Flyer design basics

Designing a wedding invitation is a print job with high emotional stakes. It is also a perfect use case for a browser-based design tool.

What to include

A traditional wedding invitation has:

• The couple's names
• The date and time
• The venue
• An RSVP contact or method
• Optional: parents' names, a religious verse, dress code, reception details

Sizing

Common sizes:

• 5 x 7 inches (most popular)
• 4.25 x 5.5 inches (smaller, more intimate)
• A5 (148 x 210 mm)
• A6 (105 x 148 mm) for pocket-style inserts

The size affects how much text fits and how formal the invitation feels. Larger is more formal.

Visual style

The style of the invitation sets the tone for the wedding:

• Formal — serif fonts, gold or silver foil, traditional layout
• Modern — sans-serif fonts, minimal layout, monochromatic
• Rustic — script fonts, kraft paper, illustrated motifs
• Whimsical — handwritten fonts, bright colours, playful illustrations

Choose a style and stick to it. Mixing styles creates an inconsistent feel.

Layout

A simple layout:

• Top: a monogram or small motif
• Middle: the couple's names and the request line
• Bottom: date, time, venue, RSVP details

Keep plenty of white space. The invitation should feel calm, not crowded.

Paper

The paper makes the invitation. Common choices:

• Matte cardstock (300 GSM) — classic, easy to read
• Glossy cardstock — modern, but harder to read in bright light
• Pearl or shimmer finish — premium, but expensive
• Kraft paper — rustic, casual

Print quality

• Set 3 mm bleed
• Set the safe zone to 3 mm inside the trim
• All text inside the safe zone
• Backgrounds and full-coverage colours extending to the bleed edge
• Export as PDF at 300 DPI

FAQ

Should I include a photo?

Traditional invitations do not include photos. Modern invitations sometimes do. Choose based on your style.

How many cards should I print?

Estimate your guest list, then add 10-15% for keepsakes, last-minute additions, and errors.

Can I print at home?

For small runs, yes. For larger runs, a print shop will be cheaper and higher quality.