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Double Envelopes For Wedding Invitations

Unless you had a debutante ball, chances are your first encounter with double envelopes is the strange and rule-laden world of wedding invitations.

But this is your big day. You want to make sure that every detail, down to every humble envelope, makes a big impact.

Here’s what you need to know about double envelopes for wedding invitations before you order a single envelope and break out your calligraphy pen.

What Is A Double Envelope?

Double envelopes are exactly what they sound like–two envelopes, one inside the other. You put your wedding invitation inside of one envelope, then put that envelope inside a second, slightly larger envelope.

This is an old tradition dating back about 200 years. But like many traditions (wearing white, for example) many modern brides are bucking it, whether it’s for economic reasons, personal preference, or a strong rebellious streak.

The Difference Between Inner and Outer Envelopes

What is an inner envelope? What is an outer envelope? And what’s the difference between inner and outer envelopes, anyway?

The inner envelope is the one that will directly house your invitation. It’s also the envelope that will stay completely pristine, free of all postal markings and damage that inevitably comes with snail mail.

The outer envelope is the one that the postal service will use to deliver the envelope to the right location, since it will bear the address, stamp, etc.

The Tradition Behind Double Envelopes

What’s the point of putting one envelope inside another?

It would be nice to think this has a romantic root in love letters, but history is much less romantic. Actually, the tradition is rooted in dirt.

The tradition came about around the time of the Industrial Revolution, when the concept of “carrying the mail” had to do with horses, carriages, and a lot of rough and tumble transit time. It also has to do with lithography, a process that uses chemicals to print and accept ink instead of calligraphy.

This opened up fancy wedding invitations as an affordable option to the masses, but there was just one problem: the postal service. At the time, the postal service wasn’t reliable, so an attractive invitation would probably look like a complete mess when it arrived.

Thus, the double envelope was born. By placing the invitation in a pretty envelope and placing that envelope inside an equally pretty (but hardy) outer envelope, there was a much higher chance the invitation would arrive in pristine condition fitting of a wedding announcement.

Do You Have To Double Envelope Wedding Invitations?

Of course, these days, the postal service is much gentler on snail mail, which means that you no longer need to worry about your invitation looking like it’s been dragged through the mud.

So, do you actually have to double envelope wedding invitations anymore?

Yes, depending.

Because they’re an old tradition, formal weddings still use double envelopes as a rule of thumb. It adds a certain aura of elegance and sets the tone for the event to come (plus, it’s another great way to add flair to your invitations).

In addition, while the modern postal service has come a long way, there is still a risk of your invitation becoming damaged en route. A double envelope ensures the invitation looks spectacular.

But these days, the biggest benefit is actually addressing envelopes (and limiting the guest list).

The outer envelope traditionally addressed to the heads of household for mailing purposes. The inner envelope is addressed more informally–and it lists out everyone specifically invited to the wedding. This way, you can gracefully clarify if you’re having an adults-only event by listing the older teenagers and leaving off the small children, for example.

How Do You Address A Double Envelope?

With that in mind, let’s talk about how you actually address a double envelope. Chances are, you already have a lot of questions.

For example, what name goes first: husband or wife? And how do you address an envelope to Mr. and Mrs.? Fortunately, these are two of the simplest questions.

Traditionally, the husband goes first, especially if the woman has taken her husband’s name. In those cases, the outer envelope would read Mr. John and Jane Smith, or Mr. and Mrs. John Smith. The inner envelope would read either Mr. and Mrs. Smith or simply John and Jane.

If the married couple has two different last names, address them separately. For example: Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Holt on the outer envelope, with an inner envelope that reads Mr. Smith and Mrs. Holt or simply John and Jane.

If you have an unmarried couple who lives together, both names should be included, but each gets its own line. For example:

Mr. Daniel Becker

Ms. Rebecca Hirsch

The inner envelope would then read:

Mr. Becker

Ms. Hirsch

For same-sex couples, use the same rules you would for any other married or unmarried couple.

If one half of the married couple has a title, such as doctor, use that title and address their other half by the title they use. For example, Doctor Charlotte Parker and Mr. Peter Underwood would go on the outer envelope if the woman uses her maiden name both professionally and socially. The inner envelope would then read Dr. Parker and Mr. Underwood.

If the man is a doctor, then use the same rules. Address the outer envelope Doctor Peter Underwood and Mrs. Charlotte Barker, or Doctor Peter Underwood and Mrs. Peter Underwood if she uses her husband’s name. The inner envelope would read Dr. Underwood and Mrs. Barker, if she uses her maiden name, or Dr. and Mrs. Underwood if she uses her husband’s name.

If both halves of the couple have the same title, address them that way. For example, the outer envelope would read Doctors Charlotte Barker and Peter Underwood if she uses her maiden name professionally and socially, or Doctors Peter and Charlotte Underwood if she uses her husband’s name. The inner envelope would read Dr. Barker and Dr. Underwood, or The Doctors Underwood.

If a woman is widowed, addressing wedding invitations correctly depends on what she uses socially. A widowed woman is still a Mrs. on her invitation if she uses that name socially.

Last but not least are families with children. Even when the kids are invited, the outer envelope is only addressed to their parents. On the inner envelope, the names of invited children are listed after their parents in descending order of age. If you’re taking a formal approach to the inner envelope, address boys under 13 as Master, not Mr. Girls and young women under the age of 18 are called Miss.

Best Envelopes For Wedding Invitations

When buying double envelopes for wedding invitations, you’ll have to account for multiple sizes, as the outer envelope has to fit the inner envelope. There are three traditional envelope sizes:

  1. A7 (for 5×7 invitations)
  2. A6 (for 4×6 invitations)
  3. A2 (for 4×5 invitations)

Click here to check out our full selection of invitation envelopes.

Looking for the Perfect Invitation Envelopes?

If you’re looking for the perfect invitation envelopes for one of the biggest days of your life, we’re here to help, with beautiful invitation envelopes for every style of wedding, all in high-quality cardstock and ready for your calligrapher’s pen.

After all, when it’s your big day, you want to make sure that every last detail is perfect.

Brochure Printing – What You Need To Know Before Printing Brochures

A brochure is one of the most old-school marketing tools of man. For centuries, we’ve used brochures and pamphlets in various forms to entice viewers, convey a point, and start conversations.

Of course, brochures are as much an art as they are a science. The marketing of brochures lies in how information is conveyed, which means that printing brochures requires a careful balance.

Here’s what you need to know before you start your own brochure project.

Before You Get Started

Before you start looking into folded brochure options or examining pricing for online brochure printing services, you should spend some time figuring out what you want from your brochure.

For example, how much information are you trying to fit onto the brochure? Do you have a lot of words, or a lot of images? How much information do you need to convey?

The more information you’re trying to fit, the more space you’ll need, or the brochure will look crowded. On the other hand, if you have relatively little information, go for a smaller brochure with fewer folds, or the whole brochure will look sparse.

Also, think about the style of the brochure and the tone you want to convey. Do you want a serious, buttoned-up brochure or a fun brochure? What are you trying to present? Each style of brochure changes the overall personality of the brochure itself.

Brochure Sizing

With that in mind, let’s talk about sizing, which is one of the most basic elements of pamphlet printing.

Standard sizing for brochures includes:

  • 4″ x 6″
  • 5″ x 7″
  • 8.5″ x 5.5″
  • 8.5″ x 11″
  • 8″ x 9″
  • 8.5″ x 14″
  • 11″ x 17″
  • 9″ x 14″

Keep in mind that brochure sizing will be reduced by the folds in the brochure, so a 4″ x 6″ sheet would be too small for an accordion fold but would be the perfect size for a half fold or even a trifold.

