Wedding Invitation Size Guide: Standard Dimensions for Every Piece | Paperlust

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Getting the size right before you order is one of those details that can save you a real headache. Wrong-size invitation means wrong-size envelope, and wrong-size envelope means awkward stuffing, bent corners, and possibly a trip back to the printer. This guide covers standard dimensions for every piece in a wedding suite — from the main invitation and RSVP card to save the dates and enclosure cards — plus what you need to know about envelopes, postage, and bleed requirements if you’re designing your own.

Browse our full range of wedding invitations to see these sizes in action before you commit to a format.

Quick Reference: Standard Wedding Suite Dimensions

Suite Piece	Standard Size (inches)	Paired Envelope	Notes
Main Invitation (standard)	5 x 7	A7 (5.25 x 7.25)	Most common; standard postage if under 1 oz
Main Invitation (small)	4.25 x 5.5	A2 (4.375 x 5.75)	Budget-friendly, compact option
Square Invitation	5.78 x 5.78 (147 x 147mm)	Square (6.25 x 6.25)	Non-machinable surcharge applies
Slim / DL Invitation	4 x 9	DL (4.33 x 8.66)	Modern, elongated format
Bifold Invitation	5 x 7 (folded from 7 x 10)	A7 (5.25 x 7.25)	Larger inner canvas; fits standard A7
RSVP Card	3.5 x 5 or 4 x 6	A2 (4.375 x 5.75) or A6 (4.75 x 6.5)	Include a pre-addressed return envelope
Details / Info Card	3.5 x 5 or 4 x 6	Nested inside main envelope	Typically matches RSVP card size
Save the Date (card)	4 x 6 or 5 x 7	A6 or A7	Postcard or card-with-envelope format
Save the Date (magnet)	4 x 6	A6 or bubble mailer	Popular for out-of-town guests
Gatefold Invitation	~5 x 7 (closed); opens from center	Custom (slightly larger than A7)	Custom quote; luxury/black-tie weddings
All-in-One Trifold	5.51 x 13.82 (140 x 351mm flat)	No envelope needed	Perforated RSVP included; self-mailer

Standard Wedding Invitation Size: Why 5 x 7 Inches Is the Default

The 5 x 7 inch invitation is the industry standard, and it earned that title for practical reasons. It gives designers enough room to include all the essential wording — names, date, venue, dress code, and a short note about online RSVPs — without feeling cramped. It also sits neatly inside an A7 envelope (5.25 x 7.25 inches), which is widely stocked at print shops, office supply stores, and online retailers across the US.

From a postage standpoint, a single 5 x 7 invitation card printed on standard cardstock typically comes in under one ounce, which means it qualifies for a single first-class stamp. Add inserts and a return RSVP envelope and you’ll likely need two stamps — but the format keeps costs predictable. It’s also the size most professional printers optimize their press sheets for, which tends to keep unit costs down on larger print runs.

If you want to check paper weight and print finish before committing to a full suite order, a $5 sample pack is a low-risk way to get the cards in your hands first.

Gatefold

Gatefold invitations open from the center like two doors, revealing your wedding details inside. The closed size typically mirrors a standard invitation — around 5 x 7 inches — with each flap folding inward to meet in the middle. They create a dramatic, high-end unboxing moment that’s popular for luxury and black-tie weddings. Because of the extra panels, gatefold invitations need a slightly larger envelope than a standard 5 x 7 invitation. Paperlust gatefold invitations are available via custom quote — the exact dimensions depend on your chosen design and panel configuration.

All-in-One Trifold (5.51 x 13.82 inches / 140 x 351mm flat)

The all-in-one trifold is Paperlust’s most self-contained format: three panels that fold together to contain your invitation, event details, and a perforated tear-off RSVP card — all in one piece, no separate envelope required. When flat, the card is approximately 5.51 x 13.82 inches (140 x 351mm). Folded for mailing, it becomes a compact, postage-friendly parcel. It’s an excellent option for couples who want a streamlined guest experience or who are ordering on a tighter timeline. Browse Paperlust all-in-one invitations to see available designs.

