Diecut Menus

Die-cut menus are printed in full colour and cut to a shape beyond the standard rectangle. Circle, oval, and custom contour options are available, allowing venues to produce a menu that carries the brand silhouette through to the physical format. Placed on a table, a circular cocktail menu or an organically shaped specials card communicates considered design before the content is read.

Printing is in full colour on both sides, with two paper stock options: 300gsm Matte and 170gsm Silk. Matte or gloss lamination is available on the 300gsm Matte stock for venues that need spill resistance and durability in a high-traffic environment. Base sizes span A3, A4, A5, and DL, and flat or folded configurations are available within those dimensions.

Die-cut menus suit cafes with a strong visual identity, themed dining venues, event and wedding specialists, and any operator who wants a menu that is immediately distinctive when placed in front of a guest. The format works for everyday menus, seasonal specials, and one-off event uses equally well.

• Circle, oval, rectangle with custom corners, or bespoke contour shapes
• 300gsm Matte or 170gsm Silk paper stock
• Matte or gloss laminate available on 300gsm Matte for spill resistance
• Full-colour printing on both sides, every order
• A3, A4, A5, and DL sizes with flat or folded formats

Each menu format in the Paperlust Print Shop range is optimised for a different brief. Die-cut menus are defined by their silhouette - the shape of the menu is the primary differentiator. Standard and foil menus are rectangular; die-cut menus are not.

Die-cut vs standard menus: Standard menus are colour-printed on rectangular sheets, compatible with all standard menu holders and folios. They are more cost-effective per unit and suited to everyday reprints and high-volume runs. Die-cut menus cost more and require slightly more lead time for the cutting step, but the distinctive shape is immediately noticeable on tables - appropriate for venues where design investment is part of the brand strategy.

Die-cut vs foil menus: Foil menus elevate the printed surface with real metallic foil accents while keeping the rectangular format. Die-cut menus elevate the physical silhouette while keeping the print approach straightforward. For a menu with both a custom shape and foil accents, contact the team via live chat to discuss a combined option.

Four shape options are available for die-cut menus, covering the most common custom formats and fully bespoke contours:

• Circle: a clean, round format suited to cocktail lists, single-page specials, and compact event menus.
• Oval: an elongated round shape that suits portrait-orientation menus while keeping the curved edge aesthetic.
• Rectangle with custom corners: a standard rectangular format with rounded or shaped corners - a subtle die-cut distinction that softens the menu feel without departing from a conventional layout.
• Custom contour: a bespoke shape matched to your brand identity, logo outline, or venue concept. Contact the team via live chat to discuss your specific requirement.

Base sizes are A3 (297 x 420mm), A4 (210 x 297mm), A5 (148 x 210mm), and DL (99 x 210mm). Paper stocks are 300gsm Matte and 170gsm Silk. Matte or gloss lamination is available on the 300gsm Matte stock - practical for menus that are handled repeatedly through a service. Full-colour printing is included on both sides of every order.

Die-cut menus work best in venues where the physical menu format reinforces the brand and the investment in design is intentional. They suit both everyday use and one-off event runs. Common applications include:

• Cafes and casual dining with a strong visual identity: A distinctive menu shape carries the brand through to the table and signals attention to detail that guests notice and photograph.
• Themed restaurants and concept venues: Circular menus, organic silhouettes, and shaped formats suit venues with a distinctive interior aesthetic - the format reinforces the concept rather than working against it.
• Wedding receptions and private events: Die-cut dining menus or cocktail lists at place settings add a design detail that is memorable and suits curated table styling for high-end events.
• Food trucks and pop-up operators: A custom-shaped menu is a practical branding asset for operators without a fixed venue - the format itself communicates brand identity in environments where signage is limited.
• Seasonal and campaign menus: Short-run die-cut menus for seasonal promotions and special events create a collectable, shareable format that drives social attention and reinforces campaign branding.
• Cocktail bars and premium beverage venues: Circular cocktail lists and shaped drinks cards suit the aesthetic of contemporary bar environments and premium beverage programmes.

Die-cut menus are the standout option in the menu range, but the broader suite covers every format a venue or event needs. Standard menus are the everyday, rectangular format - cost-effective for frequent reprints and compatible with all standard menu holders. Foil menus keep the rectangular format but add real metallic foil accents in gold, rose gold, silver, copper, or holographic for premium positioning. Counter cards extend on-brand print to the bar or point-of-sale.

For take-home and event promotion, postcards and die-cut postcards pair naturally with die-cut menus - consistent shapes, consistent brand presence across the full table and take-away experience. Flyers cover broader venue promotion and event distribution, all printed from the same Melbourne studio with consistent colour standards.