Invitation Enclosure: Wedding Card Thickness Guide

Wedding invitations are a crucial part of wedding planning, offering guests a first glimpse into the big day. While the design, colours, and wording are important, the thickness of the invitation also plays a significant role in making a good impression. The standard thickness of wedding invitations ranges from 80 lb to 300 lb, with thicker cardstock giving a more luxurious feel.

For those seeking an affordable option, 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock is ideal for home printers and gives a professional look. However, for a truly luxurious experience, consider 110 lb to 130 lb cardstock, which will require industrial printers.

Additionally, the thickness of the invitation affects mailing costs, with thicker invitations incurring higher postage fees. Couples should also be mindful of the envelope size, as thicker invitations require larger envelopes, which can further increase mailing costs.

Ultimately, the thickness of a wedding invitation depends on personal preference, budget, and desired printing method. Whether thin or thick, the invitation should reflect the style and theme of the wedding, creating a lasting impression on guests.

Acrylic invitations are available in three thicknesses: 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many options to choose from, and it can be challenging to decide on the right thickness. Acrylic invitations, in particular, offer a unique and modern look for your special day.

• Budget: Thicker acrylic invitations tend to be more expensive. If you are working with a limited budget, 1mm acrylic invitations are a more affordable option. By choosing thinner acrylic, you can allocate more funds towards customisations or embellishments.
• Mailing Costs: The thickness of your invitations will impact the mailing costs. Thinner 1mm invitations have a lower starting price for postage, making them a cost-effective choice.
• Customisation and DIY: If you plan to pair your acrylic invitations with other materials or add-ons, 1mm acrylic cards are a recommended choice. This thickness allows for customisations like wax seals, ribbon ties, laser cuts, or vellum wraps while keeping the final cost per suite reasonable.
• Weight and Impression: Thicker acrylic invitations, such as 2mm or 3mm, give a weightier and more impressive impression. If you prefer a luxurious and substantial feel to your invitations, opting for a thicker option may be ideal.
• Quality and Cut: Regardless of thickness, the quality and cut of acrylic invitations should remain consistent. You can expect the same level of quality and design precision with 1mm and 2mm invitations, with the only significant difference being the thickness and weight.

When deciding on the thickness of your acrylic wedding invitations, consider your budget, mailing costs, desired customisations, and the impression you want to make. By choosing the right thickness, you can create elegant and unique invitations that set the tone for your wedding while staying within your budget.

The cost of postage increases with the thickness of the invitation

When it comes to wedding invitations, thickness matters. Not only does it impact the look and feel of the invitation, but it also affects the cost of postage. While you want your invitation to stand out and make a good impression, you also need to be mindful of the increasing postage costs for thicker invitations.

In the United States, the postage cost for sending an invitation depends on its shape, weight, and size. Standard-sized rectangular envelopes with a weight of up to 1 ounce start at $0.73. However, if your invitation is square, oversized, or unusually shaped, you'll be paying a higher price of $1.19. The weight of your invitation plays a crucial role here. The heavier your invitation, the more you'll likely have to pay in postage.

The thickness of wedding invitation cardstock typically ranges from 65 lb to 300 lb or higher. For context, a sheet of 80 lb text paper is significantly different from 80 lb cardstock paper. The latter is much thicker and sturdier. When choosing the thickness of your invitation cardstock, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, and your budget.

If you're printing your invitations at home, keep in mind that most home printers can handle cardstock up to a certain thickness. Thicker cardstock might require a professional printing service, which can add to your overall cost. Additionally, thicker cardstock means a heavier invitation, which will require more postage.

To save on postage costs, it's advisable to keep your invitation cardstock on the thinner side, ensuring it doesn't exceed the standard weight and thickness limits. You can also opt for folding invitation cards, which are typically made with lighter cardstock. By folding the card, you create a thicker invitation without increasing the weight, thus avoiding additional postage fees.

