Introduction: Pocketfold Wedding Invitation
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About: I got married on August 7th, 2010!
I made EVERYTHING for my wedding, including my dress, the bridesmaid dresses (all 6!), the guest book attendant's dress, the groomsmen vests and ties, the flower girl and ri…
This is a very complex Instructable, but is absolutely worth the effort.
This is NOT a kit, but 100% completely HANDMADE!
I looked at some tutorials online, but none of them really matched what I wanted to accomplish. After days of calculating and doing over 10 different test runs, I came up with the perfect pocketfold invitation that fits in a standard invitation envelope.
After you do a few of them, they get really easy. These are very time consuming, and you will need to spend several days making them. It also helps if you have your bridesmaids or groomsmen helping! Make sure to keep the measurements for cutting on hand at all times, as you'll need to keep referring back to them.
This is NOT a kit, but 100% completely HANDMADE!
I looked at some tutorials online, but none of them really matched what I wanted to accomplish. After days of calculating and doing over 10 different test runs, I came up with the perfect pocketfold invitation that fits in a standard invitation envelope.
After you do a few of them, they get really easy. These are very time consuming, and you will need to spend several days making them. It also helps if you have your bridesmaids or groomsmen helping! Make sure to keep the measurements for cutting on hand at all times, as you'll need to keep referring back to them.
Step 1: Materials Needed
- 8.5" x 11" Card stock (Found at Staples)
- 7/8" Ribbon (I recommend buying it in bulk on eBay - otherwise this will be very pricey!)
- Paper Cutter
- X-Acto Knife
- Contrasting card stock for inside and monogram background
- Circle Paper Punchers (1.5" and 2")
- Score Board (Mine is Martha Stewart - Found at Michaels)
- Bone Folder
- Permanent Double-Sided Tape - 7/8" (LOTS!)
- Envelopes - 4.75" X 6.5" (for main envelope) and 3 5/8" X 5 1/8" (for RSVP Return Envelopes)
- Microsoft Publisher or another design program (photoshop, paint shop pro, indesign, etc.)
- Address Labels (for Envelopes and RSVP envelopes)
- 3 $0.44 stamps (2 for sending, 1 for guests to return their RSVP)
- Pinking Shears
- Pencil or Pen
- Ruler
- Paper Clips (to attach stamp to RSVP envelope)
- Sticker Paper (for making sticker sealers for the envelopes - found at Staples)
- 7/8" Ribbon (I recommend buying it in bulk on eBay - otherwise this will be very pricey!)
- Paper Cutter
- X-Acto Knife
- Contrasting card stock for inside and monogram background
- Circle Paper Punchers (1.5" and 2")
- Score Board (Mine is Martha Stewart - Found at Michaels)
- Bone Folder
- Permanent Double-Sided Tape - 7/8" (LOTS!)
- Envelopes - 4.75" X 6.5" (for main envelope) and 3 5/8" X 5 1/8" (for RSVP Return Envelopes)
- Microsoft Publisher or another design program (photoshop, paint shop pro, indesign, etc.)
- Address Labels (for Envelopes and RSVP envelopes)
- 3 $0.44 stamps (2 for sending, 1 for guests to return their RSVP)
- Pinking Shears
- Pencil or Pen
- Ruler
- Paper Clips (to attach stamp to RSVP envelope)
- Sticker Paper (for making sticker sealers for the envelopes - found at Staples)
Step 2: Design Your Invitation
Design the pieces for your invitation on the sizes of paper in the program you are using as follows:
Main Invitation: 3 5/8" X 5 1/4"
Accommodations Card: 4.75" X 3 7/8"
Reception Card: 4.75" X 3.5"
RSVP Card: 4.75" X 3"
1.5" Circle Monogram: I used this template of 1.5" circles. I then opened it in Photoshop to design and position the 'k+c' text in the center of each circle. You can also space out your monogram on Microsoft word and test different font sizes to get the perfect monogrammed size. For instance, I would type: K+C, and then push tab a few times, and then write K+C again. That should give you enough space to use your circle punch.
Listed below is the wording that I used on my invitation. Your invitation wording will be different obviously, but feel free to copy and paste to make it your own.
