Short answer: Acrylic invitations are usually cut from 1/16 in. clear acrylic in a 5 × 7 in. size, with the text engraved. At that thickness each one weighs about 1.5 oz, so plan for extra postage and a padded or rigid envelope.

What size and thickness to choose

1/16 in. (about 1.5 mm) is the thickness for invitations. It feels substantial in the hand, like a thin piece of glass, but slides into an envelope and stays light. Thicker 1/8 in. sheet doubles the weight and the postage and is better saved for the welcome sign.

Standard sizes match standard envelopes:

  • 5 × 7 in. (A7 envelope): the most common.
  • 4.25 × 6.25 in. (A6): for RSVP cards or save-the-dates.
  • 3.5 × 5 in. (A2): details cards.

Rounded corners, about 1/4 in. radius, are worth it. They look softer and keep sharp corners from tearing envelopes.

How the text goes on

We engrave the text. Engraving on clear acrylic shows up as a frosted white that reads well when the card is held against a darker background, like a colored envelope liner or a backing card.

For colored text, there are two common routes:

  • Reverse engraving with paint fill: we engrave the back mirrored, and the color is filled in. It reads correctly from the front and the paint is protected. See reverse engraving acrylic.
  • Back painting: paint the whole back after engraving for a solid color card with clear lettering. Our guide on how to paint acrylic sheet covers which paints stick.

Keep body text at least 0.12 in. tall (around 9 pt) and avoid hairline script strokes. Thin decorative fonts engrave faintly and are hard to read on clear.

Mailing acrylic invitations

A 5 × 7 in. invitation in 1/16 in. acrylic weighs about 1.5 oz before the envelope. Because it's rigid, many post offices treat it as a non-machinable or large item, which costs more. Weigh a fully assembled sample at the post office before buying stamps. A sturdy envelope with a chipboard backer protects against bending and scuffs. Some couples hand-deliver locally and mail the rest.

Tip: leave the protective film on until you assemble the invitations. Acrylic picks up fingerprints and scuffs easily, and the film comes off cleanly in seconds.

Colors and finishes

Clear is the classic choice. At 1/16 in. we also have white and black, which look striking with engraving. Frosted and mirror finishes start at 1/8 in., which is heavier for mail; they work well for a matching welcome sign or place cards and table numbers instead.

Design tips

  • Leave at least 1/4 in. of empty margin around the text. It looks cleaner and protects the text if a corner scuffs.
  • Pair the acrylic card with a dark or colored liner so the frosted engraving stands out.
  • Proofread the file you send as if it were final. Engraving can't be erased once it's cut.

Questions

Can you print full-color designs on the acrylic?

We engrave rather than print. For color, reverse-engrave and paint-fill, or layer the clear invitation over a printed paper card.

Can I see a sample before ordering all of them?

Yes. Order a single proof first to check the text, size, and mailing weight, then order the full batch.

Can each invitation have a guest's name?

Yes. Send a list with your design and we engrave a different name on each one in the same run.

Have a design? Upload it for a price, or describe the invitation and we'll help with layout.