Two Formats, One Studio
Every folded wedding invitation we make starts life in our studio near Chobham in Surrey. We design, print and hand finish everything here — including our foiling, which is done on our in-house Matrix Foiling Machine rather than sent out to a third party. That means tighter quality control, more consistent results across your full order, and the ability to make small adjustments that larger print runs don't allow.
Both gatefold and concertina formats are available across the same design range, so if you fall in love with a particular design but aren't sure which format suits your day best, we can show you how it works in either.
Gatefold Invitations
Two outer panels open from the centre to reveal your wording inside — like opening a set of doors. Gatefold invitations are quietly dramatic: the reveal is deliberate, the layout is clean, and the finished card sits beautifully flat. Perfect for formal, classic or luxury weddings where presentation is part of the impression.
Browse gatefold designs →
Concertina Invitations
Multiple panels fold out in sequence, accordion-style, each one revealing a new layer of detail. Concertina invitations are the all-in-one format: invitation, venue information, RSVP and anything else you need — all in a single compact card, no loose inserts required. Perfect for couples who want to keep everything together while giving their guests a genuinely engaging unboxing.
Browse concertina designs →
Gatefold Wedding Invitations
A gatefold invitation opens like a pair of doors — two outer panels hinged at the edges, meeting in the middle, which the guest opens outward to reveal the main invitation inside. The format creates a natural pause before the wording appears, and that sense of reveal is part of what makes gatefolds feel premium.
Inside, you have two panels to work with — typically the main invitation text on one side, with the other carrying additional details, an order of the day timeline, or a simple design flourish. The outer panels can carry a motif, monogram, a venue illustration, or a foil detail — which lands particularly well on the gatefold format because the outer panels are the first thing your guests see.
Gatefold invitations suit formal weddings and black-tie events particularly well, though they work just as well for contemporary and minimalist designs where the clean structure of the format becomes part of the aesthetic. If you want an invitation that feels like a keepsake rather than a piece of stationery, the gatefold is usually the answer.
Browse our full range on the gatefold wedding invitations collection page.
Concertina Wedding Invitations
A concertina invitation — sometimes called an accordion fold or trifold — unfolds in a sequence of panels, each one building on the last. The format is compact when closed: it fits neatly into a standard envelope and arrives looking deceptively simple. Open it out, and there's a full set of wedding information arranged across multiple panels.
That multi-panel structure is the format's real advantage. Where a flat invitation or even a gatefold might need a separate information card, RSVP insert and directions slip to cover everything, a concertina invitation fits all of it in one piece — often with a perforated tear-off RSVP panel at the end. For couples managing complex logistics (multiple ceremony and reception venues, accommodation details, transport information), it's the neatest solution.
The accordion fold is also increasingly popular for couples who want a modern, design-forward invitation that doesn't follow the conventional card format. The sequential reveal lends itself well to storytelling layouts — a timeline of the day, a map, a hand-illustrated venue — and the narrow panels create a natural grid that feels contemporary rather than traditional.
Browse our full range on the concertina wedding invitations collection page.
Gatefold vs Concertina: Which Should You Choose?
Both formats are premium. Both can be foiled. Both are personalised to your day and hand finished in our Surrey studio. The decision usually comes down to two things: how much information you need to include, and what kind of opening experience you want your guests to have.
Choose gatefold if your wedding has a formal or black-tie feel, you want the invitation itself to be the visual centrepiece, or your wording is relatively compact and the drama of the reveal is more important than fitting in a lot of detail. Gatefolds also tend to sit more elegantly on a mantelpiece — they're inherently keepsake-shaped.
Choose concertina if you have a lot of information to share — multiple venues, accommodation options, travel details, dietary RSVP — and you want to keep everything in a single piece rather than sending a packet of inserts. Concertinas also work well for couples with a more design-forward vision, where the unfolding sequence is part of the experience.
Not sure? Order a sample of both. We can send examples of each format so you can feel the weight of the card, see the finish in person, and hold each one before you decide.
Foiling on Folded Invitations
Both gatefold and concertina designs are available with metallic foiling, applied in-house on our Foiling Machine. Gold foil on the outer panels of a gatefold invitation is one of the most effective finishing choices we make — it catches the light at exactly the right moment, just as the card is being opened. On a concertina, foil works beautifully as a continuous detail running across the panels, or as a highlight on a single key element — a monogram, a floral motif, a venue name.
