Creating Vertical Folio Pocket Wedding Invites

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a fun and crafty challenge, and it can save you money. The vertical folio pocket invitation is a contemporary style that is both striking and elegant. You can choose from a range of printing techniques, from the affordable and classic look of thermography to the ancient and stylish letterpress, or the more expensive but elegant foil stamping. The invitations can be customized to your wedding colour scheme, with a range of ink colours, paper types, and card sizes to choose from. You can also add accessory cards, such as RSVP cards, reception cards, and direction cards.

Printing techniques: thermography, letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping

There are several printing techniques to choose from when creating your wedding invitations. Here is an overview of four popular methods: thermography, letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping.

Thermography

Thermography is a process that involves using heat to join ink and a resin-like powder, resulting in raised letters on the page. This method is becoming increasingly popular for invitations due to its affordability and elegant appearance. It is a good choice for those seeking classic, "raised" printing at a lower cost than other methods.

Letterpress

Letterpress is an ancient technique that has been used for hundreds of years and remains trendy in stationery. It involves printing words or designs with ink while simultaneously debossing the image into thick, soft paper. The result is an elegant, stylish, and high-end look. Letterpress is ideal for traditional designs and is one of the priciest printing methods.

Engraving

Engraving is a historical printing process that creates raised images and text. An image is etched into a metal plate, filled with ink, and then pressed onto paper with intense pressure (approximately 3,000 pounds). This technique is ideal for ultra-formal affairs but comes with a high price tag. Engraving works best on thick paper, such as cotton fibre, and can be used with coloured paper and multiple ink colours, though this increases the time and cost.

Foil Stamping

Foil stamping is a printing process that fuses foil to paper using a heated copper plate. It creates a metallic design, complementing luxe and romantic weddings, as well as whimsical and casual invites. It is the most expensive printing process and is outsourced, resulting in a longer turnaround time. Foil stamping is often used for key words, borders, or intricate designs as too much text can be difficult to read.

Card types: small enclosure, RSVP, and large enclosure

When it comes to card types for wedding invitations, there are three main categories: small enclosure cards, RSVP cards, and large enclosure cards.

Small enclosure cards are typically used to convey simple information to your guests. This could include details such as reception or ceremony information, gift registry details, or any other basic instructions. The standard size for a small enclosure card is 4.25" x 4.50", although some sources suggest a slightly larger size of 5.5" x 3.5".

RSVP cards are essential for requesting a response from your guests. Derived from the French phrase "répondez s'il vous plaît", which means "respond if you please", these cards allow you to accurately plan your guest count and gather information such as meal preferences. The standard size for an RSVP card is 4.25" x 5.5", and it is common practice for the sender to provide postage to make it easier for guests to respond.

Large enclosure cards, on the other hand, are used for providing additional detailed information. This could include directions to the wedding venue, accommodation suggestions, or any other relevant details your guests may need. The standard size for a large enclosure card is 4.25" x 6.5", although some sources suggest a slightly smaller size of 5.5" x 5".

It is worth noting that the sizes mentioned above are standard, but there is room for customization and variation depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Paper and ink colours

Firstly, when it comes to paper, you can choose from a variety of colours, textures, and weights. Some popular options include:

• Colorplan: This brand is known for its vibrant colour palette and premium quality. With over 50 colours to choose from, you can create a luxurious and distinctive look for your invitations.
• Stardream: This brand offers a pearlescent finish and a smooth texture, adding a touch of shimmer and elegance to your invitations.
• Pop-tone: This collection features bold and vibrant colours inspired by pop culture, perfect for making a statement with your invitations.
• Cards & Pockets exclusive colours: Cards & Pockets also offer their own colour lines, such as Dusty Blue, Dusty Rose, Coral, and Peach, allowing you to find the perfect shade for your invitations.

Additionally, you can choose from a range of printing techniques, each offering unique effects and options for customisation:

• Thermography: This technique uses heat to fuse ink and a resin-like powder, resulting in raised letters with an elegant and classic appearance.
• Letterpress: Letterpress is an ancient technique that debosses the design into thick, soft paper. It offers a stylish, high-end, and elegant look.
• Engraving: This technique involves printing on the paper face down above an inked plate, creating raised lettering and a classic, sophisticated finish.
• Foil stamping: This method fuses foil to paper, adding a luxurious and unique touch to your invitations.

When selecting ink colours, you can choose from a wide range of options, including rich black, pale peach, metallic gold, silver, and copper. You can also opt for custom colour matching if you have a specific shade in mind. Keep in mind that different printing methods, such as flat printing and letterpress, may affect the final colour appearance. It is recommended to order a sample pack to see the colours in person and ensure your vision is accurately represented.

Postage requirements

When it comes to the postage requirements for your vertical folio pocket wedding invitations, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and to check if it meets the thickness requirements. This will ensure that you apply the correct postage and avoid any issues when mailing your invitations.

The amount of postage required will depend on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", fall within the USPS standard size requirements and can be mailed with a regular First Class Stamp or a Forever Stamp. However, if your invitations are larger or have a different shape, such as square, you may need to pay additional postage. Square envelopes, for example, will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

Another factor to consider is the thickness of your envelopes. If the envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may not be able to go through the sorting machine and will need to be hand-cancelled, which can incur additional costs. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to include any three-dimensional details such as a wax seal or a ribbon tie.

To ensure you apply the correct postage, pay attention to the value of the stamps you are using. While most stamps sold by USPS have a standard value, they also offer stamps with denominations below and above this value. You may need to use a combination of stamps to reach the required postage value for your invitations. It is always better to err on the side of caution and use slightly more postage than necessary, especially if your invitations are being mailed to far-flung destinations.

DIY pocketfolds

Materials:

• Custom-cut cardstock
• Paper cutter with a scoring blade
• Scissors
• Bone folder (bone/boning tool)
• Adhesive tape
• Pencil
• Flap templates (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by scoring your paper where it will need to be folded. For a pointed flap, score the paper at 3".
• Score again for the outside fold, where the invitation will be pasted. This can be done at 5 1/8".
• Make your final score for the pocket at 5".
• Once scored, trace the templates for each end.
• Carefully cut along the pencil lines.
• Use a bone folder to fold along the scored lines to create the pocket and flap.
• Unfold the pocket and apply adhesive tape to both sides of the paper.
• Remove the plastic backing from the adhesive tape.
• Fold over the pocket to adhere the tape together.
• Use a bone folder to ensure the taped sections are flat and secure.
• Make your middle fold and top fold for the flap using the bone folder to create neat creases.
• Fold the entire piece over itself, and you're done!

This project can be time-consuming and tedious, but it is a fun way to create unique and personalized wedding invitations. You can customize the paper colour, ink colour, and size to match your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions