Standard Invitation Sizes and the Envelopes That Match Them
Pick the right invitation size and the envelope falls into place. This guide lays out the standard dimensions for weddings and events, the envelopes that pair with each, and how to print them online.
The most common invitation size is 5 x 7 inches, paired with an A7 envelope, followed by 4.25 x 5.5 and 4 x 6 inch cards with their matching A-series envelopes. Choose the card size for the formality and content you need, then pick the envelope sized to slip it in with a little room to spare.
Start here
Why invitation size is the first decision
Size sets the tone, the cost, and the envelope all at once. Before you choose paper, ink, or wording, the dimensions decide how formal the invitation feels, how much it can say, and which envelope it needs. Below is the full chart of standard invitation sizes, the envelope that pairs with each, and how to set up a print-ready file.
What we mean by invitation size
Invitation size is simply the flat dimensions of the card, and it drives almost everything else: the formality, the amount of information you can fit, the envelope you need, and part of the cost. A larger card reads as more formal and holds more detail; a smaller one feels casual and mails cheaper.
Most invitations are flat single cards, though folded formats give you more surface for the same footprint. Whichever you choose, the size is measured at the final trim, the dimensions after cutting, which is also the number your envelope is matched to.
You can print flat cards through invitation cards or roomier folded invitations, and pair either with matching invitation envelopes so the fit is guaranteed.
The standard invitation size chart
A handful of sizes cover nearly every invitation. The 5 x 7 in card is the classic wedding and formal-event size, giving plenty of room for elegant typography. The 4.25 x 5.5 in (A2) size is a versatile mid-size for showers, parties, and save-the-dates. The 4 x 6 in card is compact, economical, and postcard-friendly, while a 5.5 x 8.5 in card makes a grand, oversized statement.
Formality tends to rise with size, so a black-tie wedding leans toward 5 x 7 or larger, while a casual gathering is happy at 4 x 6. Content matters too: a detailed invitation with a schedule needs more room than a simple save-the-date.
Whatever size you land on, keep it in the safe-margin habit and add bleed so full-color backgrounds reach the edge cleanly. Our online design tool holds these sizes and margins for you if you would rather design in the browser.
Envelope pairings for every card size
Every standard card has an envelope built to fit it with a little room to slide in and out. A 5 x 7 in (127 x 178 mm) card pairs with an A7 envelope, which measures 5.25 x 7.25 in (133 x 184 mm). A 4.25 x 5.5 in (108 x 140 mm) card pairs with an A2. A 4 x 6 in (102 x 152 mm) card fits an A6, and an oversized 5.5 x 8.5 in (140 x 216 mm) card fits an A9.
The rule of thumb is that the envelope is about a quarter inch larger than the card in each direction, enough to insert the card easily without it rattling around. Buying the matched pair removes the guesswork entirely, which is why we offer invitation envelopes sized to our cards.
If you are mailing, remember that square and oversized invitations can carry extra postage. For the full envelope rundown, see our guides on standard envelope sizes and pairing cards and envelope sizes.
Setting up a print-ready invitation file
Once the size is set, the file rules are the same as any print job. Build the document at the exact card size, add 0.125 in of bleed on every side so any background color or photo runs off the edge cleanly, and pull your text and key elements 0.125 in inside the trim so nothing gets clipped by the cut.
Work in CMYK so your colors print true, place any photos at 300 DPI at final size, and outline or embed your fonts, which matters especially for the script and display typefaces invitations love. Then export a flattened, press-ready PDF.
For a folded invitation, remember each panel has its own layout and safe margin. Our guide on creating print-ready files covers the full checklist so your invitation prints exactly as designed.
Choosing the size for your event
Let the event lead. A formal wedding wants the presence of a 5 x 7 or larger card, ideally on a heavy stock with room for elegant type. A birthday, shower, or casual party is well served by a 4.25 x 5.5 or 4 x 6 card that keeps things friendly and affordable.
Then let content decide. If you need to include a schedule, directions, or RSVP details, either size up or choose a folded invitation that gives you extra panels without a larger envelope. If the message is short, a single flat card is clean and cost-effective.
Finally, weigh quantity and postage. A larger card multiplied across a big guest list costs more in both printing and mailing, so balance the impression you want against the budget you have.
Printing your invitations online
With size and envelope chosen and your file ready, ordering is quick. Pick your card size and stock, add matching envelopes, set the quantity, and the price updates live as you go. Invitation cards start around $19.77, and every order runs through a free file check before printing.
Order the card and envelope together so the fit is guaranteed and the whole suite stays consistent in color and stock. If you would rather design in the browser, the online design tool keeps the sizes and margins correct for you.
Use the live specs and pricing panel below to configure invitation cards, or explore folded formats and envelopes in the invitations category.
Wally matches the card to the envelope
Pick the size and the envelope falls into place
Wally starts every invitation with the size, because it sets the formality, the content it can hold, and the envelope it needs. A 5 x 7 in an A7 for a formal event, a 4 x 6 in an A6 for something casual, always with bleed and a safe margin so nothing gets clipped. Order the card and envelope together and 4OVER4 prints a suite that fits and mails clean.