Because foiling is done in-house rather than outsourced, we have more control over the registration and can apply it to elements that smaller foiling runs often can't accommodate. If you have something specific in mind, ask when you enquire — we'd rather show you what's possible than rule it out in advance.
What to Include in a Folded Wedding Invitation
The extra space a folded invitation provides is one of its main selling points, and it's worth thinking about what you'll actually use it for before you choose your format. Most couples include some combination of: the main invitation wording, an order of the day or ceremony overview, venue address and travel directions, accommodation recommendations, dress code, gift list information, and RSVP details.
A gatefold gives you two inner panels — enough for the invitation and one set of additional information. A concertina gives you more: typically four, five or six panels depending on the design, which is enough for everything above, with room left for a perforated RSVP card.
We'll help you work out the layout during the personalisation process. Once you've sent us your details, we'll prepare your proof — aiming to turn it around within 48 hours — and the proof stage is your chance to check that everything fits, reads clearly, and looks right before anything goes to print.
Personalised, Proofed and Hand Finished in Surrey
Every folded invitation is personalised to your day. Your names, your date, your wording, your finish. You'll see a proof before we print a single card, and once you've approved it, we handle the rest — printing on luxury card, hand finishing, and dispatching to you by tracked Royal Mail delivery anywhere in the UK, including London, Surrey and beyond.
Folded invitations start from 95p per card. See both format ranges below, or browse gatefold designs and concertina designs directly.
Folded Wedding Invitation FAQs
What is the difference between a gatefold and a concertina wedding invitation?
A gatefold invitation has two outer panels that open from the centre to reveal the invitation wording inside — like a pair of doors opening. A concertina invitation unfolds in a sequence of panels, accordion-style, offering more space for detail and typically including everything in one piece: invitation, information and RSVP. Gatefold suits formal or keepsake-focused designs; concertina suits couples with more information to include or a preference for the all-in-one format.
What is an accordion fold wedding invitation?
An accordion fold invitation is another name for a concertina invitation — both terms describe the same format, where the card unfolds in a zig-zag sequence of panels rather than opening flat. The name comes from the way the folds alternate direction, like the bellows of an accordion. The two terms are used interchangeably by couples and suppliers.
How much information can I include in a folded wedding invitation?
It depends on the format. A gatefold invitation gives you two inner panels — enough for the main invitation wording and one set of additional details. A concertina invitation typically gives you four to six panels, which is enough for the invitation, an order of the day, venue directions, accommodation information, dress code and a tear-off RSVP card, all in one piece.
Can I have foiling on a folded wedding invitation?
Yes — foiling is available on both gatefold and concertina designs, applied in-house on our Matrix Foiling Machine in our Surrey studio. Gold, silver and rose gold options are available. The outer panels of a gatefold and the first panel of a concertina are particularly effective placements for foil detail, but we can advise on the best approach for your specific design.
Will I see a proof before my folded invitations are printed?
Yes — every order includes a personalised proof showing your wording, names, layout and finish exactly as they'll appear on the finished card. We aim to turn proofs around within 48 hours of receiving your details. Once you approve it, we go straight into production.
How much do folded wedding invitations cost?
Folded wedding invitations start from 95p per card. The final price depends on the format, design and any additional finishing such as foiling — you'll see the full price before you personalise or order anything.
Do concertina invitations come with an RSVP card?
Many of our concertina designs include a perforated tear-off RSVP panel as part of the invitation itself, removing the need for a separate insert card. This is one of the main practical advantages of the concertina format — everything arrives in a single compact piece. RSVP panel availability varies by design; we can confirm this when you enquire.
Can I order a sample of a folded wedding invitation before committing?
Yes — we can arrange samples of both gatefold and concertina formats so you can hold the card, feel the weight and see the finish in person before making a decision. Samples are the best way to compare the two formats side by side, particularly if you're deciding between them.
Where are your folded wedding invitations made?
All of our folded wedding invitations are designed, printed and hand finished in our studio near Chobham in Surrey — including any foiling, which is applied in-house rather than outsourced. We deliver across the UK by tracked Royal Mail.