Main Invitation Wording:
Together with their parents,
katiemariesoltysiak
daughter of susan & edward soltysiak
+
christianmichaelflickinger
son of patti & craig flickinger
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding
saturday
08.07.10
at half past four in the afternoon
church name
address
address
Accommodations Wording:
Katie and Christian's Wedding
A block of rooms have been reserved at:
Detroit Marriott Livonia
Address
Address
Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Please make reservations by going to www.livoniamarriott.com and use group code:
SFWSFWA - King Room
SFWSFWD - Double-Double Room
You may also call for reservations (800) 288-9290 and request the
Soltysiak Flickinger Wedding Room Block
Please book your reservation by July 16th to receive the group rate.
A private complimentary shuttle between the hotel and reception locations will be available for two hours at the start and end of the reception.
Reception Wording:
The pleasure of your company
is requested
at the Reception
immediately following the ceremony
Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center
Address
Address
6:00 p.m. to Midnight
For personalized directions to both the ceremony and the reception, please visit our website, www.christianandkatie.com
RSVP Wording:
The favor of a reply is requested on or before July 24th, 2010
Name(s)
________________________________
________________________________
accepts / regrets
adults / children
carnivores (meat-eaters) / herbivores (vegetarians)
Save a stamp and respond on our website,
www.christianandkatie.com
Main Invitation: 3 5/8" X 5 1/4"
Accommodations Card: 4.75" X 3 7/8"
Reception Card: 4.75" X 3.5"
RSVP Card: 4.75" X 3"
1.5" Circle Monogram: I used this template of 1.5" circles. I then opened it in Photoshop to design and position the 'k+c' text in the center of each circle. You can also space out your monogram on Microsoft word and test different font sizes to get the perfect monogrammed size. For instance, I would type: K+C, and then push tab a few times, and then write K+C again. That should give you enough space to use your circle punch.
Listed below is the wording that I used on my invitation. Your invitation wording will be different obviously, but feel free to copy and paste to make it your own.
Main Invitation Wording:
Together with their parents,
katiemariesoltysiak
daughter of susan & edward soltysiak
+
christianmichaelflickinger
son of patti & craig flickinger
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding
saturday
08.07.10
at half past four in the afternoon
church name
address
address
Accommodations Wording:
Katie and Christian's Wedding
A block of rooms have been reserved at:
Detroit Marriott Livonia
Address
Address
Friday, August 6th and Saturday, August 7th, 2010
Please make reservations by going to www.livoniamarriott.com and use group code:
SFWSFWA - King Room
SFWSFWD - Double-Double Room
You may also call for reservations (800) 288-9290 and request the
Soltysiak Flickinger Wedding Room Block
Please book your reservation by July 16th to receive the group rate.
A private complimentary shuttle between the hotel and reception locations will be available for two hours at the start and end of the reception.
Reception Wording:
The pleasure of your company
is requested
at the Reception
immediately following the ceremony
Laurel Manor Banquet & Conference Center
Address
Address
6:00 p.m. to Midnight
For personalized directions to both the ceremony and the reception, please visit our website, www.christianandkatie.com
RSVP Wording:
The favor of a reply is requested on or before July 24th, 2010
Name(s)
________________________________
________________________________
accepts / regrets
adults / children
carnivores (meat-eaters) / herbivores (vegetarians)
Save a stamp and respond on our website,
www.christianandkatie.com
Step 3: Cut Out the Pieces With Text
Cutting out all of your pieces first will save you a lot of time. Cutting out all of the pieces is very time consuming, so don't get mad at yourself if you can't do it in a day!
After printing the 3 card inserts and your invitation, cut them out using an X-acto knife or a paper cutter. There is usually a print setting in any program that allows you to print out guides with what you're printing. If you don't do this, you will have to manually measure out each card you print, which would take ages!
I was able to fit 4 cards to a page for the dinner and dancing and the RSVP cards.
I could fit 2 to a page for the accommodations insert and the main invitation.
I used an X-acto knife, but if I had to do it again, I would definitely use a paper cutter. I feel that it would save a ton of time with less mistakes!
