DIYBride is seeking graphic designers for the launch of our online shop in Spring 2009. We will be offering download + print projects (invitations, programs, table numbers, favors, etc.) for sale in our boutique. If you are a graphic designer /stationery designer and would like more information, please contact me directly at khris at diybride dot com.

We get asked these questions a lot at DIY Bride and no wonder. Learning to make an invitation or other stationery for the first time can be a little confusing. The world of invitation design requires a whole new vocabulary. We’re here to help you make sense of it all with our quick invite and envelope size guide.

Invitation Sizes

Invites can be any size you’d like. In fact, it’s a lot of fun to make – and receive – odd-sized invites for a little somthing different. And we looove different. The only drawback to creating an offsize invite is finding an envelope that’ll fit. (In an upcoming tutorial we’ll be showing you how to create your own envelopes.) Staying within standard envelope sizes will ensure you’ll be able to find a envelope that’ll fit your design and offer you a wide selection of choices of color and texture.

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Below is a chart that names the common envelope sizes and, underneath, shows the dimensions of the envelope and the size of the invitation it’ll hold.

Now that you know the common envelope sizes, there are two types of styles used for invitations. The envelope style refers to the shape of the flap.

There are other sizes and styles of envelopes, of course. These are just the most common used in DIY and commercial invitations.

Inspired by a popular line of similar, pricey invitations, we created our own version for just a fraction of the cost. This project takes a bit of time but the effort is worth it! The full instructions are available to members in our downloads area, under “Project Sheets”. Look for the “folder-style invitation ” listing.