DIY Invitations: How to Use Enclosures

Enclosures make a stunning presentation for wedding invitations, shower invitations, and birth announcements, and with a variety of shapes and colors, you'll find a style for every occasion. Here's how it works: an enclosure is used to hold an invitation and often additional components such as response cards, reception cards, etc. Some feature pockets to hold extras, others have sides that fold in to keep your items secure. It's an incredibly easy way to add color, dimension and the "wow" factor everyone desires.

We have 6 enclosure styles within 3 size categories—5" square, A7 and A9. Each enclosure works with a specific enclosure flat card that fits perfectly inside the enclosure so you don't have to do any cutting or trimming. Enclosures also fit right into the envelope within their size category. Our enclosures can be used vertically or horizontally, and embellished in any way desired.

Half Moon Enclosure

• Available colors
• Enclosure size= 5" x 7"
• Corresponding Flat Cards: A7 enclosure flat card
• Corresponding Envelope: A7 envelope
• Special Feature = The half circle cut out allows a portion of your invitation to peek through the top—a great place to include a small graphic element.

Folder Enclosure

• Available colors
• Enclosure size= 5" x 7" (folded)
• Corresponding Flat Cards: A7 enclosure flat card
• Corresponding Envelope: A7 envelope
• Special Feature = A generous inside pocket that holds all sorts of extras.

Linear Enclosure

Available colors

• Enclosure size= 5" x 7" (folded)
• Corresponding Flat Cards: A7 enclosure flat card
• Corresponding Envelope: A7 envelope
• Special Feature = The option to slide your invitation into the inside pocket or mount it on the inside flap.

Gatefold Enclosure

Available colors

• Enclosure size= 5 1/2 x 8 3/8" (folded)
• Corresponding Flat Cards: pointed flap/gatefold flap card (also known as A9 enclosure flat card)
• Corresponding Envelope: A9 envelope
• Special Feature = Pre-cut slits in which to thread our 1 1/2" satin ribbon so you can tie a bow or flat knot on the outside of the enclosure.

Petal Enclosure

• Available colors
• Enclosure size= 5 1/4" square (folded)
Corresponding Flat Cards: 5 square enclosure card
• Corresponding Envelope: 5.75" square envelope
• Special Feature = Adorable petal shape that can be used inside a 5.75" square envelope or seal the petal folds closed and mail on its own. Please note, square envelopes require additional postage - check with your local post office.

Diagonal Folder Enclosure

• Available colors
• Enclosure size= 5 1/2" square (folded)
• Corresponding Flat Cards: 5 square enclosure card
• Corresponding Envelope: 5.75" square envelope
• Special Feature = A diagonal cut inside pocket to hold your invitation and extras, or mount your invitation to the inside flap. Please note, square envelopes require additional postage - check with your local post office.

Decorating Enclosures

Enclosures are a blank slate ready to be embellished to your heart's content. Here are a few ideas we love:

• Rubber Stamps: Use a rubber stamp design to match your theme (baby shower, wedding shower icons), a favorite decorative element (flourish, cherry branch), add a monogram with alphabet stamps, or an all over pattern with shape stamps.
• Ribbon: Any enclosure can be tied with ribbon, which makes an extra special presentation. Your guests will enjoy the moment of untying the ribbon to reveal your special invitation. Ribbon is a great way to add a pop of color and texture (satin ribbon, grosgrain ribbon, silk ribbon).
• Paper Sash: Use a coordinating solid paper or a decorative paper as a paper sash wrapped around your enclosure. This is an easy way to dress an invitation up or down depending on the style of the paper you choose. Sashes are easy to cut and assemble yourself with a paper cutter or Xacto knife and a little adhesive such as double stick tape.