Creating Pocket Folder Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Pocket wedding invitations are a great way to impress your guests and add a touch of elegance to your big day. They are more than just a simple card; they are an elaborate and decorative piece of art that conveys the importance of your wedding celebration. With a wide range of styles, colours, and designs available, you can customise your invitations to match your wedding theme and personal taste. Whether you're having a spring or fall wedding, there is a perfect pocket invitation for you. These invitations are also practical, as they can hold multiple cards or inserts such as RSVP cards, maps, and accommodation details in an organised manner. You can even include your own unique designs or use templates from Etsy, Templett, or Canva. So, if you're looking for a sophisticated and elegant way to invite your guests to your wedding, pocket wedding invitations are an excellent choice.

Choosing a design

When choosing a design for your pocket folder wedding invitation, there are several factors to consider to ensure that your invitations are both functional and stylish. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect design:

Consider your wedding theme and colour palette:

Select a design that complements your wedding theme and colour scheme. This will help to create a cohesive look for your wedding stationery and decor. Consider choosing a pocket colour that matches your wedding colours, or select a neutral shade such as ivory, white, or grey for a classic and elegant look.

Decide on the level of formality:

Pocket folder invitations are often associated with formal weddings, as they offer a sophisticated and elegant appearance. If your wedding is more casual or laid-back, you may want to choose a simpler design or opt for a colourful or whimsical pattern.

Choose the right type of pocket:

There are several types of pocket folder invitations available, including foldover pockets, vertical foldover pockets, and stacked pockets. Consider the number of enclosure cards you plan to include and choose a pocket style that will accommodate them neatly. Foldover pockets are ideal for keeping enclosure cards organised, while stacked pockets create a layered, dimensional look.

Customise the enclosure cards:

Enclosure cards, such as RSVP cards, reception cards, and information cards, are an essential part of your invitation suite. Customise these cards to include all the necessary information for your guests, such as the wedding date, time, and location, as well as any additional details such as accommodation options or transportation information.

Add personal touches:

Make your pocket folder invitations unique by adding personal touches such as raised foil, embossed designs, or decorative liners. You can also enhance your invitations with belly bands, wax seals, or ribbons to add a touch of luxury and elegance.

Consider the printing options:

Basic Invite and Cards & Pockets offer high-quality printing techniques such as raised foil, clear or frosted vinyl printing, and printing on premium paper stocks. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and choose a printing option that aligns with your vision.

Remember, your wedding invitations are the first impression your guests will have of your special day, so choose a design that reflects your style and sets the tone for your celebration.

Printing and paper options

When it comes to printing and paper options, there are several factors to consider when creating your own pocket folder wedding invitations. Firstly, decide on the type of paper you would like to use. Some popular options include cardstock, vellum, and paper with a metallic finish. The weight and thickness of the paper can also vary, so it's important to choose a paper that is compatible with your printer and fits within your desired budget.

If you're looking for a more luxurious and elegant option, consider choosing a specialty paper such as pearl or glitter paper. These papers have a unique finish that can add a touch of glamour to your invitations. You can also opt for raised foil printing, which gives your invitations a three-dimensional effect and a sophisticated appearance.

In terms of printing, you have the option to print your invitations at home or use a professional printing service. Printing at home can be more cost-effective, but it may be more challenging to achieve a professional finish. On the other hand, professional printing services can offer high-quality results and often have additional services such as custom shapes and designs.

When designing your pocket folder wedding invitations, consider the number of inserts you will need and the overall size of the invitation. Standard pocket invitations can typically hold between two to five inserts, including RSVP cards, reception cards, and information cards. Ensure that the size of the paper you choose is compatible with the size of your pocket folder and that all your enclosure cards fit neatly inside.

Finally, don't forget to consider the envelopes and accessories for your invitations. You can choose from various envelope colours and liners to match your wedding theme. Wax seals, belly bands, and other embellishments can also be added to create a cohesive and stylish look for your pocket folder wedding invitations.

Enclosure cards

Number of Enclosure Cards

The number of enclosure cards you include in your pocket folder wedding invitation will depend on the amount of information you need to convey to your guests. A standard pocket invitation can typically accommodate between two to five inserts. The most common enclosure cards are the RSVP card, reception card, and information card. However, you can also include additional cards with details such as maps, accommodation information, or directions to the venue.

Size and Proportions

When creating enclosure cards, it is important to consider their size and proportions in relation to the pocket folder. Each card should be 3/4" taller than the other, allowing your guests to see the title of each card above the other when stacked neatly inside the pocket. This creates a tidy and organised look while also making it easy for guests to access the information they need.

