Die-Cut Shapes for Wedding Invitations
Die-cut shapes are one of the easiest ways to make a wedding invitation suite feel like yours. Trading a plain rectangle for an arch, a scalloped edge, or an ornate frame changes the whole suite the moment someone opens the envelope. With digital die cutting, you can add shapes without paying for a custom metal die, even on smaller orders.
At Marsupial Papers, we cut our shapes in-house, and it’s one of our favorite parts of the job. There’s something very satisfying about lifting a stack of freshly cut scalloped RSVP cards off the cutter.
The Short Version
- A shape can go on any piece: the invitation, RSVP card, details card, save the date, menu, place cards, or tags.
- Digital die cutting means no custom metal die, so we can cut almost any shape that will hold up as a cut.
- One or two shaped pieces in a suite usually make more of an impression than shaping everything.
What Is Die Cutting?
Die cutting turns paper into a shape other than a rectangle. Traditionally, that meant making a custom steel-rule die, which is a sharp metal blade bent into your shape, and pressing it through the paper. It works well for very large runs, but every new shape needs a new die, along with the cost and time to make it.
What Is Digital Die Cutting, and Why Does It Matter for Weddings?
Digital die cutting skips the metal die entirely. The shape is cut directly from a digital file, so changing the shape is as simple as changing the file. For couples, that means more shapes to choose from, custom shapes without tooling costs, and no need to order hundreds of pieces to make a shape worthwhile.
It’s also precise. Curves, points, and scallops come out clean and consistent from piece to piece.
Which Pieces of a Wedding Suite Work Best With Shapes?
Almost any piece can take a shape. A few of our favorite places to start:
- Invitation: An arch, a scalloped edge, or an ornate frame makes the main card the centerpiece.
- RSVP card: A small shape here is a playful surprise and an easy way to add personality on a budget.
- Details or accommodations card: A different shape helps guests tell the cards apart at a glance.
- Save the date: A shaped save the date sets the tone months before the invitation arrives.
- Day-of pieces: Menus, place cards, escort cards, and favor tags carry the shape through to the reception.
Our advice: shape one or two pieces and keep the rest classic. A single arch in a suite of rectangles gets noticed. When everything is shaped, nothing stands out.
What Shapes Can You Choose From?
Because we cut digitally, there’s no die to make, so almost any shape is possible. That includes the outline of your venue, a monogram, a motif that means something to you, or even your dog. We’ll check your artwork to make sure it cuts cleanly, and if a shape is too delicate to hold up, we’ll suggest a sturdier version.
If you’d rather choose from something proven and ready to order, browse our invitations to see some of the shapes we’ve done, or visit our Die Cut Cards page to choose one of our most popular shapes or upload your own design.
How Do Shapes Work With Letterpress and Foil?
Very well. We print first and cut second, so the design and the shape line up. A foil border that follows a scalloped edge, or a deep letterpress impression on a heavy arch, gives you texture, shine, and shape in a single piece.
What Should You Keep in Mind When Designing a Shaped Piece?
- Give your design room. Text that runs right up to a shaped edge looks crowded. A little space inside the cut line lets the shape frame your wording.
- Keep details sturdy. Very thin points, spindly tails, and tiny interior cutouts can tear or bend. Slightly softer points hold up better.
- Choose heavy paper. Heavier cardstock holds a crisp edge and stands up better in the mail.
- Plan the envelope. Mail shaped pieces inside a standard rectangular envelope. Thick or rigid suites can need extra postage too, so take one fully assembled suite to the post office to weigh before you buy stamps.
Our designers set up the files before they’re cut and will flag anything we think won’t hold up.
Do Die-Cut Shapes Cost More?
Yes. Cutting is an added step after printing, but digital die cutting doesn't need a custom die, so there's no tooling charge - just a file setup fee for custom orders. Ask us for a quote and we'll walk you through the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Die Cutting and Digital Die Cutting?
Traditional die cutting presses a custom metal die through the paper, so every new shape means a new die. Digital die cutting cuts the shape directly from a digital file, so there’s no die at all. That means almost any shape is possible, even in small quantities.
Can I Add a Die-Cut Shape to Any Wedding Invitation?
At Marsupial Papers, yes. Just let us know which piece you’d like shaped and we’ll include it in your quote. Semi-custom and fully custom suites can include shapes, too.
How Many Die-Cut Shapes Does Marsupial Papers Offer?
Almost any shape that will hold up as a cut. Digital die cutting means we aren’t limited to a set of dies. We also keep a collection of ready-to-order shapes on our Die Cut Cards page if you’d rather pick something proven.
Do Shaped Invitations Need Extra Postage?
Not if they go in a standard rectangular envelope. The shape inside doesn't change the rate, but weight and thickness can, so have the post office weigh one fully assembled suite before you buy stamps.
Can You Letterpress or Foil Stamp a Die-Cut Invitation?
Yes. We print first and then cut, so letterpress, foil stamping, and digital printing all work on shaped pieces, on most of our papers.
Ready to Add a Shape?
Start with one piece and one shape you love. Browse our shaped cards, order swatches to see our paper colors in person, pick up a sample pack of our die cuts, or book a consultation, and we'll help you find the shape that fits your suite. Once your invitations are in hand, tag us @marsupialpapers and share them with #marsupialmagic. We love seeing where our shapes end up.