THE INVITATION GUIDE
Gatefold or hinged?
Two ways to reveal the moment.
The opening changes how the invitation is discovered. Compare the opposing flaps of a gatefold with the single lid of a hinged box, then choose around your stationery.
Explore the collections →
What is a gatefold invitation box?
A gatefold opens through two opposing flaps. In the violet photographed example, they open out to reveal the central silk card panel, ribbon and jewel. The photograph illustrates this opening style; it does not mean every silk box has the same opening or construction.
A SINGLE HINGED LID
One lift. A different reveal.
The royal blue example opens with a single hinged lid. It is an embellished invitation box with an inner silk card panel and ribbon detail. A book-style box opening and a book folio are different product formats, even though both suggest the motion of opening a book.
Explore embellished boxes →Compare the opening, then confirm the fit.
| Detail | Gatefold | Hinged |
|---|---|---|
| Opening motion | Two opposing flaps | A single lid |
| Photo reference | Violet embellished box | Royal blue embellished box |
| What to confirm | Card dimensions, suite thickness, inner panel and finished opening | |
Send the invitation dimensions and all enclosures, along with the photograph that best expresses your preferred reveal. The atelier confirms available construction, finishing and fit in the proposal.
A few useful answers.
Does gatefold mean embellished?
No. Gatefold describes the opening. Embellished describes the decorative construction and finish. Confirm the combination you want rather than using the terms interchangeably.
Can I confirm the opening in a proof?
Discuss the opening and card placement in the proof specification. Choose a photo proof or a shipped physical proof; the latter adds actual quoted shipping cost paid together with the final order.
An opening is a movement, not a size.
Gatefold and hinged describe how the box opens. They do not tell you the usable interior dimensions, the thickness of the suite or whether a jewel and card panel are included. Confirm these separately when describing your preferred format.
The violet reference opens from the centre through two flaps. The blue reference opens through a single lid. Compare their photographed motion as well as their appearance, and share the reference that best expresses the reveal you want.
Check what happens when the box closes.
Consider the complete card stack and any raised stationery details, together with the chosen inner panel, ribbon and embellishment. The fit needs to work with the lid or flaps closed as well as when the invitation is displayed.
A photograph of a closed box and an open view can communicate different information. Ask the agreed proof to show the opening and card placement clearly, rather than approving the exterior appearance alone. Final construction and dimensions belong in the written specification.
KEEP EXPLORING
Understand the details.
Have your invitation dimensions ready.
For example, a 5 × 7 inch card measures 12.70 × 17.78 cm; a 4½ × 6½ inch card measures 11.43 × 16.51 cm. These are stationery examples, not guaranteed fits for this photographed product. Confirm the finished card, any mounting mat, envelopes and total suite thickness.
See invitation card sizes and fit guidance →Gatefold wedding invitation boxes.
Explore the construction, stationery fit and personal details in this guide. The final proposal confirms your chosen presentation and what is included.
