Invitation Sizing Guide For Your Dream Wedding

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of the wedding planning process. They are the first impression your friends and family will have of your wedding, setting the tone for the rest of the experience. The size of your wedding invitations is an important consideration as it will impact the design, cost, and practicality of your invites. While there is no standard size, most wedding invitations are 6 x 9 or smaller, with the traditional size being 5 x 7. This classic size is perfect for couples who want a simple, elegant, and cost-effective invitation. However, if you have a lot of information to include or prefer a more modern look, you might opt for a larger or differently-shaped invitation.

Common wedding invitation sizes

Wedding invitations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and there are a few factors to consider when determining the size and shape of your wedding invitation. Firstly, sticking to common invitation dimensions will help keep costs down, as common printers will have more experience printing them. The size and shape of your invitation will also affect the cost of postage, with larger or more complex invitations requiring more postage. The standard size for wedding invitations is 5"x7" , but they can vary in scale depending on the amount of information you need to include and your preferred design.

• 5" x 7" - This is the most common invitation size and follows USPS standards for general mail, so you'll only pay the base rate for stamps without incurring extra charges. This size is perfect for classic, upscale affairs and is available in a wide range of designs, shapes, and styles.
• 5" x 5" - A square invitation is well-suited to more modern designs. While the dimensions are compact, there is still enough room for all the essential information.
• 6.5" x 8.75" - This is a slightly larger rectangle invitation that can accommodate additional information or design elements.
• 4" x 9.25" - This slim wedding invitation is also popular and can be oriented to print vertically or horizontally. It provides a good balance between including necessary information and maintaining a sleek, modern look.
• 4.25" x 6" - This is a slightly smaller version of the classic invitation size. It is a good choice for those who want a more compact invitation but still want to include some classic elements.

When choosing the size and shape of your wedding invitation, consider the overall design aesthetic you want to achieve, your budget, and the amount of information you need to include. You can also opt for unique shapes, such as curved or flared sides, or add fancy edges like rounded corners or scalloped edges to dress up your invitation.

The cost of postage

The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73, which covers a rectangular lightweight letter of up to one ounce in weight. This is the typical cost for "Save the Dates", unless you include additional embellishments. However, most wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce, and any additional ounce will cost an extra $0.28 on top of the standard rate. Invitations with wax seals or ribbons tend to cost approximately $1.29 and above.

If you are using a square envelope, or any other envelope that is considered a non-standard size, you will need to add an additional $0.46. Anything that causes a variation in the thickness of the envelope, such as a wax seal or certain types of ribbon, will also be considered "non-machinable" and will incur an extra cost of $0.46.

It is recommended that you get your full suite weighed at the post office before purchasing postage, as the weight of the invitation will impact the cost. It is also worth noting that the cost of postage may differ depending on the country you are mailing your invitations to and from, so be sure to check the weight and dimension restrictions for the specific countries.

To ensure your invitations arrive safely, it is best to consult a post office professional directly and add enough stamps to cover the cost provided by the post office. It is also important to consider the design and placement of the stamps, especially if you are mixing new and vintage stamps.

The tone of your wedding

Wedding invitations come in a variety of sizes, but the standard size is 5"x7". This classic size is perfect for couples who want to include important accessories like direction cards, RSVP cards, and reception cards. It also allows for some design elements without compromising legibility.

If you're looking for something more modern, a square invitation sized at 5 ¼ x 5 ¼ inches is a great option. For those who have a lot of information to include, a tall/thin invitation (4"x9") or a large invitation (6"x8" or 7"x9") might be a better fit.

Now, let's talk about the tone of your wedding. This encompasses everything from the vows and decor to the overall atmosphere you want to create. Here are some tips to help you set the right tone:

Know Your Vision and Communicate It:

Clear communication with your wedding planner and vendors is essential. Chloe Hamilton from the Seattle Art Museum advises couples to start by organizing their vision and communicating it clearly to their wedding planner and vendors. This ensures that everyone involved understands your goals and can work together to bring them to life.

Decorate with Intention:

Madison Henry from the Seattle Wedding Show emphasizes the impact of intentional decoration. It's not just about choosing pretty decorations; it's about ensuring every element aligns with your theme and enhances the atmosphere. Select flowers that match your color scheme and place them strategically in bouquets, altar arrangements, and along the aisle.