Also, keep in mind that your content will affect your sizing options. If you have enough content to comfortably fit a standard letter-size sheet, an 8.5″ x 11″ brochure should fit the content nicely, though an 8.5″ x 14″ brochure will give you a bit more white space around your content.

Types of Brochure Folds

Because brochures are always folded, brochure folds and sizing considerations go hand-in-hand.

You see, brochures are unique because the actual shape and fold of the paper is just as much a feature of the marketing as the actual content. In other words, the way in which a viewer encounters information and the order of discovery is essential in creating an effective brochure.

The front page draws the viewer in, and each opened fold provides progressively deeper information. If you don’t have enough in-depth information to populate layers of folding, the folds may be wasted on your brochure.

With that in mind, here are the standard folds you can expect for brochures, what you can do with each of them, and standard sizing for most brochures using each fold.

Half Fold

A half fold brochure is the simplest of all the brochure folds. It’s simple enough that you can create a template in Microsoft Word.

A half fold brochure is exactly what the name implies–a sheet of paper folded in half. This creates two panels of equal size on each side, like a book. This fold option can work for almost any sizing, but to avoid overwhelming the viewer, it’s best to stick with smaller sizes (no bigger than 11″ x 17″).

The half fold is also ideal for straightforward information that doesn’t require additional fuss or canned responses. It’s a brochure designed to answer questions and allow you to move on to other concerns.

Spec sheets are a great choice for half fold brochures, as the half fold allows you to present technical information with minimal fuss.

Trifold and Z-Fold

The next step up the ladder is the trifold and Z-fold brochures. These two are very similar, so we’ll address them at the same time to clear up any confusion.

A trifold brochure and a Z-fold brochure both fold a sheet into three equally sized panels. In fact, most images showing trifold brochures and Z-fold brochures make them look exactly the same. They even work well with the same paper sizes–9″ x 12″ and up is the best option, though you can pack the most punch in a 9″ x 12″.

To be honest, the templates for trifold brochure printing and Z-fold brochure printing are identical. But, in trifold printing, there is a key difference: the center panel is labeled the “back panel,” whereas Z-fold brochures label this the “inside panel”.

That’s because the difference between a trifold and a Z-fold lies in how the three panels are folded together. In a trifold, you have a sheet folded in three panels, with the left and right panels folding over the center panel. This means that one side is naturally sealed, since one-third of the page is tucked under another.

A Z-fold folds in a Z shape, which is where it gets its name. The left and right panel fold over the center panel in opposite directions, so that when the whole brochure is unfolded, it creates an accordion effect, with the three panels coming together to function as one side of the page.

If you’re mailing out brochures, trifold brochures are the better choice, since the unfolded edges of a Z-fold brochure can easily get damaged when stuffed into an envelope. The trifold brochure also has more of a suspenseful experience when opening, since each panel is unfolded individually.

Accordion Fold

The accordion fold brochure is more complex, and thus requires larger sheets of paper in order to be successful. For an accordion fold, an 8.5″ x 14, 11″ x 17″, or larger sheets are ideal, simply because the sheets are folded so many times that a smaller sheet will result in panels that are too narrow to be useful.

The best way to understand an accordion fold is to try it out on a sheet of paper, so grab one. Start by folding it evenly in half. Then, without unfolding the two halves, fold each panel in half one more time, going in the opposite direction from your first fold.

This creates a zigzag pattern three times, resulting in an eight-page brochure. Or, put another way, it’s like two half-fold brochures put together, as if you opened two books side by side and connected their covers with a seam so that when you closed the two books, their covers would press against each other.

Because an accordion fold includes so many pages, it’s well-suited to brochures with a lot of information. It still allows for an element of suspense as the viewer unfolds the brochure, but the folded brochure is still visually appealing.

French Fold

Finally, there’s the French fold, which also has eight panels but is folded together differently from the accordion fold. Whereas an accordion fold allows you to unfold part of the brochure while leaving the other half folded, a French fold does not.

A French fold is quite simple–the simplest variety of four folded brochure, in fact. All you do is fold a sheet in half one direction, then fold it in half again perpendicular to the first fold. Think of how paper napkins are folded and you’ve got the right idea.

When you see a French fold, you’ll see a single panel, which you can then open like a book to see two panels, then open up again to see four panels. This makes the French fold more forgiving of smaller paper sizes and relatively durable for mailing purposes since much of the content is protected.

Types of Brochure Paper

Finally, don’t forget to account for the types of brochure paper.

Technically, you can make a brochure out of paper of any weight, but heavier paper offers a degree of elegance and durability. On the other hand, heavier paper is also harder to fold and may require scoring. Plus, most consumer printers are only designed to handle paper weights of up to 80 to 100 lbs, so think about whether you plan to print these at home or not.

Standard paper weights for brochures include:

  • 20 lb
  • 24 lb
  • 32 lb
  • 67 vellum bristol cardstock
  • 80 lb (gloss or cardstock)
  • 100 lb (gloss or cardstock)
  • 10 pt

Vellum bristol cardstock is generally lighter (i.e. thinner) than traditional cardstock. For context, most average printer paper weighs between 20 lb and 32 lb.

If you’re still a novice when it comes to paper weights and how they translate into the feel of paper, check out our paper weight guide.

Ready to Print Brochures?

If you’re ready to get your brochures on the market, we’re here to help. We offer high-quality, professional brochure printing in full color, with options to choose everything from sizing to paper weight to folds. Check out our available options today to see how we can make your idea come to life.

How To Seal Envelopes Without Licking

You’ve got a stack of envelopes taking up your dining room table. They’re already stuffed and ready, but there’s one step remaining: sealing the envelopes. But with so many envelopes to get through, you’re on a mission to seal envelopes quickly.

These days, you may be wondering: is it safe to lick an envelope, what with germs going around? Even if you’re not worried about licking per se, you’re still interested in figuring out how to seal envelopes without using your tongue for the sake of expediency (and avoiding that nasty paper taste in your mouth).

Here are three easy ways to seal envelopes without licking a single flap.

Do You Have To Seal An Envelope?

First, a basic question: do you actually have to seal an envelope?

The short answer: yes.

The U.S. Postal Service processes more than 180 billion pieces of mail each year, and it does it with the help of automated mail sorting machines. Unsealed mail pieces can get caught in the machines and jam them.

This creates a whole host of issues, from mail content security to mail damage to mail delays. It also messes up the equipment, contributing to poor mail service.

What’s worse is that many unsealed mail items are special items, like wedding invitations, holiday cards, and letters. They’re items you send in bulk and forget to seal an envelope or two, but they’re also more fragile than the average mail item and you want them to arrive in good condition.

So, you need to seal your envelopes. The question is how. There are several ways to do it, but most people choose between one of three categories: sealing with water, sealing with wax, and self-sealing envelopes.

Seal Envelopes With Water

If you want to seal a lot of envelopes, you don’t need a glue stick or your tongue. In fact, an envelope water sealer is perfect for a quick, simple seal.

How to Seal with Water

The easiest way to seal with water is by using an envelope moistener, which is basically a small bottle of water with a sponge at the end.

To use an envelope moistener, simply flip the bottle so the sponge side is facing down. Squeeze the bottle lightly and run the adhesive on the envelopes.

The key here is a light touch. Don’t go overboard with the bottle, as your envelopes can quickly turn to paper pulp with too much water (or at the very least, become wrinkled and ugly). The same thing is true of applying the sponge. Go lighter than you think you need to–it’s better to go back at it a second time than ruin an envelope.

Creative Ways to Seal with Water

That said, there are a few ways to seal envelopes with water if you can’t get ahold of an envelope moistener or aren’t keen to ruin your envelopes by trying one.

