An Expert Guide to Figuring Out the Right Wedding Invitation Size

As you're scrolling through invite options, you're probably focused on color, typeface and design, but there's one additional decision that has a big impact on both the first impression in guests' mailboxes, as well as your bottom line. Wedding invitation size isn't one size fits all, and the size you choose depends on how much information you need to convey or whether you're hoping to set a formal or laid-back tone for your wedding day.

So as you're looking through The Knot Invitations and sorting out the possibilities by price, format, trim shape, design style and color, keep in mind that you'll also need to carefully consider size (no one wants to be surprised when the 4x6 invites they ordered are actually smaller than they expected!). That's why it's a huge bonus that you can order samples and see and feel your invites in person before placing the big order. Plus, you can get a free matching wedding website to keep everything cohesive.

Not sure what wedding invitation sizes to consider? Here's what you need to know, from how to choose the right size for your celebration to how much you should expect to spend depending on the size and scale of your invitations, all according to Liz Geisler O'Connor, owner and lead designer of Paper Rock Scissor.

In this article: What Are Standard Wedding Invitation Sizes? | What Is the Size of RSVP Cards for Weddings? | How to Choose Wedding Invitation Dimensions

What Are Standard Wedding Invitation Sizes?

Design: Falak Khoja

While there isn't a standard wedding invitation size according to any official wedding etiquette, most wedding invites will come in at 5x7, which fits into a standard A7 envelope. This size gives couples enough room to fit all of the necessary wedding invitation wording and information on the front without getting so big that it will overwhelm a mailbox.

"A 5x7 invitation is large enough to fit all the information in legible font sizes, and we can frequently include printed design elements. There are also tons of fun A7 envelope colors our clients can choose from to customize their invitations," Geisler O'Connor says.

This size also means you should be able to use one Forever stamp as postage, as long as you use a maximum mid-weight card stock. However, Geisler O'Connor adds that you should always double-check postage with the post office before sending off your invites with guesstimate postage.

Other commonly seen invitation sizes include 4.1x5.8, which fits into an A6 envelope, and 5.8x8.3, which fits into an A5 envelope. Occasionally, you may see a square, though that's less common and requires special postage.

Common Wedding Paper Sizes

The sky's the limit when you're looking at wedding invite sizes, as long as you're willing to stretch your budget along with your paper dreams. Not all commonly used wedding paper sizes are standard in the view of the post office, and wedding invitation stamps can add up quickly on some shapes and sizes. Also, keep in mind that if you begin adding embellishments or additional pieces to your wedding invitation suite, the cost can skyrocket, even if your invitation started at a standard size. "To travel through the mail as a letter, an envelope must weigh less than 3.5 ounces, be less than 1/4 inches thick, and no wider than 6 1/8," Geisler O'Connor explains. "If these dimensions are exceeded, you'll have to mail your invitations as parcels, which can be in the $5–$6 range, which is a more significant investment!"

A7

An A7 envelope fits a 5x7 wedding invitation, which is a happy medium for most people. It's big enough to make an impact, but small enough that you can usually send it through the United States Postal Service with a standard Forever stamp.

A6

An A6 envelope fits a 4.1x5.8 wedding invitation, which is typically on the smaller side of what most people send. However, if you're sending a more casual invite, this might be the right move. A Forever stamp should be sufficient to mail these envelopes.

A5

An A5 envelope is the best choice for a 5.8x8.3 invitation, which is an oversized paper that makes a big statement. In some cases, this may go through the mail with a standard Forever stamp, but, depending on the weight of the paper, it may need to go through as a large envelope rather than a letter.

6x 9

A 6x9 wedding invitation could be the right choice for an extra formal celebration, but you'll need to look at a Type 1 3/4 catalog envelope to send it through the mail. This is categorized as a "large envelope" according to the post office, which means the base rate is $1.50 for the first ounce, and the cost goes up from there.

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Square

While a square invitation is striking, it will cost you more to send it, regardless of size. Any square envelope will start at $1.27 for its non-standard shape, and the price will continue to rise depending on the size.

What Is the Size of RSVP Cards for Weddings?

The size decisions don't end with the invitation. From the wedding details card size to the RSVP card size, each component of what to include in a wedding invitation suite needs to be carefully considered.

The wedding RSVP card wording will help determine the size to choose. If you are keeping it minimalist with a yes or no, then you can go smaller, while RSVP cards that include more detailed information requests, like meal selection or dietary restrictions, need more room. However, you can't go so small that the post office won't read it as mail.

"I almost always suggest a 3.5x5 size RSVP card for mail-in RSVP cards," says Geisler O'Connor. "This is the smallest size the USPS accepts and is also nice because its small size can complement, but not compete, with the main star of the suite—your invitation!"

Geisler O'Connor also suggests collecting RSVPs online if you want to throw traditional wedding invitation etiquette to the wind and really have fun with your RSVP card size and shape. She says, "My favorite RSVP card was a decorative tag for a mountain wedding that had the ceremony elevation on one side and a QR code to RSVP on the back."

How to Choose Wedding Invitation Dimensions

Design: Falak Khoja

Choosing the size of a wedding invitation is as much about style as it is about cost and function. You want it to make an impact when it arrives in the mail (it's basically your wedding's first impression!), but you also have to consider the weight and potential postage costs and whether you can fit all of the necessary information on the actual invitation. And, while wedding invitations may not be a line item you've thought much about, you can always reference The Knot Budget Advisor to make sure you're staying on track.

Style

The first consideration is often the style and design of the wedding invitations, and that can include everything from the stylistic elements on the invite itself to your plan on how to address wedding invitations and whether that includes something like oversized calligraphy. "I frequently pivot to a larger invitation size for more formal weddings or for when there is a design element we want to highlight and need the extra space," Geisler O'Connor says. "Some of my favorite larger invitations feature custom artwork of the wedding venue, or specialty printing techniques like embossing."

Format

Some couples want their wedding invitation to make a unique statement through shape or format, and, in those cases, Geisler O'Connor recommends opting for a smaller invitation. "A smaller dimension can be helpful when executing a unique format, like a folded invitation suite, that could be unwieldy in a larger size. Always ask your stationer what they recommend, as they'll be happy to share thoughts on how design ideas will function 'in the wild.'"

Information

Your wedding invitation can only go as small as your information allows. If you want to include information on dress code, other events, registry, multiple hosts and more, then you'll need a bigger invitation. If you're going with a minimal approach to details or directing people to your wedding website, then you can look for a smaller size.

Postage and Price

From when to send wedding invitations to how much postage to use, the logistics are the less fun part of pushing your invites out into the world. But they're also critical pieces to consider, especially because costs can add up quickly depending on the size of your invite list.

Geisler O'Connor points out that the final postage cost is determined both by the size and weight of the finished invitation. "Square invitations are always a little more expensive to mail, as are invitations that include a wax seal or have a noticeable bump from a ribbon knot or bow."

However, sometimes the difference is less than you might imagine, particularly if you're planning on a standard size using heavier paper. "Most luxury invitations will weigh over an ounce, so couples will need to budget for at least a two-ounce stamp from USPS. The cost difference between a Forever stamp and a two-ounce stamp is currently $.29, so even if you're mailing 100 invitations, the price difference is less than $30," Geisler O'Connor explains.