To order, see invitation boxes. A boxed invitation is a small assembly job as much as a printing one, so the decisions below are about the suite, not just the box.
Measure the suite, stacked
Lay out every element in the order the recipient will see it: the main card, any belly band or vellum wrap, the reply card, the details card, the envelopes, the ribbon. Stack them as they will sit, press lightly, and measure. A 5 x 7 inch card is the most common invitation trim in the United States, with A6 and A5 the usual metric sizes, but the governing dimension is almost always the outer envelope, which is cut larger than the card it holds.
Rigid or folding
| Rigid box | Folding carton | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Substantial, holds shape, best for keepsakes | Lighter, still premium with the right finish |
| Depth control | Precise, holds a thin suite flat | Good, with an insert |
| Mailing | Usually needs an outer mailer | Can be built to mail with the right board |
| Lead time | Longer, especially with specialty wraps | Shorter |
| Cost per unit | Higher | Lower |
Holding the suite in place
- Ribbon pull: a ribbon under the stack so the recipient lifts the cards out cleanly. Simple and traditional.
- Board platform: raises the suite so it sits proud of the box floor and reads as presented rather than dropped in.
- Die cut recess: holds each element in its own position, best for multi piece suites.
- Foam or fabric lining: for boxes that carry a keepsake as well as cards.
If it goes in the post
A presentation box put straight into a mail stream arrives with rubbed corners and a scuffed wrap, which undoes the effect you paid for. Two workable options: build the presentation box to mail, using a board and finish that tolerates handling, or design a plain outer mailer that the presentation box slides into. The second costs a little more per unit and protects the thing your client will actually remember.
Finish
Foil stamping is the finish this category is built on, and it needs its own artwork layer. Embossing, letterpress style debossing on the wrap, and spot gloss all work on the same panel. Keep fine script above the weight where foil starts to fill in, and ask at proof stage how a specific typeface will behave at the size you have set it.
Timing, minimum and price
The minimum is 100 boxes. Pricing starts from about $0.48 per unit at bulk volumes and is confirmed on your written quote. Turnaround is quoted per product in three lanes: rush, which is expedited production plus air freight and runs roughly 7 to 25 percent above standard depending on the job, standard on air, and cost saver on sea, from about 7 business days in production plus 2 to 5 days for delivery. Rigid constructions with specialty wraps can run up to about 12 weeks, so for a dated event, start the conversation early. The die, the plates, design support, US shipping and a digital proof are included, and the proof is where names and dates get checked.
To order, see invitation boxes. For the favours that go with the event, see the favor box guide. Send your stacked suite measurements with a quote request.