One way to do it is to take a Q-tip or cotton swab and a cup of water. Dip the Q-tip in the cup of water (just the tip). Then, gently swipe the water along the edge of the envelope. This is a great DIY method if you’re worried about ruining delicate envelopes and don’t want to break out messy glue sticks for fancy invitations.

You can seal with a clean sponge and water in a pinch, but it isn’t recommended. You may release too much water too quickly and ruin the envelopes, potentially even dampening the contents of the envelope.

Seal Envelopes With Wax

Do you ever look at your envelopes and imagine a time when letters were a prettier affair, sealed with wax and sent off with flair? Okay, a wax seal may not lend you the drama of a period movie, but you have to admit, the effect is pretty striking.

What if we said you could seal handmade envelopes without glue? All you need to seal wedding invitations like a period heroine is a wax seal.

What is Sealing Wax?

When you wax stamp an envelope, you’re using what’s called sealing wax. We mention this obvious name because it’s important to distinguish between sealing wax and, say, candle wax.

Wax seals were traditionally used to seal envelopes, ensure they indeed came from the supposed sender (since many people had unique seals), and ensure the letter hadn’t been tampered with. They were also used to save on postage as travel became widespread and an envelope would have doubled the cost of postage.

Traditional sealing wax was made with 2/3 beeswax and 1/3 resin with coloring, typically black or vermillion. Modern sealing wax is made to withstand the modern machinated mailing process, but the common ingredient is resin, which is why you can’t use any old wax.

The difference between other types of wax and sealing wax is that sealing wax is designed to stick to the paper and quickly harden after melting to form a bond around the paper. This makes it difficult to separate without noticeable tampering. Candle wax, on the other hand, won’t stick to the paper and won’t hold up to very much handling.

How to Use Wax Seals

The most economical form of wax seal is bead wax, which is useful for big projects like wedding invitations. To do it, you’ll need a candle, a melting spoon, a wax seal stamp, and a heat source like a small tea light.

Once you have your supplies, figuring out how to do wax seals on envelopes is pretty straightforward.

To do it, simply place three beads onto the melting spoon and hold the spoon over the tea light flame until it’s almost completely melted. The wax should resemble cold honey. Don’t over-melt the wax–if you melt it completely, the wax may be too thin to hold together and it could ruin your envelopes.

Pour the melted wax on your envelope and emboss it with your wax seal stamp. It can help to wait a few moments before embossing, as it can create a better definition and prevent the wax from thinning. Make sure to dab the seal with non-sticking treatment before embossing.

If you don’t use a non-stick product and the seal sticks to the wax, simply wait for the wax to cool before gently removing the seal. If you’re working with a strong wax, rest the seal in ice before embossing, as this will quickly set the wax.

Self Seal Envelopes

Finally, there are self stick envelopes, also known as peel and stick envelopes.

With this type of envelope, you don’t need to apply an adhesive. The adhesive is already on the envelope when you buy it. All you need to do peel a piece of material off the flap of the envelope to expose the adhesive before pressing the flap and the envelope together.

This is a fast, easy way to seal multiple envelopes, especially if you’re worried about the fuss of wax seals and the Goldilocks method of water sealing. Plus, these envelopes are quite widespread, so you won’t have any trouble finding them.

The standard size is A7 self seal envelopes, which can fit 5″ x 7″ cards.

Looking for Self Seal Envelopes?

If you’re in the market for self seal envelopes, we’re here to show you how easy enveloping sealing can be.

Our regular business envelopes are a great option to make everyday mail quick and easy. They look great, they come in a wide variety of colors, and the seal like a dream. What’s not to love? Make sure to order yours today!

SELF SEAL #10 ENVELOPES  PEEL AND SEAL #10 WINDOW ENVELOPES SELF SEAL A7 ENVELOPES

What Is Chipboard?

You’re an adventurous crafter, one who refuses to be limited by arbitrary notions of what you can and cannot do with paper. If you have an idea, you’re willing to experiment and see what you can create.

If this is your first venture into chipboard sheets, you’re in for a treat. Chipboard, sometimes called paperboard, is a hardy material that offers a sturdy, functional alternative to cardstock while still giving you the versatility you need for your most far-fetched crafting projects.

What is chipboard and how can you use it in your next big crafting project? Keep reading to learn more.

What is Chipboard?

Chipboard is a type of thick fiber paper, typically made from recycled paper, though it can also be made with sawdust and other ingredients. You may have heard it references as particleboard or paperboard.

Basically, chipboard is made by taking fragments of recycled paper, forming them into layers, and gluing the layers together. An adhesive is applied with heat and pressure to ensure the material stays together as one cohesive product. It also ensures that the product becomes rigid and smooth to the touch.

In many ways, chipboard is similar to cardboard–it’s actually a type of non-corrugated cardboard, meaning it does not have ruffled fluting between the two layers which makes corrugated cardboard hollow.

Chipboard Thickness

If you’re unfamiliar with chipboard, you may not know the difference between thick chipboard sheets and thin chipboard sheets.

Whether you measure in inches or mm, the standard chipboard thickness is 30 pt, or 624 gsm, depending on whether you use the U.S. system or the metric system. Our paper weight guide can help you make heads or tails of chipboard labels.

If you look at that table, you’ll notice that even standard chipboard is quite a bit heavier than standard cardstock. Heavy chipboard isn’t quite cardboard, but it can be close. Our standard chipboard weight is based on the typical paper weight used by those who buy chipboard for craft projects.

Chipboard Sizes

If you’re looking into chipboard as a vital ingredient for your next project, you might be wondering: what are the available chipboard sheet sizes, and can I find the right size sheet for my project?

The nice thing about chipboard is that it’s quite versatile. It comes in a wide array of standard sizes which are suitable for almost any crafting project, whether you’re creating a scrapbook or a DIY holiday card.

Standard chipboard sizes include:

The smallest size, 3 x 5 chipboard, is a great choice for small projects that need to be sturdy, like cards. Chipboard that’s around the size of regular printer paper is a fantastic choice as a book cover, since it’s hardier than regular cardstock but still fits your book pages perfectly.

Larger sizes (11 x 17 and up) are great if you want to create signs and other large-scale projects. Chipboard looks good even when it weathers considerable damage. That way, your signs will stay looking fresh and beautiful, no matter how much rough handling it receives.

So the only real limit on chipboard sizing is the imagination you have to utilize it.

What Is Chipboard Used For?

Chipboard is a hardy material, but it’s still a surprisingly versatile product. It can be used in almost anything you’d like, from boxes to children’s art projects to soundproofing. You’re only really limited by your imagination.

That said, because of the sturdiness of the material, chipboard is most useful for products that need to withstand more abuse than the average cardstock could tolerate.

Here are some of the most common projects our customers order chipboard for.

Scrapbooking

In terms of crafting projects, scrapbooking is one of the most popular ways to use chipboard. This has everything to do with versatility.

When you make your own scrapbook from scratch, the sky is the limit. But that also means you need materials that can withstand some wear and tear and still look good doing it.

This is especially true if you’re creating your own scrapbook covers rather than using a book with its own binding. Chipboard is a great choice for scrapbooks held together with binder rings or ribbons because it’s sturdy enough to serve as a cover.

It’s also a great choice for scrapbook pages, since chipboard is flexible enough to work as a page and firm enough to hold a lot of embellishment without crumbling.

Book Making and Book Covers

Are you the kind of crafter who loves the idea of book making but you’ve always struggled to find the right book covers? Look no further than chipboard.

