inserted into the envelope, so don’t worry about creasing the slightly heavier stock or multiple layers.
Measure your paper carefully and cut it using a paper trimmer or scissors. A paper trimmer will help ensure straight, even cuts, but as long as you take your time and are careful, you can do as good a job with a pair of scissors. You can purchase scissors that have a decorative blade so that when you cut, your paper will have an interesting edge.
Press the paper down firmly and allow it to dry completely before gluing the next layer in place to ensure layer number one doesn’t move when you apply pressure to adhere it to the next layer. The invitation text should be the last layer glued into place. If any of your layering paper is particularly delicate, use double-stick tape rather than glue to avoid the chance of any bleeding through.
Punch two holes at the top of the invite, thread a pretty piece of ribbon through and tie in a bow. Glue three buttons, stickers or punched-paper shapes in one corner of your invitation. Get out your sewing machine and zig-zag stitch around your layers for a custom look. Rubber stamp a large image on the back of your invitation as a bit of a fun surprise for anyone who turns the card over after reading the invite.
The longer “flap” of paper that’s left on the right-hand side will fold up to become your pocket.
Use a paper scorer or folding bone to create sharp folds in your paper.
If you find it easier, you can print “corner guides” around your text box to give you the proper dimensions and help you cut your paper to the proper size. Use a glue stick to glue the invitation text to the middle panel of your pocket fold.
Inserts could include directions and/or a map; if this is a wedding invitation, they could also be a reception card, information about local accommodations or an RSVP card and envelope. Plan to stagger the height of your inserts. You can go with what looks good to your eye or standardize the height of your inserts, perhaps making each one 1 1/2" shorter the one behind it in the pocket. Whatever you decide about the height of your inserts, be sure to give each one a title that’ll show when the invitation is open. Place the copy for each insert so that it falls below the edge of the insert that gets layer on top of it. In that way, the overall look of the invitation won’t be cluttered, and readers can simply pull each insert out of the pocket in order to read the information.