Print your invitations →Quick reference
Standard invitation sizes and envelope pairings
Match a card size to its envelope and add the standard bleed and margin, and your invitation prints and mails without a hitch.
| Card size | Envelope | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 5 x 7 in (127 x 178 mm) | A7 envelope, 5.25 x 7.25 in (133 x 184 mm) | The classic wedding and formal-event size, roomy for elegant type. |
| 4.25 x 5.5 in (108 x 140 mm), the A2 card | A2 envelope | Versatile mid-size for showers, parties, and save-the-dates. |
| 4 x 6 in (102 x 152 mm) | A6 envelope | Compact, economical, and postcard-friendly. |
| 5.5 x 8.5 in (140 x 216 mm) | A9 envelope | Oversized card for a grand, formal statement. |
| Bleed | 0.125 in (3 mm) past every edge | Background color and photos reach the edge with no white slivers. |
| Safe margin | 0.125 in (3 mm) inside the trim | Keeps names, dates, and text clear of the cut. |
Step by step
Choose a size and print invitations in 6 steps
- Match size to formalityPick 5 x 7 for formal events, 4.25 x 5.5 or 4 x 6 for casual ones, sizing up if you need more room.
- Let content confirm itChoose a larger card or a folded format if you need schedules, directions, or RSVP detail.
- Pair the matching envelopeSelect the A-series envelope built for your card so it slips in with a little room to spare.
- Set up bleed and safe marginBuild at the card size, add 0.125 in bleed, and keep text 0.125 in inside the trim.
- Export a print-ready PDFWork in CMYK, place photos at 300 DPI, outline or embed fonts, and flatten the file.
- Order the card and envelope togetherConfigure both, set the quantity, and watch the price update live for a guaranteed fit.
Specs and pricing
Invitation card specs and live pricing
Once your size and envelope are set, configuring the run is quick. Here are the live specs and price-per-unit for invitation cards at 4OVER4.COM, straight from the configurator.
| Quantity | Price Per Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | 79.1¢ | $19.77 |
| 50 | 50.5¢ | $25.27 |
| 100 | 42.8¢ | $42.84 |
| 200 | 25.8¢ | $51.62 |
| 300 | 20.1¢ | $60.42 |
| 400 | 17.3¢ | $69.20 |
| 500 | 15.6¢ | $77.99 |
| 600 | 15.4¢ | $92.26 |
Order it
Print your invitation suite at 4OVER4
Explore more
Where to go next
By the numbers
Invitation printing you can count on at 4OVER4
Common Questions
Common questions about invitation sizes
What is the standard invitation size?
The most common invitation size is 5 x 7 inches, which is the classic choice for weddings and formal events because it gives plenty of room for elegant typography. Other standard sizes include 4.25 x 5.5 inches (A2) for showers and parties, 4 x 6 inches for compact and economical invitations, and 5.5 x 8.5 inches for a grand, oversized statement. Formality tends to rise with size, so the right choice depends on how formal your event is and how much information the card needs to hold.
How do I choose the right invitation size?
Let the event and the content lead. A formal wedding suits a 5 x 7 inch or larger card, ideally on a heavy stock, while a birthday, shower, or casual party is well served by a 4.25 x 5.5 or 4 x 6 card that stays friendly and affordable. Then check your content: if you need a schedule, directions, or RSVP details, either size up or choose a folded invitation that adds panels without a larger envelope. Finally, weigh quantity and postage, since a larger card across a big guest list costs more to print and mail.
What envelope size do I need for my invitation?
Each standard card has a matching envelope about a quarter inch larger in each direction, enough to insert the card easily. A 5 x 7 inch card pairs with an A7 envelope, a 4.25 x 5.5 card with an A2, a 4 x 6 card with an A6, and an oversized 5.5 x 8.5 card with an A9. Buying the matched card-and-envelope pair removes the guesswork and guarantees the fit. If you are mailing square or oversized invitations, check postage, since they can require extra.
How do I set up a print-ready invitation file?
Build the document at the exact card size, add 0.125 inches of bleed on every side so background color or photos run off the edge cleanly, and keep text and key elements 0.125 inches inside the trim so nothing gets clipped. Work in CMYK so colors print true, place any photos at 300 DPI at final size, and outline or embed your fonts, which matters especially for the script and display typefaces invitations often use. Then export a flattened, press-ready PDF. For folded invitations, give each panel its own layout and safe margin.
What does invitation printing cost, and how long does it take?
Invitation cards start around $19.77, and the price scales with size, stock, finish, and quantity, where more cards lower the unit price. Adding matching envelopes and premium finishes raises the total, and everything updates live in the configurator as you set your options. Turnaround depends on the stock, finish, and quantity you choose and appears as an estimated ship date while you configure, so order with enough lead time before your event, especially for mailed invitations that need travel time too.
Get Started
Ready to print an invitation suite that fits perfectly?
Choose your card size, add the matching envelope, and print the whole suite online. Adjust every option and watch your price update live.
Legal Disclaimer
Gold Standard guarantees apply to all standard orders placed through 4over4.com. Price match requires verifiable proof of a competitor's published price for an equivalent product with matching specifications and turnaround time. Satisfaction guarantee covers manufacturing defects and print quality issues. Contact support with order number and documentation. On-time delivery rate based on tracked orders 1999 to 2026. Individual results may vary based on shipping carrier performance.