As with scrapbooking, chipboard is a great choice for other types of books because it’s sturdy enough to look clean and polished even with a lot of abuse. This makes it a great choice for book covers, since it can help protect thinner pages without showing signs of wear and tear.

Chipboard is less suited to serve as a page in a traditional book or magazine, mostly because the material is too stiff to turn smoothly. This works just fine in scrapbooks, where you don’t want to bend the pages for fear of ruining your hard work, but for a regular book or magazine, it’s the wrong page material. Instead, let it keep thinner pages safe.

Crafts

Chipboard is also a great choice to serve as a stand-alone star in your craft projects.

It’s a popular choice for framing photos because it looks professional and tidy, cuts well despite its thickness, and can help protect photos from bending and tearing.

It’s also a popular choice as a base material for rubber stamping and painting. Unlike cardstock, which is thinner and bends more easily, chipboard can absorb more ink and paint without warping the material.

Some crafers even opt to cut chipboard into various shapes to provide embellishments on other crafts, from scrapbook pages to photos to other types of artwork.

Again, the uses for chipboard are only limited by your imagination and willingness to try new things.

Chipboard Vs Cardstock

We’ve made several references to chipboard and cardstock, so it’s worth taking a moment to understand the difference between the two.

Thick cardstock can be quite a lot like chipboard, and it can be used for some of the same purposes, such as labels, homemade boxes, and business cards. That said, the two materials are fundamentally different, which helps explain the disparity in their thickness and durability.

Cardstock is paper, though it can be very thick. Chipboard is essentially thin cardboard. This means chipboard is usually thicker and much hardier than ordinary cardstock, even unusually thick cardstock.

Ready to Buy Chipboard?

We know that when it comes to your biggest crafting projects, you should never settle for less than the best. After all, you’re creating something that you want to last for years to come–and still look good all those years later.

That’s why we’re proud to offer high-quality chipboard at prices that work for almost any budget. And with all the product options in our shop, you’re guaranteed to find the right chipboard for your next project.

Ready to start your next project? Check out our chipboard offerings today, and let us know how you put our chipboard to use!

Baby Thank You Cards Guide

A baby shower is a chance for your friends and family to celebrate the incoming arrival of the newest addition to your family — and shower you with gifts you’ll need to transition into parenting.

When family comes together to inundate you with the supplies you need to prepare for your baby’s arrival, the least you can do is thank them for their care. Of course, figuring out how to say thank you for a baby gift may be the last thing on your mind when you’re trying to prepare.

Here’s what expectant parents need to know to pick baby cards, write thank you notes, and send them out with good timing.

Baby Thank You Card Etiquette

The first step in baby thank you card etiquette is timing. How long do you have to send thank you cards?

Baby shower thank you cards, like any other thank you card, have an acceptable time frame for you to send out notes. Ideally, you would send out thank you cards two to three weeks after the shower.

That said, preparing for a new baby is hectic, especially if you’re not yet on maternity leave. Your loved ones will be understanding. Up to three months after a shower is acceptable, though new moms will be much busier than expectant ones, so it’s a good idea to write the notes before your due date if you can.

For the procrastinators and busy soon-to-be moms, you’re likely wondering: is it ever too late to send a thank you card? While it’s always best to thank someone promptly for a gift or kindness shown to you, it’s never too late to send a thank you card. After all, it’s never too late to say thank you for a kind gesture.

Plus, if you’re due soon and still have a million preparations to make, your loved ones will understand a bit of a delay. After all, it takes a lot of energy to grow a baby and a lot of time to take care of a newborn!

Thank You Note For Baby Gift Wording

With pregnancy draining your energy and thinking power, you may well find yourself staring at a blank card wondering what to write in a baby gift thank you note. How do you write a thank you note, anyway?

The benefit of baby thank you card etiquette is that it gives you a pretty clear template of what to include in your baby thank you card wording. Your creative wording ideas can come in around the edges, with thoughtful details that show the recipient you are genuinely thinking of the gift they gave (without losing your mind over every individual card).

You should address each recipient by their proper name on the envelope (i.e. Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Mx., Dr., etc.) Address them by the name they’re most comfortable with inside the letter.

You can use a general format for each note, such as:

Dear _________,

Thank you for the incredibly thoughtful gift of __________. It will definitely come in handy in the near future. I was delighted to see you at the baby shower and touched that you took the time to attend. I look forward to visiting with you after the baby is born.

Love, 

Your name

Mention the gifts by name — if a friend is willing to volunteer, it’s helpful to have someone at the party keeping track of who gave what. Include some sort of meaningful note expressing gratitude for attendance. If you share an in-joke with a loved one about your bundle of joy, include it, but otherwise, you can stick to the format.

How To Sign A Thank You Card

Think you’re done? Not so fast. Thank you is the most important phrase in the note, but signing a thank you note properly is part of thank you note etiquette.

How do you sign a thank you card? That depends on who you’re addressing, which is why the ways to sign a thank you card are variable.

If it’s your sister or your best friend, for example, your thank you card sign off can be casual — they know you, they love you, they’ll appreciate it.

If it’s your boss or coworkers, keep it formal but warm. “Thank you again” is a good choice, but you can also go with “sincerely” if you need to keep it a bit more formal.

For relatives or less-close friends, a simple sign-off will do nicely. “Love” or “With love” are both good options, but you can still use “Thank you again” if you’re more comfortable with it.

When in doubt, think about the relationship between you and the gift-giver. That will always help guide how formal or informal to make your card.

Card Designs and Ideas

Of course, beyond the wording, you’ll also have to think about a different kind of message — the one sent by the card design itself.

The fun part about baby shower thank you cards is that they can be almost anything you want them to be. Welcoming a new baby into the world is inviting a whole new chapter of your life, and thank you cards are part of that.

If you’re looking to stay coordinated, look for cards that are in keeping with your baby shower theme. Is it bohemian? Sweet and colorful? Modern and trendy? Sending thank you cards based around your theme is a great way to tie everything together.

Of course, you’re also more than welcome to find a card design that you love simply because you love it and think it’s adorable. And hey, you’re the mom-to-be — it’s your call!

We offer four styles of baby cards:

  1. Pink baby girl footprint
  2. Blue baby boy footprint
  3. Pink stork
  4. Blue stork

Our pink and blue footprints are simple and elegant, designed to create a tasteful impression on the recipient. They’re perfect for new parents who like a clean, stylish vibe. Plus, they’re simple enough to work well with a wide array of baby showers.

Our pink and blue stork cards are for parents who want a card that’s more on the cute and fun side. You get a neat notecard with fine typography, topped off with a cute stork in the colors of your new bundle of joy (not as cute as your new bundle of joy, of course!)

Our cards are all designed on the notion of simplicity and style. You’ll always find a card that fits your personality as new parents, and your words can shine through in these pretty cards. Plus, with high-quality 80lb cardstock, you can rest easy knowing that the cards will look fantastic no matter how far they have to travel.

Preparing Baby Thank You Cards?

If your bundle of joy is coming into the world soon, there’s no time like the present to prepare and send your baby thank you cards. Our cards are designed to suit a wide array of baby showers and new parents.

But most of all, our cards are made with care and attention to detail. After all, when you buy our cards, you’re inviting us to be a part of your experience as a soon-to-be parent, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We hope that you’ll let our cards say thank you for a great baby shower, and wish you all the best as you embark on the next chapter of your life as brand new parents!

RSVP Cards Guide

With your wedding planning kicking into high gear, your life is suddenly crowded with choices. The cake. The dress. The venue. The food. The seating arrangements. The music.

One of the more basic choices that will guide the rest of the wedding is your choice in RSVP cards.

Here’s a complete guide to everything you need to know before you order your RSVP cards so that you can ensure your RSVP cards are a small but important part of your wedding.

