What are pocketfolds?
DIY invitations come in many shapes and forms. Some are as basic as colorful cardstock decorated with a ribbon, while others include multiple inserts in a color-coordinated folder. These folders, known as pocketfolds, are extremely popular options for more advanced DIY brides. While these pocketfolds do require a more in-depth knowledge of crafting, printing, and design, the end result is beautiful and can be customized endlessly.
But not all pocketfolds are created equally. They come in several standard shapes and forms, so that each bride can choose the style that best suits her wedding's style and tone.
Despite the variety of style options, most pocketfolds have two basic similarities: there's space for your main invitation (which is usually glued in or secured to the backing with a ribbon), and a pocket or indentation where your RSVP, direction, and/or reception information can go (these are generally loose and are able to be pulled out of the pocket). Most can be accessorized with a belly band around the outside as well.
Before you dive into your own DIY invitation project, browse these pocketfold styles to determine which will be the right one for your wedding.
Horizontal Pocketfold: Option A
These pocketfolds open horizontally, like a book. Of all the pocketfold styles, this one is the most popular because it is easy to read, has a clean and concise format, and fits into a standard 5" x 7" envelope. The main invitation with your wedding ceremony date and time is secured in the middle portion. Many brides choose to include a backing piece of cardstock between the invitation and pocketfold backing as a way to showcase coordinating wedding colors.
The RSVP card, RSVP envelope, directions card, hotel information, and/or reception information should be placed in the pocket to the right. The cards usually are different sizes, with the largest (often the hotel or directions card) in the back, and the others cascading down according to size.
The pocket section comes in several variations; most often, the contents of the pocket face the same way as the invitation (as shown on the pocketfold above), but there are other versions of the horizontal pocketfold that allow different layouts of the pocket contents (as shown on the subsequent pages).
Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option A
Above is an example of what a completed horizontal pocketfold with a top-loading pocket might look like.
Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
The layout of this pocketfold is essentially the same as the one on the previous page, except that the pocket's contents are inserted from the left rather than from the top.
Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
Above is an example of what a horizontal pocketfold with a left-side-loading pocket would look like.
Another Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
The same pocketfold from the previous page can be turned on its side to become a short vertical pocketfold, with the pocket positioned below the main invitation.
Vertical Pocketfold
These pocketfolds flip open vertically, like a spiral notepad. While the invitation is the same size as the horizontal pocketfolds shown previously, the dimensions of the pocket are much more spacious.
This style is ideal for couples who know they will need room for lengthy directions, accommodations information, or other guest information. The deep pocket easily allows for up to five cards, so you can include details for your guests (like a website card, perhaps?) that normally are left out of invitations due to space constraints.
This pocketfold can be used with the pocket to the left or below, making it appropriate for a wide variety of styles and adaptations. One downside to using a square pocketfold is that it requires
Here is an example of a completed rectangular pocketfold.
DIY invitations come in many shapes and forms. Some are as basic as colorful cardstock decorated with a ribbon, while others include multiple inserts in a color-coordinated folder. These folders, known as pocketfolds, are extremely popular options for more advanced DIY brides. While these pocketfolds do require a more in-depth knowledge of crafting, printing, and design, the end result is beautiful and can be customized endlessly.
But not all pocketfolds are created equally. They come in several standard shapes and forms, so that each bride can choose the style that best suits her wedding's style and tone.
Despite the variety of style options, most pocketfolds have two basic similarities: there's space for your main invitation (which is usually glued in or secured to the backing with a ribbon), and a pocket or indentation where your RSVP, direction, and/or reception information can go (these are generally loose and are able to be pulled out of the pocket). Most can be accessorized with a belly band around the outside as well.
Before you dive into your own DIY invitation project, browse these pocketfold styles to determine which will be the right one for your wedding.
Horizontal Pocketfold: Option A
These pocketfolds open horizontally, like a book. Of all the pocketfold styles, this one is the most popular because it is easy to read, has a clean and concise format, and fits into a standard 5" x 7" envelope. The main invitation with your wedding ceremony date and time is secured in the middle portion. Many brides choose to include a backing piece of cardstock between the invitation and pocketfold backing as a way to showcase coordinating wedding colors.
The RSVP card, RSVP envelope, directions card, hotel information, and/or reception information should be placed in the pocket to the right. The cards usually are different sizes, with the largest (often the hotel or directions card) in the back, and the others cascading down according to size.
The pocket section comes in several variations; most often, the contents of the pocket face the same way as the invitation (as shown on the pocketfold above), but there are other versions of the horizontal pocketfold that allow different layouts of the pocket contents (as shown on the subsequent pages).
Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option A
Above is an example of what a completed horizontal pocketfold with a top-loading pocket might look like.
Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
The layout of this pocketfold is essentially the same as the one on the previous page, except that the pocket's contents are inserted from the left rather than from the top.
Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
Above is an example of what a horizontal pocketfold with a left-side-loading pocket would look like.
Another Completed Horizontal Pocketfold: Option B
The same pocketfold from the previous page can be turned on its side to become a short vertical pocketfold, with the pocket positioned below the main invitation.
Vertical Pocketfold
These pocketfolds flip open vertically, like a spiral notepad. While the invitation is the same size as the horizontal pocketfolds shown previously, the dimensions of the pocket are much more spacious.
This style is ideal for couples who know they will need room for lengthy directions, accommodations information, or other guest information. The deep pocket easily allows for up to five cards, so you can include details for your guests (like a website card, perhaps?) that normally are left out of invitations due to space constraints.
This pocketfold can be used with the pocket to the left or below, making it appropriate for a wide variety of styles and adaptations. One downside to using a square pocketfold is that it requires
Here is an example of a completed rectangular pocketfold.
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