Tissue Paper For Wedding Invites: Necessary Or Not?

Wedding invitation tissue paper is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper that is placed over an invitation card to prevent ink smudging during mailing. It is also used for aesthetic reasons, to separate layers and cards, and keep invitations neat and elegant. Traditionally, invitations were handwritten, and tissue paper was used to prevent smudging. Today, tissue paper is not necessary to prevent smudging, but it is still used as a nod to tradition and for aesthetic reasons. It is usually white or cream and cut to standard sizes to cover the wording on an invite. Some couples choose to use vellum instead of tissue paper, as it offers more colours, sizes, and the ability to print custom text and designs.

The history of tissue paper in wedding invitations

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years to when invitations were handwritten. Quill pen and ink were used to write these invitations, which had a tendency to smudge if not completely dry, or if they got damp during transport. To avoid this, tissue paper was placed over the invitation wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging.

Tissue paper for wedding invitations is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, usually white or cream, and cut to standard sizes—just enough to cover the wording on the invite.

While modern inks do not usually smudge, the tradition of using tissue paper has remained. It is now used for aesthetic reasons, to separate layers and cards, and keep invitations neat and elegant. It also serves a practical purpose, protecting invitations from smudging, scratching, or getting damaged in the mail.

Today, tissue paper is not always necessary in wedding invitations, but it is still considered a standard in formal wedding situations and is often used to add a touch of elegance and tradition to the invitation suite.

The aesthetic appeal of tissue paper

Tissue paper is a lightweight paper with a soft, cloudy appearance, usually in white or cream. It is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent, and is often used to cover the wording on an invitation card. Tissue paper is commonly used for wedding invitations due to its aesthetic appeal, neat presentation, and ability to separate layers and cards. Here are some reasons why tissue paper is aesthetically appealing for wedding invitations:

Tradition and Elegance

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back hundreds of years. It adds a touch of tradition and elegance to the overall presentation. The delicate and slightly translucent nature of tissue paper enhances the visual appeal of the invitation suite.

Formality and Organisation

Tissue paper provides a nice, organised, and formal look to the wedding invitations. It helps separate different sections of the invitation, creating a sense of structure and order. This organised presentation adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Absorbency and Protection

One of the key aesthetic appeals of tissue paper is its absorbency. Tissue paper is highly absorbent and can help prevent ink smudging, ensuring that the invitations remain neat and legible. This protective quality of tissue paper maintains the visual appeal of the invitations.

Customisation and Versatility

Tissue paper can be customised to match the colour scheme or theme of the wedding. It can also be cut to specific sizes to fit the invitation suite perfectly. This versatility allows for a seamless integration of tissue paper into the overall design, enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

Enhanced Texture and Softness

The use of tissue paper adds a subtle texture and softness to the wedding invitations. The embossed patterns or designs on tissue paper create a pleasing tactile experience for the recipient. This sensory aspect of tissue paper elevates the aesthetic appeal beyond just visual elements.

Tissue paper vs vellum

Wedding invitations often include thin paper inserts, which are either tissue paper or vellum. These inserts are used for protection, tradition, aesthetics, and practicality.

Tissue Paper

Traditional wedding tissue paper is thin, delicate, and slightly translucent. It is usually white or cream and is placed over the invitation card to prevent ink smudging during mailing. Tissue paper is also used for aesthetic reasons, as it offers a formal presentation by separating layers and cards. It is often cut to standard sizes, just enough to cover the wording on the invite.

Vellum

Vellum is a contemporary alternative to tissue paper, offering more translucency and a modern look. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be printed with custom text and designs, making it a popular choice for those who want a more customised invitation.

The choice between tissue paper and vellum depends on the desired look and functionality of the wedding invitation. Tissue paper is more traditional and commonly used to prevent ink smudging, while vellum offers more customisation options with its variety of colours and sizes. Vellum is also a better choice for those who want to print custom text and designs on the insert itself. However, if the main concern is ink smudging, tissue paper is recommended over vellum as it is more effective in absorbing ink.

Do-it-yourself wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are a great place to express your creativity and save some money. Here is a guide to help you create your own wedding invitations:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin designing, consider the style and theme you want to convey. Do you prefer a simple and elegant look, or something bolder and more colorful? Perhaps a watercolor motif? Creating a Pinterest board as a mood board can help you identify your style and the design elements you want to include.

Timing:

Give yourself ample time when creating DIY wedding invitations. It is recommended that invitations be mailed eight weeks before the wedding, so plan your printing time accordingly. Make sure you have about 10% more supplies than you need to account for any mistakes or reprints.

Online Resources:

Websites like Minted, Shutterfly, and Zazzle offer affordable invitation templates. Etsy is another excellent source for customizable templates from talented designers. These sites often provide complete suites, including invitations, menu cards, and thank-you cards.

Printing Options:

You can choose to print your invitations at home or use a larger printing service like Costco or Office Depot. Printing shops can offer guidance on selecting the best paper and achieving a professional finish.

Customization:

When using a template, you usually have the option to customize it yourself or have the designer make changes for you. Customizing it yourself is more cost-effective but may limit your ability to change certain elements like fonts or colors.

Paper Selection:

The type of paper you choose will significantly impact the final look and feel of your invitations. A thicker paper, such as a 120 lb. uncoated cardstock, will give a more luxurious impression. Consider papers with texture, such as linen or felt. Visit specialty stationery stores or print shops to feel and test different papers before making your decision.

Ink Usage:

Keep in mind that ink can be expensive, especially if your design includes a colorful background. Many home printers may not handle full-color print jobs well, so consider designs that let the paper show through with pops of color. If you want white font on your invitations, consider using a printing service to avoid the stress on your home printer.

Assembly and Mailing:

For clean cuts, use a paper cutter with a sharp blade. When assembling layers or adding envelope liners, use glue dots or double-stick tape for a neater finish. Finally, take a complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed and to calculate the correct postage.

Tissue Paper:

Tissue paper is a traditional and aesthetic addition to wedding invitations. It is a thin, delicate, slightly translucent paper placed over the invitation wording to prevent ink smudging and give a formal presentation.

Creating your own wedding invitations can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to express your creativity and save money. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can achieve beautiful results that set the tone for your special day.

The thickness of wedding invitation paper

Cardstock weight for wedding invitations can vary significantly, ranging from a low of 65lb (176gsm) to duplexed cardstock over 222lb (600gsm). The choice of cardstock weight depends on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.

When printing invitations at home, it is crucial to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it is essential to consult the printer manual for specific recommendations. For flat invitation cards, a heavier weight cardstock of 80lb or above is suggested, while folding invitation cards typically use lighter stock, with a popular range between 65lb and 100lb.

If outsourcing printing to a professional print shop, it is important to contact them beforehand to understand their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Some printing methods, such as offset printing, can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm), while others, like letterpress printing, commonly use thicker cardstock ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm).

Additionally, the choice of paper weight can impact postage costs. Invitations weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter cardstock can help keep costs down.

In conclusion, selecting the appropriate thickness for wedding invitation paper depends on various factors, including printing method, invitation style, and budget. It is essential to consider the capabilities of your printer or print shop, as well as the desired look and feel of the final invitations.

Frequently asked questions