In conclusion, while you may be tempted to choose thicker cardstock for a more luxurious feel, remember that the cost of postage increases with the thickness of your wedding invitation. To keep your wedding invitation budget in check, consider the various factors at play, including printing limitations, invitation style, and, most importantly, the impact of thickness on postage costs.

The weight of the invitation paper should be considered when selecting a printer

When choosing a printer, it's important to consider the printing process and invitation style. Some printing methods, like offset printing, thermography, and letterpress printing, work better with certain paper weights and textures. For example, letterpress printing usually requires thicker cardstock, while thermography produces a raised print that may not be achievable with all printers. Additionally, the style of the invitation, such as flat, folded, or layered, will also dictate the weight and thickness of the paper needed.

Another factor to consider is postage. Invitations over one ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter cardstock can help keep costs down. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to the post office to determine the exact postage required.

Finally, personal preference plays a role in choosing the weight of the invitation paper. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the desired look and feel of the invitations, as well as any budget constraints.

The thickness of the invitation paper should be chosen based on the desired level of formality

The thickness of your wedding invitation paper can be a key factor in setting the tone and level of formality for your wedding. The weight and texture of the paper you choose can add a sense of luxury and elegance or a more modern, playful, or casual feel to your invitations.

For a formal wedding, thick, heavy card stock is a popular choice. This type of paper gives your invitations a luxurious and elegant feel. The standard weight for card stock used in wedding invitations ranges from 80 lb to 110 lb, but for an extra thick and luxurious option, you can choose double-thick card stock, which is almost unbendable and provides a unique tactile experience. The added thickness also makes your invitations more durable and less likely to bend or crease.

If you're planning a formal wedding with traditional or classic elements, thicker card stock can be a perfect choice. It pairs well with formal printing techniques such as letterpress, engraving, and foil stamping, which add to the overall sophistication of your invitations. The weight and texture of the paper also allow for crisp and clean lines, making your invitations look elegant and refined.

However, if you're opting for a more casual or modern wedding, you might choose lighter weight paper. This can give your invitations a more relaxed and playful feel. Lighter weight paper is also a good option if you're including multiple layers or inserts in your invitations, as it helps keep the overall package from becoming too bulky.

When selecting the thickness of your invitation paper, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and your personal preferences. If you're printing your invitations at home, check your printer's specifications to ensure it can handle thicker card stock. Additionally, keep in mind that heavier invitations may require additional postage.

Ultimately, the thickness of your wedding invitation paper should reflect the desired level of formality and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve for your special day. By choosing the right paper thickness, you can make a lasting impression on your guests and set the tone for your wedding celebration.

The thickness of the invitation paper can impact the overall cost of the invitation suite

When choosing the thickness of your wedding invitation paper, it's important to consider your budget and the desired look and feel of your invitations. Thicker paper, typically measured in pounds or "lbs" in the US, can give a more impressive and professional look to your invitations. However, it's important to note that there is a trade-off between thickness and cost. As the thickness of the paper increases, so too can the printing and postage costs.

Most home printers can accommodate paper weights of up to 80 lbs, which is a good option for DIY wedding invitations. However, if you're looking for something thicker and more luxurious, you may need to consider a professional printing company that can handle heavier card stock. Thicker paper, such as cardstock, is more rigid and less prone to bending, giving your invitations a sturdier feel. It's worth noting that the thickness of the paper is just one factor to consider when creating your wedding invitations. The type of paper, such as linen or cotton cardstock, can also impact the overall cost and look of your invitations.

Additionally, the weight of your invitation suite can affect postage costs. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage in the US. Therefore, keeping the weight of your invitation card stock down can help to reduce the overall cost of your invitation suite. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invite to your local post office to determine the accurate postage required.

In conclusion, the thickness of the invitation paper can impact the overall cost of the invitation suite in terms of paper costs, printing costs, and postage costs. It's important to consider your budget and desired look and feel when choosing the thickness of your wedding invitation paper.

Frequently asked questions