RSVP Cards Wording

What should RSVP cards say? What do you put on an RSVP card, anyway? If you’re like many freshly engaged couples, these questions might as well be riddles.

Your wedding RSVP wording can be as fun and creative or as straight-laced and traditional as you want, but it does need to follow a few basic rules. Your guests need to know basic information, like when and where the wedding will occur, who is invited, and how to respond.

That’s why many RSVP cards examples contain the same basic script. In general, all RSVP wording examples include:

  • RSVP date
  • A space for guests to write their names
  • A checkbox for accept or decline
  • Entree preference (if you’re serving a plated meal)

The good news is that the RSVP card, unlike the invitation, is pretty straightforward. All the RSVP card really needs is a clear indication of whether or not a certain guest is coming.

What Should RSVP Cards Say?

There is no right or wrong way to word RSVP cards. However, keep in mind that your RSVP cards need not be as inventive as the invitation. They’re just a card that will be mailed back to indicate a guest’s presence.

A standard RSVP card will include a “Kindly Respond by _____________”, the deadline for guests to return their RSVP. After that, there’s a line which reads “M____________” which guests will fill out.

At the bottom are two checkboxes, with options to “accept with pleasure” or “decline with regret” and a line for guests to write the total number of guests who will attend with their party. This will help you and your wedding planner get an accurate headcount to order food and make seating arrangements.

Should You Order Plain Cards?

Printable RSVP cards are available for couples who want something a bit more unique for their wedding. This is a great choice for couples who want the creativity afforded by custom RSVP cards, or couples who want less traditional wording.

You can even get a calligrapher to turn your blank RSVP cards into a beautiful statement piece.

Keep in mind, however, that while blank cards give you more freedom, they’re also more expensive in the long run, since you’ll need someone to do custom work on the cards. If you’re on a budget, it’s better to save that money for a custom invitation.

RSVP Cards Size

Now for another basic question: what is the size of RSVP cards?

The standard RSVP card size is A6 with an A6 envelope, which is a 4×6 RSVP card and 4×6 RSVP envelope size.

If this seems small in comparison to your invitations, keep in mind that the RSVP cards are much more basic. They don’t need to fit half as much information as the invitation — they just need to give you the necessary planning data. Your guests will have more than enough space to respond in a 4×6 card.

It is possible to order larger or smaller RSVP cards with custom sizing, but this will be more expensive than standard sizing since a printer will have to do the order custom for you. If you’re on a budget, standard sizing is the way to go — it can fit everything you need and still deliver the personality of your wedding.

RSVP Cards For Weddings

All of that helps you figure out the basics of wedding response card wording, but there’s a bit more that goes into a wedding invite response than a few lines.

After all, when you send out your wedding invitations with RSVP cards and envelopes, you’re sending out the first representation that your guests will receive of your wedding. You want to make sure that every detail of your invitations and RSVP cards is perfect for the occasion.

Before you break out all the wedding RSVP card examples on the Internet, here are two basic factors to keep in mind.

Know Your Style

While your invitation is the more expressive element of the package, it is important to know your wedding style when you select your RSVP cards, even if you order cards pre-designed.

Are you vintage? Glamorous? Preppy? Elegant? Bohemian? Romantic?

Even if you order pre-made cards, the little details will communicate the personality of your wedding. A brown RSVP card, for example, would look out of place in a wedding that’s the pinnacle of country club contemporary elegance, but it would look right at home in a country or alternative wedding.

If you need to, work with your wedding planner to find a style that works for you. There are plenty of pre-made options to choose from — you just need to find one with the right details.

Envelopes

We’ve mentioned wedding RSVP envelopes, but we haven’t yet addressed a more basic question: whether or not you should get envelopes when you order your RSVP cards.

This is a question of convenience versus creativity. If you’re ordering pre-made cards, you can order envelopes separately if you want something with a bit more personality, like an envelope in a different color or with custom printed wording.

On the other hand, you want to make sure the envelopes look good with the RSVP cards. Even though the card will travel back to you through the mail, you want your guests to open the invitation and get the right impression. Plus, if you’re doing a lot of DIY and need it taken care of, ordering RSVP cards and envelopes at the same time will take care of two tasks in one go.

What Does M Mean On RSVP?

We mentioned earlier that RSVP cards traditionally have an “M__________” line.  What is the M for on an RSVP card?

The M simply stands for Mr., Mrs., or Ms. This is the line where guests can write down their names (so you know who’s responding). M grants you enough leeway that you can send out several identical cards without addressing Mr., Mrs., or Ms. individually, and the M keeps guests from getting confused about what the line is for.

Basically, the M is the first letter of your title. A married couple, for example, would fill in the line “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith”, while a single person would fill in the line “Mr. Thomas Hill” or “Ms. Lily Harris”.

Alternatives to M on RSVP Card

Because M is traditionally a matter of etiquette, standard wedding RSVP cards will include it. However, if you want custom cards (or just don’t like using M) you’ll have to come up with an alternative that fulfills the same role gracefully.

The most straightforward solution is to put, “Names: ___________________” instead. This will indicate what the line is for, ensure that you know who’s responding, and keep the whole card tidy. Those will usually require a custom order, though, which makes them more expensive.

Ready to Print Your RSVP Cards?

If you’re ready to order your RSVP cards, we’re ready to deliver the cards you’ve been looking for. We offer five unique RSVP card options, as well as the option to order each design with envelopes.

And if you’re looking for options for your invitation, don’t forget to check out our available cardstock. Because when it’s the most special day of your life, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best.

Booklet Printing – What You Need To Know Before Printing Booklets

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a book in your hands. It’s even more exciting if you made the booklet yourself.

But booklet printing is different from printing flyers or invitations. Suddenly, you have to account for multiple pages at once and how the entire booklet comes together. Plus, there are often minor differences between booklet options that confuse customers.

Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know before printing booklets so that you can place your order with confidence.

Before You Get Started

Before you get started ordering your booklet and looking into options, there are a few things to keep in mind. Considering them early on will make it easier to narrow down your printing options and get exactly the booklet you want.

Start by considering what kind of booklet you’re looking for. Is it a menu? A magazine? A guide? Think about what kind of information you plan to cover in your booklet.

This will help you figure out how much information you need to cover, how to layout your pages, and how large the booklet should be. For example, if you have a lot of information (as in a menu) would you benefit more from large pages with a lot of information, or several small pages with more white space?

Also, think about the aesthetic you want your booklet to evoke? Should it be clean and classic? Fun and lively? Elegant and sophisticated? Think about what you want your booklet to say so that you can make the right choices for that statement.

Choosing Your Booklet Size

From there, you’re ready to think about basic concepts, like your booklet size.

There are four standard sizes for booklets:

  1. 5.5″ by 8.5″ portrait
  2. 8.5″ by 5.5″ landscape
  3. 8.5″ by 11″ portrait
  4. 8.5″ by 11″ landscape

The largest of these sizes is equal to the size of standard printer paper. All four are the standard magazine sizes in the U.S., perfect if you’re looking to turn your little zine into a real publication. Plus, these sizes work well for wire-O binding or saddle stitch binding.

Types of Booklet Paper

Once you know your sizing, you can start to think about the type of booklet paper that’s perfect for the job. The common paper finishes are:

  1. Gloss
  2. Matte
  3. Uncoated

You can order inside pages as paper, while covers can be ordered as paper or cardstock for a more sturdy exterior. Inside pages go as low as 70 lbs or as high as 100 lbs, which refers to the paper’s base weight. This guide can help you make sense of paper weight for your booklet order.

Gloss vs. Matte vs. Uncoated

First, let’s talk about finish.