Design and Customisation

Wording and Content

The wording and content of your enclosure cards will depend on the specific information you want to convey. RSVP cards typically include a request for attendance, along with a deadline for responses. Reception cards provide details about the reception venue and timing, while information cards can include a range of additional details such as directions, parking information, or invitations to other wedding-related events like the rehearsal dinner. Keep the wording concise and clear, ensuring that your guests can easily find the information they need.

Paper and Printing Options

To ensure a cohesive look for your invitation suite, consider using the same paper and printing options for your enclosure cards as you do for your main invitation. This creates a sense of unity and elegance. Basic Invite offers high-quality printing techniques, including raised foil and clear or frosted vinyl printing, which can add a touch of sophistication to your enclosure cards. Using the same paper stock for all the components of your invitation suite will also create a consistent and refined appearance.

Envelopes and postage

When it comes to envelopes and postage for your pocket folder wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a seamless process. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you with this task:

• Selecting the Right Envelopes: Choose envelopes that complement your wedding colour theme and the style of your invitations. You can opt for plain envelopes or those with elegant designs, such as laser-cut patterns or foil detailing. Ensure that the envelopes are slightly larger than your invitations to allow for easy insertion and prevent bending. Standard sizes like A7 (5" x 7") and A2 are commonly available.
• Addressing Envelopes: You can opt to address the envelopes by hand or use a printing service. Basic Invite, for example, offers free professionally addressed wedding envelopes, ensuring accuracy and a neat presentation. This can be a great time-saver, especially if you have a large guest list.
• Envelope Liners: Consider adding envelope liners for an extra touch of elegance. These liners come in various colours and designs, enhancing the overall appearance of your invitation suite. They also provide an opportunity to incorporate your wedding colours or a complementary palette.
• Postage Stamps: Calculate the correct postage for your invitations, taking into account the weight and size of the assembled invitation suite. It's a good idea to take a complete sample invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required. You can also look into custom stamps featuring your initials, a monogram, or a design that ties in with your wedding theme.
• Assembly and Posting: Assemble your invitations and insert them into the envelopes carefully. Ensure that all enclosures are securely placed within the pockets and that the envelopes are sealed properly. It's recommended to hand over the assembled invitations at the post office rather than dropping them into a mailbox, especially if they are bulky or require additional postage.
• Timing: Plan ahead and allow ample time for assembling and posting your invitations. It's advisable to mail your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding to give your guests enough time to respond, particularly if they need to make travel arrangements.

Assembly and finishing touches

Once you have designed and printed your wedding invitation, it's time to assemble all the pieces into a beautiful and elegant pocket invitation. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do the assembly and finishing touches:

Assembly:

• Fold the pocket invitation according to the pre-scored lines. If your pocket invitation doesn't have pre-scored lines, carefully fold it along the edges of the pocket to create a neat and crisp fold.
• Insert the main invitation card into the pocket. This card should include the essential details of your wedding, such as the date, time, and venue.
• Add the enclosure cards:

• RSVP cards: These cards allow your guests to accept or decline your invitation and are usually the same size as the invitation card.
• Reception cards: Include details about the reception, such as the time, location, and any other relevant information.
• Information cards: Provide additional wedding information, such as accommodation options, transportation, or dress code.

• Ensure that each enclosure card is properly sized to fit within the pocket and that they are stacked neatly, with the most important card on top.
• If you have chosen belly bands, wrap them around the pocket invitation to keep it closed and secure. Belly bands can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your invitation suite.
• Insert the entire invitation suite into the envelope. Make sure that the addresses are correctly written and that postage is applied if necessary.

Finishing Touches:

• Add wax seals to the envelopes for a classic and elegant touch. You can choose wax seals in colours that match your wedding theme or opt for traditional gold or silver.
• Consider including envelope liners in a complementary colour or pattern. Envelope liners add a surprise element of sophistication when your guests open the invitation.
• Enhance your invitations with foil details, such as raised foil text or designs. Foil adds a glamorous and luxurious feel to your invitations.
• Embellish your invitations with ribbons, lace, or other decorative elements that reflect your wedding theme and personal style.
• If you have chosen vellum jackets for your invitations, insert the invitation suite into the vellum wraps before placing them in the envelopes. Vellum adds a soft and elegant touch to your invitations.
• Finally, review your invitations to ensure that all the pieces are securely in place and that there are no smudges or errors. Your invitations are now ready to be mailed to your guests!

Frequently asked questions