Design tips · Invitations
Invitations people keep.
How to make your own wedding, holy communion, christening or birthday invitation: what to write, which size to choose, when to send it and how to get it printed well.
A good invitation says who, what, when, where and how to reply in a clear order, uses one or two fonts, is usually 127 × 178 mm (5 × 7 in), goes out three to eight weeks before the day, and is printed from a PDF with 3 mm bleed on good card.
1. Start with the wording
Write the words before you choose a design. The text decides how much space you need, and a clear order makes the card easy to read at a glance.
- Who is inviting: the parents, the couple or the whole family.
- What the event is: “First Holy Communion”, “Wedding”, “30th Birthday”.
- The name of the child, the couple or the birthday person, as the biggest words on the card.
- Date and time, written out: “Sunday 10 May · 10 am”.
- The place: the church and the reception venue, with the town.
- How to reply: a phone number, a WhatsApp number or a date to reply by.
| Occasion | Opening line idea |
|---|---|
| Wedding | “Together with their families, Anna and Mark request the pleasure of your company…” |
| First Holy Communion | “Please join us as Sofia receives Jesus for the first time.” |
| Christening | “Please join us to celebrate the christening of Luca.” |
| Confirmation | “Daniel invites you to share this special day.” |
| Birthday | “You’re invited! Sarah turns 30.” |
2. Choose the size and the card
The most popular invitation size is 127 × 178 mm, often called 5 × 7. It has room for all the details without feeling crowded. A6 (105 × 148 mm) works well for a short birthday or christening card, and a square card feels a little different. Pick the envelope at the same time so everything fits.
A thicker card feels more special in the hand. Ask to see a few paper samples: smooth white, soft cream and textured cards all change the feel of the same design.
3. Keep the design simple
- Use one or two fonts: an elegant one for the name and a clear one for the details.
- Make the name the biggest thing on the card, then the date.
- Use two or three colours that suit the occasion, for example cream and gold for a communion, or navy and gold for a confirmation.
- Leave white space. A calm card looks more elegant than a full one.
- Keep text at least 5 mm from the edge, so nothing is cut off when the cards are trimmed.
4. Decide when to send it
| Card | Usually sent |
|---|---|
| Save the date | 6 to 12 months before a wedding |
| Wedding invitation | 6 to 8 weeks before |
| Holy communion, confirmation, christening | 3 to 4 weeks before |
| Birthday party | 2 to 4 weeks before |
Leave time for printing too. Order your cards a couple of weeks before you plan to send them, so there is time to check a proof.
5. Make a print-ready file
For printing, save your invitation as a PDF at the real size. If the colour or a photo runs to the edge, add 3 mm of bleed all round so there is no white line after trimming. Photos should be sharp: around 300 dpi at the printed size is ideal.
Not sure if your file is ready? Drop it into our free PDF Print Checker. It checks the size, bleed, picture quality and fonts in a few seconds. Our print file checklist explains each point.
6. Send a digital copy too
Many guests like a copy on their phone. Download your design as a JPG or PNG and send it on WhatsApp. If a photo from your iPhone will not open, our free image converter turns HEIC photos into JPG. You can also add a small QR code that opens the venue on Google Maps.
7. Order a few extra
Count one invitation per household, not per person, then add about ten percent for keepsakes, late additions and mistakes. Ordering a few extra at the start is easier than reprinting later.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Short answers to common questions. Have another one? Message us on WhatsApp.
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