Generally, cardstocks are coated or uncoated. Coated cardstocks are treated with a sealant that lends the paper certain characteristics, such as glossiness or stiffness. The idea is to protect the sheet from wear and tear and reducing the amount of ink a sheet can absorb, creating a crisper image.

Uncoated cardstocks have an untreated surface and are less reflective. Ink absorbs into the paper more effectively, which diffuses the image and makes it look softer. The ink absorption also makes uncoated paper the better choice for writing and embossing, since the finishes are softer and less likely to crack.

A paper with a glossy finish has gone through a glazing process which gives the page more sheen and reflectivity. Since this is a type of coated paper, glossy finishes are great for printing photos, since they produce clearer images.

Matte finish is still a type of coated paper, but it is slightly duller and much less reflective. It has a subtle sheen that showcases colors while producing an easy-to-read product, lending a soft, professional appearance to a page.

Color

You will also have to consider whether or not you want your booklet to be printed in color. We offer booklet printing with full-color or grayscale interior pages.

There are two factors to think about with color.

First, you have to consider your printing budget relative to the impact of your booklet. It’s more expensive to print in full color, but color also lends a certain vibrancy to the final product.

Second, you’ll have to consider how much color you have in your booklet and the depth of color. If you have a lot of images, this consideration will go hand-in-hand with your paper finish. Keep in mind that glossy, coated pages produce sharper images, but they can also be overwhelming to the eye if you have a lot happening on the page.

Types of Booklet Binding

Time to bring it all together!

There are two common booklet binding options:

  1. Wire-O binding
  2. Saddle stitch binding

Wire-O binding, also known as twin loop, double-O, double-loop, or duo-wire binding, uses a continuous hinge of double-wire loops to hold the pages of a book together. It’s a popular binding option for graphic designers who want a stylish bind in a variety of colors.

Saddle stitch booklet printing is a popular binding method in which folded sheets of paper are gathered one inside the other and bound together using staples. The staples pass through the folded crease on the outside and clinched between the centermost pages. It’s one of the most popular (and cost-effective) types of bookbinding.

That said, saddle stitching is better for smaller booklets, since it only allows for a page count between 5 and 80.

Finishing Touches

Last but not least, don’t forget about your finishing touches.

The cover paper has the most impact since it’s the first part of your booklet that the world will see. Covers come in two types:

  1. Self-cover
  2. Plus cover

A self-cover, or soft cover, is when the inner pages and the cover use the same type of paper. A plus cover uses cardstock which is thicker than the inside pages, which will make the booklet feel better to flip through. A plus cover is more durable than a self-cover, but a self-cover can be more cost-effective.

Tips for Cheap Booklet Printing

With all of that in mind, if you’re taking a look at your project budget with some trepidation, let’s talk about how to get the booklet you want through cheap booklet printing.

As a rule, it’s less expensive to stick with standard offerings than fully custom selections, as printers have these options readily available. Shorter booklets are always cheaper to print than long ones, and saddle stitch binding is cheaper than wire-O. Keep in mind, however, that saddle stitch only works with a smaller number of pages, so if your booklet needs to be longer, invest in wire-O.

Also, keep in mind that it’s more expensive to print a large number of color pages than a large number of grayscale pages.

Looking for Custom Booklet Printing?

If you’re in the market for booklet printing, we’re here to turn your booklet from an idea into a beautiful finished product.

All of our options are clearly laid out so that you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. If your booklet file is on hand, all you have to do is upload the file, give us the specifications, and submit your order.

And if you don’t see the option you want, no worries! Just get in touch with us to let us know the custom specifications for your booklet order and you’ll have your booklet in your hands in no time.

Menu Paper Guide

Whether you’re looking at restaurant menu paper or wedding menu paper, there’s an art and a science to finding the perfect menu cardstock for the job.

What’s the right size? Should you get regular printer-sized paper or 8.5 x 14 cardstock? What about the finish? What on earth is paper weight?

If that all sounds like Greek to you, no worries. Here’s everything you need to know to select the perfect menu cardstock, whether you’re opening the restaurant of your dreams or celebrating one of the most important days of your life.

Before You Get Started

Before you begin looking into menu paper, there are a few factors you have to consider. This will make it considerably easier to narrow down on the paper you want, rather than choosing wildly different papers and not ending up with the menu that you wanted.

Start with Your Menu Theme

The best place to start is by considering your restaurant menu theme, which will tie directly to your overall restaurant theme.

Are you an Alice in Wonderland-style teahouse? Are you a steakhouse straight from the Texas desert? Are you a French restaurant fit for the Provence countryside?

As soon as you read those descriptions, it conjured up a unique restaurant completely distinct from the one before it. Your restaurant menu style would be similarly distinct. Think about it–you wouldn’t see a classic New York diner menu at an English pub. That would look completely incongruous and disjointed.

If you’re still figuring out your restaurant theme, here are a few factors to think about:

  • Casual or formal?
  • What’s your cuisine style?
  • Is it traditional or modern cuisine?
  • Is it a regional cuisine style or a blend?
  • Who are your patrons? What are they looking for in a restaurant?

All of these questions are about discovering your restaurant’s personality, which will be reflected in your restaurant menu style.

Consider Your Restaurant Ambiance

This is related to your restaurant’s ambiance, which is a mood or feeling associated with a place.

In a restaurant, the ambiance is a deliberate play on the customer’s first impressions. It sets the stage for food to take the spotlight, while your guests become the audience.

Several factors create ambiance. For example, the size of the restaurant will impact your choice of seating and music. In a small space, music can be overpowering, so you may choose to let the natural soundtrack of conversation and clinking cutlery set the tone.

Your menu continues this stage setting and mood when guests arrive. The look of the menu lets them know what they’re in for as much as the food, so look at your design elements and reflect them in the menu.

Choosing the Perfect Restaurant Menu Paper

With that in mind, you’re ready to start looking at restaurant menu paper options.

Remember, while menu paper designs are fun to create, they’re reliant on a good backdrop. The type of cardstock provides a textural stage setting for the contents of the menu, which sends subtle cues to guests about what kind of meal they can expect.

The Perfect Menu Cardstock

Let’s start with the perfect menu cardstock.

Technically, you can use any paper as menu card paper. You could use regular printer paper. But you shouldn’t–good cardstock can subtly cue that this is an elegant restaurant, or a cool hipster establishment, or a laid-back family restaurant, or anything in between.

There are several different kinds of menus you have to consider, including:

  • Dining room menus
  • Menu covers
  • Table tents
  • Specials
  • Door hangers
  • Outdoor menus
  • Tri-fold menus
  • Folded takeout menus (including tri-fold and gate-fold menus)

For our purposes, we’ll keep it simple and talk about dining room menus.

Generally, the best menu size paper is around 8.5 x 14, like our menu size cardstock. This will give you enough space to comfortably fit all your options (appetizers, entrees, dessert, and drinks) without feeling crowded.

As for the right menu paper stock, that depends on your restaurant. Glossy paper, for example, is often perceived as more polished than matte, but matte can appear more understated if you want a clean look. You’ll also have to consider the paper texture, which lends a different personality to the paper.

A few common paper finishes include:

  • Gloss
  • Matte
  • Linen
  • Parchment
  • Embossed
  • Silk
  • Smooth

We offer linen, parchment, and glossy cardstock finishes.

The Best Menu Paper Weight

A related consideration is the menu paper weight, which is related to the menu paper type.

When we talk about paper weight, we’re actually talking about the thickness of the paper. In U.S. basis weight, this is shown based on the weight (in pounds) of a ream of paper, or 500 sheets.