Other Wedding Invitation Formats and Their Dimensions

A2 (4.25 x 5.5 inches)

The A2 is a smaller, more compact invitation that works well for casual weddings, elopement announcements, or couples who prefer a minimal suite. It fits in a standard A2 envelope (4.375 x 5.75 inches) and is slightly cheaper to print and mail due to its smaller footprint. The trade-off is less design real estate, so layout needs to be clean and efficient.

Square (5.78 x 5.78 inches, 147 x 147mm)

Square invitations have a modern, gallery-like quality that suits bold typography and clean layouts. At Paperlust, the square invitation size is 5.78 x 5.78 inches (147 x 147mm). They require a square envelope (typically 6.25 x 6.25 inches), and because square envelopes cannot be processed by USPS sorting machines, a non-machinable surcharge applies on top of standard postage. That cost adds up across a full guest list, so factor it into your mailing budget from the start.

Slim / DL (4 x 9 inches)

The DL format has an elongated, editorial quality that suits modern and minimalist wedding styles. It fits into a DL envelope (4.33 x 8.66 inches) and feels particularly striking when paired with a single-color design or a full-bleed photograph. The narrow shape keeps postage in the standard letter range as long as weight is managed, making it a practical choice despite its distinctive look.

Bifold

A bifold invitation is a standard-size card that opens like a book. The most common version starts at 7 x 10 inches and folds down to 5 x 7, fitting inside a standard A7 envelope. The inside spread gives you a larger canvas for venue illustrations, ceremony programs, or accommodations information — making it a good option when you have a lot to say without packing in multiple insert cards.

Postcard Format

Postcard invitations skip the envelope entirely. A 4 x 6 postcard can be mailed at the USPS postcard rate, which is lower than the standard letter rate, making them a budget-friendly option for casual gatherings, post-wedding parties, or rehearsal dinner invites. The back side is divided between the address area and your message, so wording needs to be tight and focused.

Envelope Sizes for Wedding Invitations

Choosing the right envelope affects more than just fit — it shapes the unboxing experience, how the suite looks in the mailbox, and your total postage cost. Here is a breakdown of the most common envelope sizes and what they pair with.

• A7 (5.25 x 7.25 inches): The standard pairing for a 5 x 7 invitation. This is the most widely used envelope in wedding stationery and is available in everything from bright white smooth stock to textured linen and deep velvet finishes.
• A2 (4.375 x 5.75 inches): Pairs with A2 invitation cards (4.25 x 5.5 inches) and is the standard size for return envelopes included with RSVP cards.
• A6 (4.75 x 6.5 inches): A versatile mid-size envelope that works with 4 x 6 RSVP or details cards, and can double as a save-the-date mailer for the 4 x 6 postcard format.
• Square (5.75 x 5.75 inches): Required for square invitations. Some couples use square outer envelopes paired with a standard rectangular insert — but the non-machinable surcharge still applies to the outer envelope.
• DL (4.33 x 8.66 inches): The companion envelope for slim-format invitations. Common in European stationery and increasingly popular in the US for its sleek, elongated profile.

If you’re addressing your own envelopes, check our detailed guide on addressing your envelopes for etiquette tips and formatting examples.

RSVP Card Size: What Fits and What Works

The RSVP card is the most-handled insert in any wedding suite. The two standard sizes are 3.5 x 5 inches and 4 x 6 inches. The 3.5 x 5 card pairs with an A2 return envelope (4.375 x 5.75 inches); the 4 x 6 card pairs with an A6 return envelope (4.75 x 6.5 inches). Both sizes fit comfortably inside a standard A7 main envelope alongside the invitation and a details card without overstuffing.

The 3.5 x 5 option is slightly more economical and gives the suite a clean, layered look when stacked. The 4 x 6 gives you more room for wording, which is useful if you’re collecting meal preferences or handling dietary restrictions on the card itself.