After printing the 3 card inserts and your invitation, cut them out using an X-acto knife or a paper cutter. There is usually a print setting in any program that allows you to print out guides with what you're printing. If you don't do this, you will have to manually measure out each card you print, which would take ages!
I was able to fit 4 cards to a page for the dinner and dancing and the RSVP cards.
I could fit 2 to a page for the accommodations insert and the main invitation.
I used an X-acto knife, but if I had to do it again, I would definitely use a paper cutter. I feel that it would save a ton of time with less mistakes!
Step 4: Cut Out the Invitation Enclosure
For the main invitation enclosure (the item that is holding your main invitation and all of your cards), cut 2 pieces of card stock as follows:
1st (large) piece) 11" x 6.25"
2nd (smaller) piece) 6.75" x 6.25"
1st (large) piece) 11" x 6.25"
2nd (smaller) piece) 6.75" x 6.25"
Step 5: Score the Enclosure Pieces
This has to be very precise to fit into the envelope perfectly. If you are 1/8" off, you will have to do it over.
If you score and fold at these exact measurements, you'll be golden. Using your Martha Stewart scoring board, this is extremely easy. You can do it with a ruler, but it will take you hours and hours longer. It's worth the purchase!
Side Note: Put one invitation together first to make sure you're doing it right and that it fits into the envelope correctly. It should be a snug, but perfect, fit. Better to make a mistake on one than on 250.
Take out your scoring board and place the smaller piece on it, as shown in the photos.
Using the pointy side of your bone folder, score the piece at the 4" mark.
For the larger piece, score the paper at 3/8" and 7"
If you score and fold at these exact measurements, you'll be golden. Using your Martha Stewart scoring board, this is extremely easy. You can do it with a ruler, but it will take you hours and hours longer. It's worth the purchase!
Side Note: Put one invitation together first to make sure you're doing it right and that it fits into the envelope correctly. It should be a snug, but perfect, fit. Better to make a mistake on one than on 250.
Take out your scoring board and place the smaller piece on it, as shown in the photos.
Using the pointy side of your bone folder, score the piece at the 4" mark.
For the larger piece, score the paper at 3/8" and 7"
Step 6: Cut Out the Pocket
Make yourself a template out of card stock to fit inside the smaller section where you scored on the smaller enclosure piece.
Place your template on the small enclosure piece, and make a dot in the middle with your pen or pencil. Use your ruler to line up with the dot you made and the edge, and cut it with your X-Acto Knife. Do the same for the other side.
Make sure that the triangle you cut is facing as shown in the photos.
Place your template on the small enclosure piece, and make a dot in the middle with your pen or pencil. Use your ruler to line up with the dot you made and the edge, and cut it with your X-Acto Knife. Do the same for the other side.
Make sure that the triangle you cut is facing as shown in the photos.
Step 7: Cut Out the Invitation Contrast Piece and the Monograms
For the contrasting card stock that goes behind your main invitation to make it pop, cut out 4 1/8" X 5 3/4" rectangles. I used gray, but feel free to use something more fun or something that relates to your wedding theme.
The monograms (with the text on it) should be punched out with your 1.5" hole puncher, and the contrasting background for the monogram should be punched out with your 2" hole puncher.
The monograms (with the text on it) should be punched out with your 1.5" hole puncher, and the contrasting background for the monogram should be punched out with your 2" hole puncher.
Step 8: Fold the Invitations
Fold the pieces where you scored. For crisp edges, go over the folds with your bone folder.
Step 9: Tape the Pocketfold Section Shut
Using double-sided tape, put a piece on each side of the pocket. Close the pocket.
Make sure you tape on the very edges, otherwise the insert cards won't fit.
Go over the taped sides with your bone folder to really adhere the tape to the paper.
Make sure you tape on the very edges, otherwise the insert cards won't fit.
Go over the taped sides with your bone folder to really adhere the tape to the paper.
Step 10: Merge the Pieces Together to Make One
For this step, using double-sided tape, tape every edge of the back of the pocketfold piece.
Don't leave any small gaps where there isn't any tape, because it will be obvious that it is two different sheets of paper that you used. We want to make it look like 1 piece of paper was used (very flowing), instead of a Frankenstein.