Your first choice is between cardstock and text paper, which are commonly used as menu paper. Text paper is similar to copy paper–it’s thinner and would require additional measures to ensure you aren’t constantly reprinting menus. Cardstock is thicker and stands up well to folding, though thicker cardstock may require scoring to fold.

We typically recommend using a heavier cardstock as menu printing paper because it’s more durable, though this may require special printing since most consumer printers can only handle between 80 to 100 lbs paper weight. This chart will help clarify paper weights to look for by type.

Finally, when choosing the paper weight, don’t forget to account for the restaurant menu paper size. Heavier cardstock used for a larger menu is durable, but it will be more expensive to print.

The Perfect Menu Color

Now comes the fun part: choosing your menu color!

This involves two considerations: your restaurant’s color and color psychology.

If you’ve already chosen your restaurant’s color scheme, this should be pretty easy. Look for colors that complement the design of the room, making the whole space appear harmonious.

If you haven’t chosen your color scheme yet, go back to your restaurant’s theme. If you’re opening a casual Mexican restaurant, for example, vibrant colors like red and turquoise are great options.

That said, make sure to account for how color affects your impressions and interpretations. For example, blue is considered a calm, serene color, but it’s also an appetite suppressant since humans eat very few blue foods.

As a rule, if you want a high-energy establishment, go for warm colors. If you want a calmer, more laid-back feel, go for cool colors.

Other Types of Menus

We’ve talked a lot about restaurant menus, but they’re not the only kind of menus out there. Most people create their own menus when hosting parties, but the biggest event that would require an average person to make a menu is a wedding.

Wedding Menu Paper

The fun (and stressful) part of planning a wedding is that you have several menus for several different events. These include:

  • Engagement party
  • Bridal shower
  • Bachelor/bachelorette parties
  • Bridesmaids and groomsmen luncheons
  • Welcome party
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Wedding reception
  • After-party
  • Day-after brunch

You should start thinking about the wedding dinner menu (and as a consequence the wedding menu design) around the same time you think about your invitations. This will help the menus look cohesive with the whole wedding.

Since your wedding food menu varies depending on the event, you may want different designs for each event. That said, keeping the same or similar cardstock can help with a cohesive theme.

Either way, you’re still looking for a menu that can hold up under pressure and look good doing it. A thicker cardstock is the ideal choice, as it’s both elegant and sturdy.

The big hitter is the wedding reception food menu, which is where you really want your wedding theme to shine through. The best way to do this is by keeping your wedding color scheme and subtle touches to show off your style. A winter wedding, for example, can use jewel tones with a small evergreen detail.

Menu Cards

A wedding menu card is a great option because it packs a lot of punch in a small surface area. This also means that you have to get a lot of mileage in a small space.

This can get tricky if you’re using wedding meal choice cards, for example, but don’t worry. You just have to be strategic.

It helps to think of wedding reception menu cards as mini menus. In other words, you have to consolidate down to the essential information and let your personality show through in the small flourishes, like color and cardstock choices. A textured linen finish can give you an old-timey elegance, while glossy paper looks more high fashion.

Regardless, you’re going to want a thicker, sturdier cardstock that won’t crumple or stain easily, which means a higher basis weight.

That said, if you’re doing DIY wedding menu cards, be wary of choosing thicker cardstock, as most at home consumer printers can only handle 80-100 lbs basis weight paper.

The Right Cardstock for Any Menu

When the ramping up to the big day, the last thing you’re thinking about at your bridal brunch is the bridal shower menu. But all these small details will add up to a day you’ll never forget. The same can be said of a restaurant opening.

We’re here to make all those small details a little easier, with cardstock designed to suit your style. Click here to check out our selection of menu cardstock today.

White Cardstock Parchment Cardstock Pastel Cardstock Bright Color Cardstock Pastel Assortment

 

Best Paper For Flyers and Brochures

You’ve got an event coming up. But not just any event. The event. The day that your sales team will knock it out of the park and attract a crowd of new customers.

But first, you have to figure out how to make your own brochure — and ensure that your DIY brochure is equal to the event.

This is trickier than it sounds. There’s quite a lot that goes into making an event flyer and even more considerations for custom flyers. For example, what’s the best paper for brochures? Should you use a cardstock flyer? A paper brochure? What about pamphlet paper?

After all, this is the first chance for people to see your event and one of the easiest ways they’ll remember you afterward.

We’re here to make the process easy (maybe even the easiest part of planning the whole event). Here’s how to create brochures and flyers that will have people lining up outside the door.

What to Consider Before You Head to the Store

Before you ever set foot in a paper store or click on a single link, there are a few things you should clarify with your marketing team.

First, how text-heavy is your planned brochure? Sparse flyers benefit from a smaller surface area, while brochures packed with information are better suited to a larger sheet.

Second, what is your budget? Lower budgets will require economical paper options, which generally means lighter paper and smaller flyers. On the other hand, if you have more money to spend, you have broader options to make a splash.

Third, what impression do you want to make? Do you want to seem fun and hip? Do you want to seem elegant and sleek? This will change your color and finish, as certain colors and finishes lend themselves to a certain psychological impression.

Best Flyer Size

First, you need to answer a basic question: what’s the right flyer size for the occasion?

There’s some variation between leaflet size and brochure size, especially if you’re looking at tri-fold brochure size. Here are a few standard brochure sizes you’ll likely encounter:

  • 8.5 x 11
  • 8.5 x 14
  • 11 x 17
  • 12 x 18

One of the most popular brochure sizes is 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches long. It’s the most popular because it’s one of the most common paper sizes in the world–which means its widely available to the average consumer like yourself. Plus, most consumer printers can handle brochures this size.

The next most popular is 8.5 inches by 14 inches, which is slightly longer while retaining the same width as most consumer printer paper. This makes it a great choice for tri-fold brochures since you have more space to show information but can still print in a regular consumer printer.

If you need to make a bigger impact, paper that measures 11 inches by 17 inches gives you more freedom. You’ll have extra space to fit information, which means more space to get noticed. That said, many at-home printers can’t handle paper this size, so you’ll have to have them printed via special order.

The biggest of the four is 12 inches by 18 inches. This is the best choice for flyers that need to fit a lot of information, but it will cost more to print on paper this size because there’s more surface area and because you won’t be able to print it at home.

When selecting a brochure size, think about how much information you want to fit, what kind of impact you want to have, and how large your budget is. Larger sizes give you more space, but they’re also more expensive. Plus, customers may not pick up a larger brochure at first glance because they don’t want to read extra information.

Best Paper Weight For Brochures

Once you’ve selected your brochure size, you have to consider your brochure paper weight, which is intricately related to the brochure paper type you select.

When we refer to paper weight, we’re actually talking about the thickness of the paper. As a rule, the heavier the paper, the thicker the sheet. There are three common methods for measuring paper weight:

  1. GSM (based on density in the metric system)
  2. U.S. basis weight (based on weight in lbs of one ream, 500 sheets)
  3. Caliper (based on thickness in inches)

For simplicity’s sake, we’re going to refer to U.S. basis weight.

Most people prefer to use text paper as their paper of choice for brochures and flyers, as text paper is a thicker, sturdier form of cardstock. It can run as low as 50 lbs (regular copy used for home printing) and as high as 183 lbs (for heavy-duty applications. We generally recommend paper between 80 lbs and 100 lbs for brochures and flyers.

When considering the best paper weight for a tri-fold brochure, keep in mind that you’re going to have to fold the paper. Tri-fold paper should be sturdy enough to hold its shape and look good but thin enough that it will fold comfortably.

Flyer paper thickness is at your discretion. Keep in mind that heavier paper will survive more abuse if you’re releasing it into the wild (i.e. your community) but the heavier the paper, the greater difficulty your printer will have in processing it.