Always include a pre-addressed and pre-stamped return envelope with your RSVP card. Guests are far more likely to respond on time when they don’t have to track down a stamp and an envelope of their own.

Details and Information Card Size

The details card — sometimes called the information card or accommodation card — carries the supporting information that would clutter the main invite: hotel block details, wedding website URL, parking notes, shuttle times, or ceremony location specifics.

Standard sizing matches the RSVP card: either 3.5 x 5 or 4 x 6 inches. Keeping both cards the same size makes the suite feel cohesive and simplifies envelope stuffing, since you’re working with uniform layers. Some couples choose a 4 x 9 slim insert that matches a DL-format invitation — it folds flat and slots neatly into a DL envelope alongside the main card.

If your details card is running long, consider moving some content to your wedding website and using the card simply to direct guests there. It keeps the design clean and avoids cramped typography.

Save the Date Size

Save the dates go out months before invitations and set the visual tone for the whole wedding. The most common sizes are 4 x 6 (postcard format) and 5 x 7 (card with envelope). At Paperlust, the standard complementary card and save the date size is 5.51 x 4.21 inches (140 x 107mm) — a compact format that ships neatly inside your main invitation envelope or stands alone.

A 4 x 6 postcard save the date is the most economical choice. It can be mailed without an envelope at the postcard rate and gives guests a tactile keepsake to pin to the fridge. A 5 x 7 card with an A7 envelope creates a more formal first impression and gives you more room for photography or illustration — ideal for destination weddings or couples who want the save the date to feel as polished as the invitation itself.

Magnet save the dates are particularly popular for guests traveling from out of town, since a magnet is a practical reminder that stays visible. The standard magnet size is 4 x 6 inches. They’re typically mailed in an A6 envelope or a small bubble mailer to prevent bending in transit.

Insert and Enclosure Card Sizes

Any additional cards in a wedding suite — a map card, rehearsal dinner invite, hotel accommodation list, or transport schedule — should be sized to fit comfortably inside the main envelope without forcing or crumpling at the corners.

A good working rule: enclosure cards should be at least 0.25 inches smaller than the envelope opening on each side. For an A7 envelope (5.25 x 7.25 inches), that means inserts should be no larger than 5 x 7 inches. In practice, most inserts are sized to 3.5 x 5 or 4 x 6 inches so they sit as a secondary layer behind or in front of the main card without adding bulk.

When stuffing multiple inserts, stack them from largest to smallest with the main invitation at the back and the smallest card at the front, all facing upward. This makes it easy for guests to flip through the suite in logical order without anything getting lost or overlooked.

Arch and Non-Standard Shapes

Arch invitations have become one of the most popular formats in recent years, and they’re simpler than they look from a sizing standpoint. At Paperlust, arch and die-cut shapes include a full arch, half arch, 14-degree angled trim, and circle — all cut from a standard rectangular footprint. An arch card occupies the same outer dimensions as a standard 5 x 7 invitation — the arch is simply the silhouette die-cut from that rectangle. It fits the same A7 envelope and requires no special mailing treatment.

The same logic applies to invitations with scalloped edges, rounded corners, or irregular curves: the outer envelope is sized to the rectangle containing the shape, not the shape itself. What changes is the production process. Arch and die-cut invitations require a cutting die and slightly more production time, which typically adds a small cost per piece but does not affect the envelope or postage.

If you’re designing your own arch invitation and planning to print your own design, set up your artboard at the full rectangular trim size (for example, 5 x 7 inches) and draw the arch silhouette within it. Keep all text and critical design elements well inside the arch curve to avoid anything being cut off in trimming.

