Choosing The Right Cardstock Thickness For Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding involves making a lot of decisions, from the venue to the food and, of course, the invitations. When it comes to choosing the cardstock for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider, including the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preferences.

The weight of cardstock is typically measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). For wedding invitations, the cardstock weight can vary from as low as 65lb (176gsm) to double-thick duplexed cardstock of 222lb (600gsm) or higher. It's important to consider the capabilities of your printer when choosing the cardstock weight, as some home printers may not handle thicker cardstock well.

When selecting cardstock for your wedding invitations, you should also think about the invitation style. Flat invitation cards usually require heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards can be made with lighter cardstock. Additionally, if you plan to mail your invitations, keep in mind that thicker cardstock will require additional postage.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock weight depends on your personal preferences and the overall impression you want to create for your wedding. Heavier cardstock can give your invitations a more formal and elegant feel, while lighter cardstock is more suitable for folding and can be more cost-effective.

Printing method: The cardstock weight depends on whether you're printing at home or using a professional print shop

The cardstock weight you choose depends on whether you're printing your wedding invitations at home or using a professional print shop.

Printing at Home

Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80–100 lb cardstock, but not all can. It's important to check your printer's weight capacity, as some printers can get jammed with cardstock that's too thick. One source suggests starting with 80 lb cardstock and increasing the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming, and then moving down a weight. Another source recommends 80–90 lb cardstock for most home printers, with 100 lb cardstock being manageable in some home printers.

Printing at a Professional Print Shop

If you're printing at a local print shop, you can use thicker cardstock. One source recommends starting at 100 lb cardstock and working upwards. Another source suggests that cardstock from 110–130 lb is the heaviest you can probably print yourself, and even this might require industrial printers. Cardstock of 150 lb and above should be reserved for professional printers, embossers, and letterpress printing.

Invitation style: Flat cards are usually heavier, while folding cards are lighter

When it comes to wedding invitation styles, the weight of cardstock differs between flat and folding cards.

Flat invitation cards are usually a single sheet of cardstock, and as such, they are typically made with a heavy-weight cardstock. This is often 80lb cover and above, with 110lb and 120lb cardstock being considered "heavy weight". This weight gives the invitations a more professional and elegant look and feel.

On the other hand, folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter cardstock as they are twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for this style is between 65lb and 100lb cover. This allows for easier folding, either by hand or with scoring.

It's worth noting that the weight of cardstock is measured differently in the US and Europe. In the US, it's measured in pounds, while in Europe, it's measured in grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the number, the thicker the paper, but this relationship is not always true when using the US scale.

Postage: Thicker cardstock will cost more to send

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, the weight of your cardstock will determine how much you pay in postage. If your invitation weighs more than 1 ounce, you will need to pay extra for postage.

In the US, the weight of paper is calculated in pounds, and the thicker the cardstock, the heavier it will be. The thicker the cardstock, the more professional your invitations will look and feel. However, this will also increase your postage costs.

Cardstock weight for wedding invitations typically ranges from 65lb to 222lb or higher. Most consumer-grade printers can handle 80lb to 100lb paper, but some can handle up to 120lb. If you want to keep your postage costs down, opt for a lighter cardstock that your printer can handle without issues.

If you're printing your invitations at home, it's important to know the maximum paper weight your printer can handle to avoid issues like smudging or jamming. Test out different weights, starting with 80lb cardstock, and increase the weight until you encounter problems. Then go down a weight to find the optimal thickness for your printer.

If you're using a professional printing service, consider the different printing methods and their weight limitations. For example, offset printing can handle weights up to 120lb cover, while letterpress printing typically uses thicker cardstock ranging from 111lb to 222lb.

Additionally, the style of your invitation will impact the weight of cardstock you choose. Flat invitation cards usually have a heavier weight, starting at 80lb cover and up. Folding invitation cards are typically made with lighter cardstock, with a popular weight range between 65lb and 100lb cover.

When selecting cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider your printing method, invitation style, and budget to find the right balance between aesthetics and postage costs.

Preference: Some people prefer thick cardstock, while others like thinner

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of factors to consider, from the printing process to invitation style, postage, and personal preference. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, it's important to choose a cardstock weight that aligns with your specific needs and desires.

Some people prefer thick cardstock for their wedding invitations, aiming for a luxurious and elegant feel. Thicker cardstock, ranging from 110 lb to 220 lb, can add a sense of heft and sophistication to the invitation suite. It also provides durability, ensuring that the invitations withstand the mailing process without creasing or bending. This is especially important for digital or flat printing, as thinner cardstock may crease during the printing process. Additionally, thicker cardstock pairs well with letterpress and foil stamping techniques, ensuring a high-quality final product.

On the other hand, others prefer thinner cardstock for their wedding invitations. Thin cardstock, typically between 80 lb and 100 lb, is more suitable for home printers, as most consumer-grade printers have limitations in handling cardstock above this weight range. Using thinner cardstock can also help keep postage costs down, as invitations weighing more than one ounce will require additional postage. If you're creating a layered or folded invitation, thinner cardstock might be preferable to keep the overall weight and bulk of the invitation manageable.

Ultimately, the decision between thick and thin cardstock for wedding invitations comes down to personal preference and practical considerations. Thicker cardstock can provide a more luxurious feel and is suitable for certain printing techniques, while thinner cardstock is more printer-friendly and can help manage postage costs. It's important to weigh these factors when making your decision to ensure your wedding invitations align with your vision and budget.

Paper type: Cardstock is thicker than printer paper but thinner than cardboard

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is the paper of choice. It is thicker than regular printer paper but thinner and more flexible than cardboard.

Cardstock is available in a range of weights, from lightweight options that can be printed on a home printer to heavy-duty stocks that require professional printing equipment. The weight of the cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). For wedding invitations, a weight of 80 lb to 110 lb is commonly recommended. This weight range offers a balance between durability and elegance, ensuring that the invitations feel sturdy and luxurious without being too thick or difficult to work with.

When choosing cardstock for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing method. Digital printing or flat printing can be used on a wide range of cardstock weights, while letterpress and foil stamping require heavier paper. The capabilities of your printer should also be taken into account, as home printers may have limitations on the thickness of cardstock they can handle.

In addition to weight, cardstock also comes in a variety of textures and finishes, such as linen, cotton, parchment, and gloss. These options allow for further customisation and can enhance the overall look and feel of the invitations.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock for wedding invitations depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic. Thicker cardstock can add a sense of luxury and elegance, while thinner options may be more practical for printing and budgeting. It's recommended to purchase samples of cardstock to test their suitability before committing to a large order.

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