Flyer Colors & Finishes

Once you know your paper weight and size, it’s time to turn a critical eye to the appearance of the brochure, specifically the brochure color and finish.

The best colors for brochures depends on what you want to achieve and the effect you want to have on your viewer. Generally, if you’re at a loss for a pamphlet color, your brand colors are a great place to start, as this helps keep brand consistency and makes your flyers recognizably yours.

If you want to branch out, you should generally stick to two or three colors. Ideally, look for either analogous colors (colors right next to each other on the color wheel) or complementary colors (colors directly opposite each other on the color wheel).

From there, you should also take a look at what kind of finish you want–glossy brochure paper or matte brochure paper?

Glossy flyer paper is more commonly used for flyers and brochures, since people tend to perceive them as more polished and high end. The matte finish is also less vibrant, which isn’t ideal if you want your flyer to stand out from the crowd.

On the other hand, matte flyer paper is more economical, and the right combination of colors on a matte finish can look quite elegant. Matte paper is also easier to read than glossy paper, so it’s a better choice for text-heavy brochures.

The Art and Science of Making a Good Flyer

Whether you’re looking to make the best tri-fold brochure your trade show has ever seen or a batch of great flyers to draw in customers, every good brochure has its roots in good paper. That’s where we can help.

We offer extensive flyer options and customizable brochure options for any style, budget, and event. Because we know every brand starts with great advertising, and great advertising relies on a great medium to convey the message.

What To Write In A Thank You Card

In the era of digital communication, it’s easy to underestimate the power of a simple handwritten thank you note. But constant digital connections actually makes personalized thank you cards more meaningful than ever.

After all, anyone can send a text or say thank you. But a thank you note goes deeper. It shows that you have genuine appreciation, and that you took the time to show it.

But knowing you should send a thank you card and knowing what to write in it are two different things. Plus, you can’t send the same thank you note for every occasion.

That’s why we’re here to help. Keep reading for a few great thank you note ideas for every occasion, from a simple thank you to weddings and more.

Thank You Note Wording


The most important element of your thank you message is the wording. And while the content itself may vary based on the occasion, there is a certain etiquette that guides your thank you card wording.

For example, the tone of the message should always match your relationship to the person. You would write a more intimate note to your oldest friend than a business client or mutual friend. The more you know the person, the more leeway you have to use humor to express your gratitude.

Generally, the more formal the note, the more straightforward the note should be, unless you happen to know that the recipient would appreciate humor (just make sure you appeal to their sense of humor, not your own). If uncertain, don’t try to be funny.

In thank you card greetings, you should always be specific about who you’re addressing, what you’re thanking them for, and why. Don’t write, “Thanks for the gift!” Name the gift or occasion for your gratitude. Look for opening phrases that start with gratitude. When in doubt, “Thank you for the…” is always safe.

If you know the person well, you can look for thank you card sayings that suit them. If you have a friendly in-joke or saying, now is the time to use it. Again, this depends on your relationship. If you don’t know someone, keep it simple.

Like openings, thank you card endings should address the person directly. An invitation of some sort often works well. For example, “We would love to have you over for dinner sometime soon,” or, “Let us know the next time you’re in the area,” are great choices.

When To Send Thank You Cards


There’s also an etiquette guiding when to send a thank you note. This is also one of the areas most people struggle with.

The short answer? As soon as possible.

The long answer? “Better late than never” thank you cards are better than no thank you cards. Sending late thank you cards is fine if the thought is genuine, but belated thank you notes have different acceptable time frames depending on the occasion.

Birthdays, for example, should always have thank you notes sent within a week. Weddings are more forgiving of late thank you cards because the event has so many moving parts attached.

By the way, you should always send a thank you note for:

  • Wedding gifts
  • Bridal gifts
  • Baby shower gifts
  • A party hosted in your honor
  • Gifts received during a hospital stay
  • Being hosted as a houseguest for one night or longer
  • For congratulatory gifts

If you must send one late, remember that it’s always better to send a thank you card late than not send one at all. But ideally, you should get the cards written ASAP.

Wedding Thank You Cards


It’s one of the most special days of your life. And when other people come together to celebrate the moment with you, the least you can do is say thank you.

Where wedding thank you notes are concerned, there are two things to keep in mind:

  1. Be specific
  2. Set yourself up for success

Given the volume of thank you cards you have to send, your wedding thank you cards message doesn’t have to be the Next Great American Novel. Remember, it’s a note, not a letter. When figuring out what to say in wedding thank you cards (and how to do it efficiently), the best approach is to use a template you can personalize.

Keep in mind that your wedding thank you card wording will be slightly different for each scenario, even if you’re using a template. Address each person by name, then name the gift and how you plan to use it. After that, a simple sentence reiterating your gratitude will suffice.

Baby Shower Thank You Cards


Your little bundle of joy will come into the world spoiled by sweet presents from people who love them (and you). And while you have a million things to do before your due date, simple baby shower thank you notes go a long way in returning that love.

The question is what to write in a baby shower thank you card, especially if your bundle of joy seems to be zapping all your mental energy. Deep breaths. Writing thank you for a baby gift can be a soothing exercise.

As with other thank you cards, baby shower thank you wording should avoid generic phrases, though you can use a template with personal flourishes. If you have space, acknowledge the relationship you have the recipient. At a minimum, describe what the gift means to you and how touched you are that they took the time to get it for you.

Otherwise, a thank you message for a baby shower can follow the same general format as a thank you for other gifts.

Thank You Note For Gift


In case you haven’t noticed yet, thank you messages for gifts received usually follow the same general format, regardless of the gift in question. This makes it easier to write a lot of them quickly.

However, it’s good to write a thank you letter for a gift even if it’s one small gift for no reason or special occasion. It shows that you’re thinking of the person just like they’re thinking of you.

Remember, specificity and personal flourishes are key to expressing genuine gratitude. “Thank you for the birthday gift!” isn’t half as effective as, “Thank you for the beautiful bracelet!” followed by a kind word reminding the giver that you’ll think of them, or telling them how you’ll use the gift.

If you’re writing a thank you note for money, write about how you plan to use it, and make sure to follow up later! It shows the person that you truly appreciate their gift, however big or small.

Other Thank You Cards


While the general content of other thank you cards is more or less consistent, the tone and message will vary widely depending on the type of card.

Thank you messages for friends are the least formal of the bunch. This is the time to have a bit of fun, be a bit silly, and show what your friend means to you. A business thank you note is at the far end of the spectrum and is the most formal of the bunch, followed by a thank you note for an interview, since you’re still trying to make a good impression on the recipient.

Funeral thank you cards and sympathy thank you cards give you the most freedom to be brief. You don’t need to write a letter and no one will expect you to do so while grieving. Naming the recipient and thanking them for their kindness in sending flowers or attending services will do nicely.

Thank you cards for teachers should be friendly but polite. Remember, you’re a student, so even friendly teachers have an unequal relationship with you. Thank them for what they’ve done for you (be specific!) and talk briefly about how they’ve impacted you.

Graduation thank you cards are all about the start of a journey, so thank the person for starting you off on the right foot. Express what it meant to you to have them there (if they attended ceremonies). If you’re sending a thank you for a gift, name the gift and how you plan to use it.

The Right Way to Say Thank You


Before you word your thank you note, it’s important to have the perfect card to match your gratitude. That’s where we can help.

We offer unique, creative thank you cards with styles that can match any occasion. From minimalist cards to swirling typography, the perfect card is waiting for you.

And whatever your occasion for gratitude might be, we’d like to thank you for letting us be a part of it!