Diy Pocketfold Wedding Invitations: Easy, Affordable, And Unique

Pocketfold wedding invitations are a traditional and classic way to present your wedding invitation, RSVP card, and other inserts. They are also a great way to showcase your creativity and craft skills. You can make your own pocketfold invitations using a printable pocketfold invitation template, or you can purchase them from online stores like Etsy and Boxed Wedding Invitations. If you're looking for a unique and elegant way to invite your guests to your wedding, creating your own pocketfold wedding invitations might be the perfect solution.

Invitation templates

There are many pocketfold wedding invitation templates available online, with some being downloadable for a small fee. These templates can be printed and cut by hand or using an electronic die-cutting machine.

Templates for pocketfold invitations can be purchased and downloaded from Etsy. These templates can be purchased for a small fee, with some on sale, and are available in a variety of colours and styles. Etsy offers a range of templates that can be edited in software such as Canva, Microsoft Word, or Photoshop.

Another source for pocketfold invitation templates is do-it-yourself-invitations.com. This website offers a step-by-step tutorial and template for creating pocketfold wedding invitations. The template can be printed onto 11" x 17" cardstock and cut by hand, or used with an electronic die-cutting machine. The template is designed to create a 5" by 7" invitation, and includes instructions for scoring and folding the paper to create the pockets.

Choosing paper

When it comes to choosing paper for your DIY pocketfold wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a paper that is compatible with your printer. Most standard printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds, so it's important to check your printer's specifications before purchasing paper. If you're using a die-cutting machine, make sure the paper size is supported by your machine.

The type of paper you choose will also depend on the desired look and feel of your invitations. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a high-quality, luxurious look and durable feel. For a more textured look, you can opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish. Kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel that is perfect for vintage or outdoor weddings. If you want to add a touch of glamour to your invitations, consider using paper with a shimmery finish, such as pearl foil or gold foil.

When choosing the colour of your paper, consider your wedding theme and colour scheme. If you're aiming for a vintage, modern, or boho-chic aesthetic, look for paper in neutral tones such as ivory, sand, taupe, or grey. For a glamorous city wedding, consider metallic accents or sleek, modern designs. If you're having a rustic barn wedding, earthy tones, kraft paper, and twine could be a perfect choice.

In addition to the type and colour of paper, you'll also need to select the appropriate weight or thickness. Cardstock weight is typically measured in pounds, with higher numbers indicating thicker paper. For most home printers, 80-90 pound cardstock is ideal. If you're looking for a more luxurious feel, consider using 100-130-pound cardstock, which will give your invitations a professional look. However, keep in mind that thicker cardstock may require industrial printers.

Before settling on a particular type of paper, it's recommended to order samples or visit a specialty stationery store to feel the paper and see if it meets your standards. You can also test different types of paper on your printer to ensure compatibility and achieve the desired look.

Printing and scoring

Printing:

There are two main options for printing your invitations: printing at home or using an online printing service.

Printing at home gives you more control but requires a significant amount of time, effort, and printer ink. If you have a large number of invitations, printing at home may not be feasible.

Online printing services, on the other hand, offer convenience and can save you time and effort. Some recommended services include Prints of Love, Vistaprint, Zazzle, and Overnight Prints. These services provide high-quality printing at affordable prices and often include customisation options such as paper type and size.

Scoring:

Once you have your paper cut to size using a template, the next step is to score the edges that will need to be folded. Scoring helps create precise, clean folds. You can use a variety of tools for scoring, such as a bone folder, a ruler, or even the end of a chopstick.

For a 5" by 7" invitation, start by scoring the tabs at the far edge where the pocket will lay. Then, measure 4 7/8" from the first score and create another mark. From this second mark, measure 5¼" and make a final mark. Ensure your scoring marks are straight by using a cutting mat or the grid on your paper cutter.

After scoring, simply fold the paper along the score marks and smooth out the folds with a bone folder or a flat edge. Now you're ready to assemble your invitations by adhering the pocket tabs and folding them over to create the pockets.

Folding and gluing

The folding and gluing process for DIY pocketfold wedding invitations can be quite time-consuming, but it will save you money and is worth the effort. Here are the steps you can follow to achieve a professional-looking result:

Step 1: Cut Out the Invitation Enclosure

Cut two pieces of card stock to create the invitation enclosure. The first piece, which is the larger piece, should be cut to 11" x 6.25". The second, smaller piece should be cut to 6.75" x 6.25".

Step 2: Score the Enclosure Pieces

This step is crucial to ensure that your invitation fits perfectly into its envelope. Use a scoring board, such as the Martha Stewart scoring board, to make precise score marks. On the smaller piece, score at the 4" mark. For the larger piece, score at 3/8" and 7".

Step 3: Cut Out the Pocket

Create a template out of card stock that fits inside the smaller section where you scored. Place the template on the small enclosure piece and make a dot in the middle. Use a ruler to connect the dot with the edge and cut with an X-Acto knife. Repeat for the other side, ensuring that the triangle you cut faces inward.

Step 4: Folding the Paper

Start by folding the pieces of card stock where you scored. For crisp, neat edges, go over the folds with a bone folder.

Step 5: Tape or Glue the Pocketfold Section Shut

Use double-sided tape or a glue runner along the edges of the pocket. Close the pocket and go over the taped sides with your bone folder to ensure a strong bond.

Step 6: Merge the Pieces Together

Apply double-sided tape to every edge of the back of the pocketfold piece. Attach the pocketfold piece to the edge of the larger piece, ensuring it is aligned correctly. Use your bone folder to press down on the tape for a secure hold.

Step 7: Create the Pockets

Apply adhesive to the underside of the pocket tabs. Fold them over and press them to the inside of the paper. You can use a glue runner, double-sided tape, or a quick-dry adhesive. Hold the paper shut for about 30 seconds to a minute until the glue dries. Alternatively, you can use paper clips to hold it shut until the glue dries.

By following these steps, you will create elegant and unique DIY pocketfold wedding invitations. Remember to take your time, as this process can be intricate and time-consuming.

Customising

• Wording: You can make your invitation truly yours by changing the wording on the invitation or insert cards. Feel free to add, remove, or edit the text to match your style and tone.
• Font: Changing the font is another way to personalise your invitations. Some suppliers offer font changes without any additional cost, but others may charge a fee, especially if changes are requested after the first proof.
• Colour: Customising the colour of your invitations is a great way to match your wedding theme or colour scheme. With over 200 colours to choose from, you can select the perfect shade to represent your style, whether it's elegant glitter, classic gold foil, or rustic sage green.
• Design: For a unique touch, consider customising the overall design of your pocketfold invitations. You can add rubber stamps or stickers, or even a custom illustration of your wedding venue. If you're crafty, you can create your own pocketfolds from scratch using a template and your choice of paper or material.
• Enclosures: Depending on the supplier, you may be able to customise your pocketfold invitation suite by adding or removing enclosures such as RSVP cards, extra inserts, bands, and envelopes.
• Finishing touches: To make your invitations extra special, you can add bling, buckles, ribbon, lace, tags, or even guest addressing on the envelopes.

When customising your pocketfold wedding invitations, it's important to communicate your requests clearly to your supplier and review any digital or hard-copy proofs carefully before approving them. Enjoy the process of creating your dream invitations!

Frequently asked questions