Wedding invitation style: How to choose the right one

Wedding invitation style, which one will be best for you, how do you choose? If you are just starting out on your wedding planning journey, you are probably totally confused by all the different wedding invite jargon out there. Do you need a pocketfold, a concertina, or simple flat or folded invite? And while we’re at it, what on earth is a bellyband, or a jacket? In this blog I’ll explain about the different kinds of wedding invitation styles I offer and how to decide which is right for you.

What are pocket-fold invitations?

These are folded cards with an internal pocket to hold an RSVP card and other guest information and gift cards. They are really popular with couples who want to give their guests a bit more info ahead of the big day. The pocket will comfortably hold a reply card and up to two more cards. For example; accommodation details, menus, and a gift list or alternative poem. Everything is held together in a neat little package secured with a ribbon or bellyband and a wax seal if you like.

What extra info do you need to include in your wedding invites?

A pocketfold wedding invitation style is a good option for you if:

• You have lots of details you want to give your guests
• You need to include a reply card with an envelope

I recommend a pocketfold in particular if you are asking your guests to pre-order from a menu with options. There is plenty of space to include the menu in full as well as tick boxes for their choices on the reply card.

How to include menu options in your wedding invitations

See more pocketfold wedding invitations

Concertina style wedding invitations

Concertina invitations are a long piece of card. They are printed on one or both sides and folded up (either to a square or postcard shape) to fit into the envelope. They are sometimes called tri-fold invitations. A concertina invitation with two folds will give up to six ‘panels’ that can be printed. One with three folds will give up to eight panels. The end panel of the card can be printed as a reply post card (with your address on the back). This will be cut off by your guests and sent back to you.

Concertina style invites are a neat way to include lots of extra details in a simple and cost effective way. A concertina invitation doesn’t need any further embellishment than the printing design itself. For extra wow factor you can add a ribbon or bellyband and a wax seal if you like.

See more concertina style wedding invitations

Choose a concertina wedding invitation style if:

• You have lots of details you want to give your guests
• You are prefer an ‘all in one’ design to the loose cards of a pocketfold
• You want an eco friendly option, as they can be printed onto plantable seedpaper

I recommend a concertina style if you want very clean and simple invite that your guests can display on a shelf or mantlepiece.

All about plantable seed paper wedding invitations

Flat wedding and evening invites

Flat invitations are a timeless and classic wedding invitation style. They can be a single printed card or made up of layers fixed together. Perfect if you have a minimal amount of detail to give your guests. Perhaps you have a wedding website where your guests can find all the extra details and also reply to you. Of course, if you want to include additional cards with your flat invitations you can. You can either just pop them in the envelope along with the invitation or add a decorative bellyband or ribbon to hold them together as a bundle.

Flat invitations are for you if:

• You don’t need to give your guests a lot of information
• You have a phone number, email or website for collecting responses
• You want a low impact, eco friendly wedding invite printed on recycled card or plantable seed paper

I recommend a flat invitation for a very simple, budget friendly invitation. They are best suited for your evening invitations.

See more flat wedding invitations

And what was that about bellybands?

I’ve mentioned bellybands throughout this blog so here’s a quick note about what they actually are. It’s simply a strip of card, paper or vellum that wraps around an invitation. It holds the flap of a pocketfold closed. It keeps a bundle of flat cards together or it just adds an extra decorative element to any invitation. Bellybands can be plain or printed and are sometimes finished with a ribbon or wax seal as well.

So, what wedding invitation style is best for you?

Hopefully I’ve given you some pointers on how to choose the best wedding invitation style. Before you get your heart set beautiful invitation that you spot on Pinterest, have a good think about what you actually need to include in your invitations. This will determine which style is going to be best for you.

In short:
Go for a pocket or concertina wedding invitation style if you have lots of extra details.
Go for a flat invite if you don’t. The flat style of wedding invitation is a great option for evening invites.

Remember that whichever style you choose, it can be fully customised and tailored however you like. All of my designs can be made as pocketfold, concertina, or flat wedding invitations.

Go see my wedding invite design collection

Everything I make is bespoke to you and your wedding. If any of the invite styles I’ve talked about aren’t quite right for you, get in touch. I’d love to talk through other options and ideas with you. Want to ask me a question or jump right in and book an appointment with me?

Need some help deciding exactly what you need to put in your invitations? Go have a read of this blog, it will really help.

What to include in your wedding invitations: a complete guide

Not ready to get in touch just yet? You’ll find all kinds of wedding invitation style inspiration, top tips and planning advice posted daily on my Instagram. Pop over and take a look.

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