Crafting Tri-Fold Wedding Invites: A Simple Guide

Tri-fold wedding invitations are a stylish, convenient, and affordable option for couples. They are also known as all-in-one wedding invitations as they contain all the necessary information on one card. You can include details such as the wedding date, venue, times, RSVP, dress code, gift registry, directions, and any other relevant information.

There are various printing techniques available for tri-fold wedding invitations, including letterpress, foil stamp, flat foil, metallic print, print on wood, white ink, and digital print. You can also choose from different paper types, such as signature matte, smooth coated, premium shimmer, and luxe velvet.

When designing your tri-fold wedding invitations, you can customize all six sides of the card, allowing for more creativity and design options. You can also include photos, texts, and embellishments to make your invitations unique and personalized.

Some companies offer custom design services, where you can work closely with a designer to create your dream invitation. Others provide online tools that allow you to modify fonts, colors, and add photos with an instant preview of your design.

Choosing a tri-fold wedding invitation design

Theme and Style

Decide on the theme and style of your wedding, and choose an invitation design that complements it. Whether you're going for a rustic, elegant, modern, or bohemian theme, there are tri-fold invitation designs to match your style. For example, if you're having a boho-themed wedding, you might opt for a design with a watercolour or floral motif.

Colour Scheme

Consider your wedding colour scheme and choose an invitation design that incorporates those colours. This will create a cohesive look and feel for your wedding. Basic Invite, for instance, allows you to choose from over 160 different colours to build your own unique colour scheme.

Personalisation

Think about how you can make your invitations personal to you and your partner. Some companies, like Truly Inspired Paper Co., offer customisation options, allowing you to include photos or even a map of your wedding venue. You can also opt to upload your own design to sites like Basic Invite, which will print your unique creation.

Paper Quality

The quality of the paper you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Basic Invite, for instance, offers a range of paper types, including signature matte, smooth coated, premium shimmer, and luxe velvet finishes. Consider which paper type best suits your design and theme.

Envelope and Accessories

Don't forget to consider the envelope and any additional accessories you may want to include with your invitations. You can choose from a variety of envelope colours to enhance the presentation of your invites. Some companies also offer RSVP envelopes, stickers, and other matching stationery to complete the look.

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.

Customising the invitation with your details

Once you have selected your trifold wedding invitation design, you can start customising it with your details. This is a fun and creative process that will give your invitations a personal touch. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Collect Your Information:

Firstly, gather all the essential details that you want to include in your invitation. This typically includes the names of the happy couple, the wedding date, venue, and times. You might also want to add information about the dress code, gift registry, directions, and any pre- or post-wedding events.

Choose Your Design:

If you are creating your invitations through an online service, you will likely be given a form to fill out with your desired text and any images you want to include. You can also specify your design preferences, such as font styles and colour schemes. If you are designing the invitations yourself, you will need to create a digital file with your chosen layout and text.

Finalise the Design:

If you are working with a designer, they will create a draft design for you to review and approve. This usually takes around 7-10 working days. You may be offered 2 rounds of edits, included in the fixed price, to ensure that all the details are correct and the design is to your liking.

Select Your Paper and Envelope:

The type of paper and envelope you choose can add a special touch to your invitations. Consider the weight, finish, and colour of the paper, as well as any special effects like foil stamping or metallic print. Some companies offer samples so you can see and feel the different options before deciding.

Print and Ship:

Once you have approved the final design, it's time to print your invitations. Printing time will depend on the quantity and the print type you choose. Some companies offer additional services, such as printing guest addresses and return addresses on the envelopes.

Add the Finishing Touches:

Consider adding a perforated RSVP section to your invitations, allowing guests to easily tear off and send back their responses without the need for an envelope. You might also want to include tri-fold envelopes for added protection or a splash of colour. Finally, don't forget to add postage before sending out your invitations!

Uploading your design to a printing service

There are many printing services that allow you to upload your own design for trifold wedding invitations. Basic Invite, for example, allows you to upload a jpg of your design for an instant preview of exactly what your card will look like once printed. Each panel on this card should be uploaded separately. Please upload a jpeg file that is 6" x 6" at 300 DPI, 1800 x 1800 pixels. Please note that 1/8 inch is trimmed off each side of the card for bleed, leaving a finished size of 5.75" x 5.75".

Panel 1 is the front of the card, panel 2 is the inside of the card (opposite side of the page from panel 1), panel 3 is the inside middle of the card, panel 4 is the inside, right side of the card, panel 5 is the first panel you see after opening the card, and panel 6 is the back panel on the outside of the card.

Basic Invite offers four types of paper: Signature Matte (matte finish, 110 lb., white), Smooth Coated (semi-gloss finish, 110 lb., white), Premium Shimmer (shimmer finish, 110 lb., pearl white), and Luxe Velvet (velvet matte finish, 110 lb., white). They also offer peel and seal envelopes (no licking required) in square or square flap shape, in white, weighing 80lb.

Paperlust is another printing service that allows you to upload your own design. They offer various printing techniques using their premium paper stock. Their print options include letterpress, foil stamp, flat foil, metallic print, print on wood, white ink, and digital print.

Selecting paper type and envelope colour

Selecting the right paper type and envelope colour is crucial to making your tri-fold wedding invitations stand out. Here are some tips to help you choose:

Paper Type

When selecting the paper type for your invitations, consider the finish, weight, and colour. Basic Invite, for instance, offers four types of paper: Signature Matte, Smooth Coated, Premium Shimmer, and Luxe Velvet. The Signature Matte paper has a matte finish and a weight of 110 lb. For a semi-gloss finish, you can opt for Smooth Coated paper, which also weighs 110 lb. If you prefer a shimmer finish, Premium Shimmer paper is available and weighs 110 lb. Lastly, for a unique touch, Luxe Velvet paper offers a velvet matte finish and weighs 110 lb.

Envelope Colour

The envelope you choose can add a splash of colour and enhance the overall presentation of your invitation. Basic Invite offers over 40 envelope colour options, allowing you to create the right vibe for your invitations. From soft hues like blush and soft sage to deeper shades like burgundy and forest green, you can select a colour that complements your wedding theme or personal style.

Additionally, consider adding a liner to your envelope. This can be a nice touch, especially if you choose a coloured or patterned liner that peeks through when the envelope is sealed.

Printing Techniques

The printing technique you choose can also impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Paperlust offers various printing techniques, including letterpress, foil stamp, flat foil, metallic print, print on wood, white ink, and digital print. Each technique has its unique characteristics and can enhance certain design elements or themes. For instance, foil stamping can add a premium finish, while metallic print or white ink can create a stylish and elegant look.

In summary, when selecting the paper type and envelope colour for your tri-fold wedding invitations, consider the finish, weight, and colour of the paper, as well as the envelope's colour and any additional features like liners. Choose options that reflect your personal style, wedding theme, and the overall impression you want to make on your guests.

Sending out the invitations

Sending out your tri-fold wedding invitations is a simple task. They can be mailed as they are by folding them up and adding postage—no envelope is needed as the invite is all part of the package. You can also send your guest list with addresses to the printer, and they will print the recipient addresses and your return address right onto the outside of your invite. This will cost you as little as $0.2 per address.

Your guests can easily respond to your invitation by tearing off the RSVP card and sending it back in the mail. If the RSVP is in a postcard format, your guests won't need to use an envelope.

Frequently asked questions