Scroll wedding invitations, also known as scroll invitations, are a unique and elegant way to invite guests to your special day. These invitations are typically made of high-quality paper and feature a rolled or folded design that resembles a scroll.
To create a scroll wedding invitation, start by choosing high-quality paper or cardstock. This will ensure that the invitation is sturdy and will hold its shape when rolled or folded. Heavy-weight papers such as cardstock or watercolor paper work well for scroll invitations.
Next, decide on the design and layout of the invitation. This can include elements such as the names of the couple, the date and location of the wedding, and any other relevant details. It’s important to keep the design simple and elegant, as the scroll shape itself adds a decorative touch to the invitation.
Once the design is complete, it’s time to roll or fold the invitation into a scroll shape. This can be done by hand or with the help of a rolling tool or scroll invitation kit.
Rolling the invitation by hand
To roll the invitation by hand, start by gently rolling one end of the invitation. Then, continue rolling the paper until it is tightly rolled, making sure to keep the design and text straight and centered.
Assembling a folded scroll
For a folded scroll, start by folding the invitation in half lengthwise. Then, fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle shape. Fold the triangle in half, and continue folding until the entire invitation is folded into a compact, scroll-like shape.
Once the invitation is rolled or folded, it can be tied with a ribbon or other decorative element to keep it secure. A piece of ribbon or twine can be tied around the middle of the scroll or attached to the ends to create a bow. Other decorative elements, such as charms or beads, can also be added to the ribbon for an extra touch of elegance.
Styling Scroll Wedding Invites
When it comes to styling a scroll wedding invitation, the sky is the limit. These invitations can be adorned with a variety of decorative elements, such as embellishments, ribbons, and charms. They can also be finished with a seal or wax stamp for a touch of elegance. For a more rustic or vintage feel, consider using burlap or lace as a wrapping for the scroll, or adding a stamped or embossed design to the paper.
Scroll wedding invitations can be sent on their own, or enclosed in a matching envelope for added protection. They can also be presented in a decorative box or container, along with other wedding stationery items such as RSVP cards and information cards.
Overall, scroll wedding invitations are a beautiful and unique way to invite guests to your special day. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a scroll invitation that perfectly reflects your personal style and sets the tone for your big day!
Types of Scroll Wedding Invitations
Not all scroll invitations are created equal. While the classic version is a printed sheet rolled into a cylinder, modern couples have put a lot of creative spin on the format. Here are the most popular variations to consider.
Parchment scroll: The most traditional style – cream or ivory parchment paper with aged-looking edges, often featuring calligraphy and tied with a ribbon or wax seal. This works beautifully for vintage, Renaissance, or fairy-tale themed weddings.
Vellum outer wrap: A printed inner card is encased in a translucent vellum outer sheet, then rolled and tied. The vellum layer creates a dreamy, ethereal effect – you can print a floral motif or calligraphy on the vellum itself for a layered look.
Wax-sealed scroll: Whether the scroll is secured with a ribbon or a wax stamp closure, wax seals add instant romance. Use your initials or a monogram stamp for a personalized touch that feels like correspondence from another era.
Tropical or beach scroll: Lighter paper, botanical illustrations, and natural twine create a relaxed coastal feel. Palm fronds, hibiscus, or watercolor sunset gradients work well for destination beach weddings.
Browse Paperlust’s scroll wedding invitations collection to find designs that can be customized to your style, paper preference, and wording.
What to Write on a Scroll Wedding Invitation
The wording on a scroll invitation follows the same principles as any other format – all the essential information should be clear, but the tone can be as formal or relaxed as you like. Given the dramatic presentation of a scroll, many couples lean into the theatrical and choose slightly elevated language.
A classic formal approach:
Together with their families
Olivia Grace Chen and Thomas William Harper
request the honour of your presence
at their marriage
Saturday, the fifth of September, two thousand and twenty-six
at half past five in the evening
The Grand Pavilion, Napa Valley, California
A more relaxed, modern take:
Olivia & Thomas are getting married!
