The Complete Wedding Invitation Sizing & Print Specification Guide
Everything you need to know about paper weight (gsm vs lb), guillotine trimming margins, and envelope nesting orders.
1. Understanding Cardstock Weights (GSM vs Cover LB)
Nothing feels more luxurious than substantial paper. Choose the right thickness for each layer:
- 110 lb – 120 lb Cover (300 – 320 GSM): Standard premium wedding cardstock. Sturdy, rigid, and feeds smoothly through digital home printers.
- 220 lb – 240 lb Double-Thick (600 GSM Cotton): Ultra-luxe, heavy board weight. Ideal for letterpress, foil stamping, and blind debossing.
- 80 lb – 100 lb Text (120 GSM): Lightweight paper specifically used for outer envelopes and envelope liners.
2. Proper Invitation Suite Stacking & Assembly Order
Traditional etiquette dictates how elements are stacked inside the envelope:
1. Main Invitation Card (Face up on bottom)
2. Reception / Details Card (Face up over invitation)
3. RSVP Return Envelope (Flap facing down)
4. RSVP Card (Tucked under the flap of the RSVP envelope, face up)
5. Belly Band / Ribbon (Wrapped around entire stack)
6. Inserted into Outer Envelope so recipient sees printed names immediately upon opening!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a 5x7 invitation fit in an A6 envelope?
No. An A6 envelope measures 4.75" × 6.5", which is too small for a 5" × 7" card. A 5" × 7" card strictly requires an A7 envelope (5.25" × 7.25").
What is the bleed size for a 5x7 wedding invitation?
Add 0.125" to all sides, resulting in a total document size of 5.25" × 7.25" (1575 × 2175 pixels at 300 DPI).
How long should a belly band be for a 5x7 invitation?
A standard belly band should be 1.5" to 2.0" tall and 11.0" to 11.5" long to wrap comfortably around a multi-card suite with an overlap for adhesive.