Match up the pocketfold piece to the EDGE of the larger piece. If you match it to the crease, your enclosure won't close! Press down on your tape with your bone folder to ensure that it will be very secure.
You now have the main enclosure piece finished!
Don't leave any small gaps where there isn't any tape, because it will be obvious that it is two different sheets of paper that you used. We want to make it look like 1 piece of paper was used (very flowing), instead of a Frankenstein.
Match up the pocketfold piece to the EDGE of the larger piece. If you match it to the crease, your enclosure won't close! Press down on your tape with your bone folder to ensure that it will be very secure.
You now have the main enclosure piece finished!
Step 11: Adhere the Contrasting Card to the Inside
To give the invitation depth and a true handmade look, make an X with your double-sided tape on the back. When placing, there should be 1/4" on each side. I eyed all of my invitations and they looked just fine. Push down on the tape with your bone folder to permanently adhere the card.
Step 12: Adhere the Main Invitation to the Contrasting Card
Do the same thing to the main invitation as you did for the contrasting card.
Step 13: Cut the Ribbon and Adhere to Invitation
Cut your ribbon to 14 inches long with pinking shears. I used pinking shears in order to prevent fraying on the ribbon and to make it more presentable.
To save time, cut all of your ribbon at once.
Put a small piece of double-sided tape on one end of the ribbon. Tuck that end into the pocket, taped to the top part of the inside of the pocket.
Then, wrap the ribbon around the outside of the invitation, and tape the other side of the ribbon to the inside.
To save time, cut all of your ribbon at once.
Put a small piece of double-sided tape on one end of the ribbon. Tuck that end into the pocket, taped to the top part of the inside of the pocket.
Then, wrap the ribbon around the outside of the invitation, and tape the other side of the ribbon to the inside.
Step 14: Insert Cards Into Pocket
This step's title says it all. Make sure you have all three cards in your pocket before closing it up!
Step 15: Close the Invitation
Close the invitation by folding the right side in first, and the left side in second.
Step 16: Adhere the Monogram to the Larger Contrasting Circle
Using a small piece of double-sided tape, adhere the monogram to it's contrast.
Step 17: Monogram Your Invitation
Once all of the monograms are ready, use a strip of tape, parallel with your monogram's writing. Half of the monogram should be adhered to the left side. Make sure that the monogram is adhered to the left side really well.
To close the invitation, tap on the monogram on the right side. This way, the monogram will be sure to stay on the left side as your guests open it, but won't be struggling to open it!
To close the invitation, tap on the monogram on the right side. This way, the monogram will be sure to stay on the left side as your guests open it, but won't be struggling to open it!
Step 18: RSVP Return Envelope
For the RSVP return envelope, we gave our guests the option to save a stamp and RSVP online. We cut out the stamps, and paper-clipped them to return envelope. The envelope size we found that fit the RSVP card perfectly was 5 1/8" X 3 5/8" ., This way, guests could re-use the stamp on something else if they wanted to. We bought some address labels at Staples, designed and printed them, and stuck them onto the cards.
The RSVP return envelope easily slid in between the ribbon and the invitation on the back side. This was a last-minute decision on my part, and I truly believe it looked perfect and completed the invitation!
The RSVP return envelope easily slid in between the ribbon and the invitation on the back side. This was a last-minute decision on my part, and I truly believe it looked perfect and completed the invitation!
Step 19: Stuff Envelopes
Stuff each envelope with your invitation after addressing and stamping them with 2 stamps. It's a lot easier to hand-write and stamp envelopes without stuff in them! Don't forget your return address label!
Step 20: The Envelope Seal
You can seal the envelope by creating your very own stickers.
Using the same template that I provided in step 2, design your seal.
Print them out on sticker paper. I bought mine at Staples. Using your 1.5" hole puncher, punch out the stickers, and attach them to seal envelope. You're all set and ready to send them out!
Using the same template that I provided in step 2, design your seal.
Print them out on sticker paper. I bought mine at Staples. Using your 1.5" hole puncher, punch out the stickers, and attach them to seal envelope. You're all set and ready to send them out!
Be proud that you made your invitations, 100% on your own. If you are truly hardcore, you will give these a try.