Printing Bleed and Margins: What You Need to Know

If you’re designing your invitation in Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or InDesign, setting up your file correctly from the start will prevent white edges appearing at the borders and cut-off text after trimming. Here are the core specs:

• Bleed: Add 0.125 inches (3mm) of bleed on all four sides beyond your trim size. If your invitation is 5 x 7 inches, your artboard should be 5.25 x 7.25 inches. Any background color or image should extend to the edge of the bleed area, not the trim line.
• Safe zone: Keep all text and important design elements at least 0.125 inches (3mm) inside the trim line. In practice, a 0.25-inch margin is safer and gives your design more visual breathing room.
• Resolution: Export at 300 DPI minimum for sharp print output. Canva’s Print download option and Illustrator’s PDF/X-1a preset both output at print-appropriate resolution.
• Color mode: Use CMYK, not RGB. Screen colors and printed colors behave differently, and supplying a CMYK file gives your printer accurate color data.

When in doubt, download the template directly from your printer’s spec sheet before you start designing. Most professional printers provide ready-made templates for their standard card sizes.

How Invitation Size Affects Postage

Postage is easy to overlook until a fully assembled suite comes back heavier than expected. Here’s how USPS categorizes mail and what it means for your wedding invitations:

• First-class letter rate: Applies to rectangular envelopes that are at least 3.5 x 5 inches and no larger than 6.125 x 11.5 inches, no thicker than 0.25 inches, and no heavier than 3.5 oz. A standard 5 x 7 invitation with one or two inserts typically qualifies.
• Non-machinable surcharge: Added to letters that are square, rigid, or have clasps or closures that prevent machine processing. Square invitations always trigger this surcharge, which runs approximately $0.40 per piece in 2026.
• Large envelope / flat rate: Applies to envelopes over 6.125 inches tall or over 11.5 inches long. Oversized invitations in this category cost significantly more per piece to mail.
• Parcel rate: Applies to pieces over 3.5 oz or outside standard flat dimensions. Wax seals, vellum wraps, and ribbon ties can push a suite into this category if weight isn’t managed carefully.

The safest move before ordering stamps is to assemble one complete test suite — all cards, envelopes, and any extras — and have it weighed at a post office. Check our full postage guide for stamp options, hand-canceling tips, and how to calculate how many stamps you need per envelope.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size envelope do I need for a 5 x 7 invitation?

A 5 x 7 inch invitation fits in an A7 envelope, which measures 5.25 x 7.25 inches. The quarter-inch clearance on each side is enough to slide the card in cleanly without the envelope bulging or the card bending at the corners.

What is the standard RSVP card size?

RSVP cards are most commonly sized at 3.5 x 5 inches or 4 x 6 inches. The 3.5 x 5 card pairs with an A2 return envelope; the 4 x 6 card pairs with an A6 return envelope. Both sizes fit inside a standard A7 main envelope alongside the invitation and a details card.

Do square invitations cost more to mail?

Yes. Square envelopes cannot be processed by USPS automated sorting machines, so they require a non-machinable surcharge on top of the base postage rate. In 2026, that surcharge is approximately $0.40 per envelope. Multiply that by your full guest list to factor it into your total mailing budget.

What size are save the dates?

The most common save the date sizes are 4 x 6 inches (postcard format) and 5 x 7 inches (card with envelope). Magnet save the dates are typically 4 x 6 inches. The postcard format can be mailed without an envelope at the USPS postcard rate, which is lower than the standard letter rate.

How do arch invitations fit in standard envelopes?

An arch invitation has the same rectangular footprint as a standard card — typically 5 x 7 inches — and fits in a standard A7 envelope. The arch is a die-cut silhouette within that rectangle, not a different overall size. No special envelope is required, and postage is the same as a standard rectangular invitation.

How much smaller should insert cards be compared to the main envelope?

Insert cards should be at least 0.25 inches smaller than the envelope opening on each side. For an A7 envelope (5.25 x 7.25 inches), inserts can be up to 5 x 7 inches, but sizing them to 3.5 x 5 or 4 x 6 keeps the suite from overstuffing and makes the envelope easier to seal neatly.