Size Matters! 5X7 or 4X6

Choosing the size of an invitation is simple! I always pick a 5X7 (A7 envelope size), because the bigger the photo card the bigger the cute picture.
When I first started Sassyfrass I thought 5X7 was overdoing it, but then I just grew to love how it looks. 4X6 is great for greeting cards or note cards, but for the perfect birth announcement, birthday card, or holiday card a 5X7 works best.
Note: When creating your own card from scratch and ordering it you will learn quickly that your design in 5X7 compared to a 4X6 is different. The 5X7 tends to cut off some of the design, so you have to make sure that you measure you design our or image prior to submitting it to your favorite personal card maker. It took me awhile to realize that the image you put on the card could be cut off depending on the size of the image. I kept noticing that when I was printing it was where I put the information. Finally I figured out that you have to account for the space that is cut off when creating the 5X7. By default it will cut a .25 inch from the top and bottom (if creation is horizontal). Some photo labs will allow you to adjust up or down what parts will be cut from your photo.

Cardstock VS Photo Paper

Okay, there are two main types of announcements: those done on photo paper and those done on cardstock.

I choose to use 100lb cardstock. Why? I think that the photo paper looks just as great, but I love how durable the cardstock is. I have a two year old that insists on holding every picture we own. Each one of them has a huge crinkle in it from where she pinched it while holding it. Don’t get me wrong, cardstock will also wrinkle too. However, compared to the photo paper I noticed the postcard being more durable. Mainly when you send them out to guests they hold up better in the mail too. Another reason why I choose cardstock is for scrapbooking. I wanted something that would last a lifetime for the person that puts it in the album. For some reason I just became partial to cardstock.

I have done both types of cards and for some reason I always pick the cardstock. For me it just seems more professional when done this way, almost as if it was a professionally produced Hallmark card.

Overall, I choose to go with the 100lb cardstock for the professional feel, durability, and lifetime quality.