Join us on Saturday, September 5, 2026
5:30pm – The Grand Pavilion, Napa Valley, CA
Dinner and dancing to follow
Because scroll invitations have limited space for text (especially if being rolled tightly), keep the wording to the essentials. Move accommodation details, travel tips, and schedule information to a separate enclosure card or wedding website. For more wording ideas, our invitation wording guide covers every format and formality level.
How to Mail Scroll Wedding Invitations
Mailing a scroll is one area where extra planning pays off. Standard envelope mailers won’t work – you’ll need one of these options.
Mailing tubes: The most secure option. Postal tubes (available in kraft or white) protect the scroll from being bent or crushed in transit. You can customize the tube with a label, wax seal on the cap, or a printed band of paper around the outside. The downside is higher postage due to the cylindrical, non-machinable format – budget for hand-canceling fees at the post office.
Rigid mailers or boxes: For a flat-folded scroll (rather than a rolled one), a small rigid envelope or decorative box works well. This also allows you to include enclosure cards, RSVP envelopes, and extras like save the dates or detail cards in the same package.
Protective sleeves: For a looser, lightweight scroll inside a standard padded mailer, a clear cello sleeve around the rolled scroll keeps it clean and prevents the paper from absorbing moisture in transit.
Always send one test scroll through the mail before your full send to check for any transit damage. What arrives after a 3-day postal journey tells you exactly what your guests will receive.
Scroll Invitations vs. Traditional Flat Cards
Scroll invitations are a statement piece – they signal immediately that this wedding is going to be different. Here’s how they compare to a standard flat invitation card.
Scroll advantages: Memorable unboxing experience; highly shareable on social media; suits dramatic, themed, or destination weddings; creates a keepsake guests are likely to hold onto.
Flat card advantages: Easier to mail; lower postage costs; more space for text and design; pairs naturally with enclosure cards, RSVP envelopes, and inner envelopes; more widely compatible with modern printing methods like foil stamping and letterpress. Options like all-in-one invitations – with a built-in perforated RSVP – can’t be replicated in scroll format.
The good news is you don’t have to choose one over the other. Some couples use scroll invitations for their closest VIP guests and standard printed invitations for the wider guest list – a hybrid approach that lets the scroll feel extra special.
Professional Scroll-Style Invitations from Paperlust
Creating a DIY scroll is fun, but the results can vary – especially when it comes to consistent paper quality, clean rolling, and print precision. Paperlust’s team of professional designers handle every detail, from choosing the right paper weight for rolling without cracking to ensuring your wording is typeset beautifully on the first proof.
Wedding invitations start from $2.04 per card, and with a designer proof delivered in 1 to 2 business days, you’ll see exactly what your scroll will look like before anything goes to press. Two rounds of edits are included at no extra cost. Request a $5 sample pack or a $20 full swatch kit to feel the paper quality in your hands before committing. Explore the full range of wedding invitation designs and chat with our team about creating a scroll-style suite that’s uniquely yours.
Want to add a cohesive finishing touch? Custom round stickers from Paperlust Print Shop make perfect envelope seals or favor labels to tie your whole wedding aesthetic together.
Frequently Asked Questions: Scroll Wedding Invitations
How do you mail scroll wedding invitations?
Best sent in cylindrical postal tubes for full protection. Flat-folded scrolls can go in rigid mailers. Note that tube mailers are non-machinable and require hand-canceling at the post office, adding to postage costs. Always send a test before your full mailing.
What paper is best for scroll wedding invitations?
A medium-weight cardstock (around 120 to 160gsm) rolls without cracking while holding its shape. Parchment, vellum, and watercolor paper are popular choices for their visual appeal and flexibility.
How far in advance should scroll invitations be sent?
Send 8 to 10 weeks before your wedding – slightly earlier than standard invitations to account for postal delays with the non-standard format. For destination weddings, send 3 to 4 months in advance.
Are scroll wedding invitations more expensive?
They can be, due to specialty paper, assembly, and mailing tubes. The biggest additional cost is usually postage – tube mailers are billed at higher non-machinable rates. However, for a small guest list, the total cost premium is manageable and the impact is worth it.
Wow very neat and clean manufactured and printed cards. its really looking amazing