Enhance the Natural Beauty:

If your venue has natural beauty, use decor to enhance rather than overshadow it. Janine B from Milestone Events at Rocky Pond suggests accentuating the garden or park ambiance with seasonal blooms along the aisle or decorative pots on the ceremony stage.

Personalize the Ceremony:

Add special touches that reflect your personalities. Andy Luck from Act 3 Catering recommends writing your own vows and incorporating favorite readings, poems, or songs. This will make the ceremony feel unique and emotionally impactful.

Be Your Unapologetic Selves:

Tracy Bair from The Golf Club at Newcastle encourages couples to embrace their authenticity. Play your favorite songs, laugh, cry, dance, and remember to slow down and embrace every moment. Focus on one another and add your unique touches to create an atmosphere that truly represents you as a couple.

By following these tips and keeping your love story at the forefront, you'll create a harmonious and memorable wedding that resonates with your guests and celebrates your one-of-a-kind bond.

The amount of information you need to include

The standard invitation size is 5" x 7" , but this can be oriented vertically or horizontally. This classic style should have enough room for most of your text as long as the design is not too elaborate. If you have more information to include, you can opt for a larger invitation, such as 6" x 8" or 7" x 9".

Hosts and Guests

The invitation usually begins by listing the hosts (the people paying for the event) and inviting the guests. The hosts' names are typically followed by an invitational line, such as "Request the Pleasure of Your Company" or "Invite You to Celebrate the Marriage of".

The Couple's Names

The names of the couple getting married are usually listed after the hosts' names. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically listed first, but you can order the names in a way that feels right to you. LGBTQIA+ couples can order their names alphabetically, by age, or however they prefer.

Date and Time of the Ceremony

The date and time of the ceremony are essential to include, so guests know when and where to arrive. It is common to write out the time of day in full on formal invitations, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon".

Ceremony and Reception Location

It is important to include the name and location of the ceremony and reception venues, so guests know where to go. If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can include a line such as "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow". If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

RSVP and Wedding Website Information

Including a way for your guests to RSVP and access your wedding website is crucial. You can include an RSVP card with a specific deadline for responses, or direct guests to your wedding website for more information.

Dress Code

Including the dress code on the invitation is optional, but it can be useful for guests to know the style of the wedding. Some common dress codes include Black Tie, Semi-Formal, Cocktail, and Casual.

In addition to the essential information listed above, you may also want to include extra details about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map of the area. This is especially useful if your wedding is in a unique or unfamiliar location.

Remember, the key is to keep the invitation simple and uncluttered, with only the most essential information included. If you have a lot of additional details to share, consider including a separate details card or directing guests to your wedding website.

The weight and dimensions of the invitation

When it comes to the dimensions of wedding invitations, there is no standard size, but most couples choose invitations that are 6" x 9" or smaller. Common sizes include 5" x 7", 5 ¼" x 5 ¼", 6 ½" x 8 ¾", and 4" x 9 ¼". These sizes are popular because they are easy to print and cost-effective, as they typically fall within the standard size requirements for mail. Choosing an invitation that fits within these dimensions can help keep postage costs down.

In addition to the size of the invitation, it is also important to consider the weight. Invitations that are too bulky can be cumbersome and expensive to mail, while invitations that are too thin may not convey the desired level of elegance or formality. The weight of the invitation can also affect the cost of postage, with heavier invitations requiring additional stamps or postage fees.

When selecting an invitation size, it is important to consider the amount of information that needs to be included. If there is a lot of text or additional details, a larger invitation may be necessary to ensure that everything is legible and easy to read. On the other hand, if the design is the main focus, a smaller, more compact invitation may be preferred.

The shape of the invitation is also a factor to consider. Rectangle invitations are traditional and elegant, while square invitations can be more modern. Shaped invitations, such as those with curved or flared sides, add a unique touch. Pocket invitations and all-in-one invitations are also popular choices, as they provide a sleek and organised way to include additional information and enclosures.

Overall, the weight and dimensions of the wedding invitation should be chosen carefully to ensure that they reflect the style and tone of the wedding, provide clear information to guests, and fit within the desired budget.

Frequently asked questions