Cardstock Weight For Wedding Invitations: 80 Lb Good?

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is the most popular choice. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best cardstock weight, as it depends on various factors such as printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference. That being said, 80 lb cardstock is commonly used for DIY invitations, card-making, scrapbooking, and business cards. It is a medium weight cardstock that can be used with almost any type of printer. For wedding invitations, a heavier cardstock is usually recommended for a more elegant and formal look. While 80 lb cardstock can be a good option, weights of 100 lb or higher will result in thicker and sturdier invitations. Ultimately, the best cardstock weight for wedding invitations depends on your specific requirements and constraints.

Most home printers can handle 80lb cardstock

The ability of a printer to handle thicker paper depends on its specifications, such as the "Media Weight Supported". When shopping for a printer, look for this information in the specification sheet or product documentation. For example, the HP ENVY Photo 7855 All-in-One Photo Printer supports up to 72 lb paper weight.

If you're specifically looking for a printer that can handle 80lb cardstock, there are a few options available. The Canon Pixma Pro-100, for instance, is recommended by some users for printing on heavy cardstock. Another option is the HP Office Jet 3830 Printer, which claims to print up to 145 lb paper, although the specifics of the paper size are unclear.

When choosing cardstock for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preferences. While 80lb cardstock is a good starting point, you may want to experiment with different weights to achieve the desired look and feel for your invitations.

It's a medium weight cardstock

80 lb cardstock is a medium-weight cardstock that can be used for DIY invitations, greeting cards, business cards, scrapbooking, flyers, postcards, die-cutting, menus, craft projects, programs, and more. It is the most common weight of cardstock and can go through almost any type of printer.

If you are using 80 lb cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to score the cardstock before folding it. This will ensure a clean fold and help to prevent any creasing or tearing.

When choosing a cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference.

For printing at home, it is crucial to know the weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb cardstock, but it is always good to check your printer manual for specific recommendations.

If you are creating a flat invitation card, a heavier cardstock like 80 lb is a good option. On the other hand, if you are making a folding invitation card, a lighter cardstock might be better, as it will be twice as thick after folding.

Keep in mind that the weight of your invitation will affect the postage cost. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. Taking a finished invitation to your local post office is a good way to determine the accurate postage needed.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock for your wedding invitations depends on your personal preference and the specific requirements of your project.

It's good for layering

Layering is a great way to add depth and interest to your wedding invitations, and 80 lb cardstock can be a good weight to use for this purpose. Here's why:

It's a Common Weight that Works with Most Printers:

80 lb cardstock is a standard weight that is commonly used for DIY invitations, greeting cards, business cards, and more. It's a medium weight that will go through almost any type of printer, whether you're printing at home or using a professional print shop. This makes it a convenient choice for layering, as you can easily print on this weight and then attach it to a heavier card stock base.

It Won't Add Excessive Weight:

When creating layered invitations, you want to be mindful of the overall weight of the final product. 80 lb cardstock is on the lighter side, so it won't add too much bulk or weight to your invitations. This is especially important if you're planning to mail your invitations, as heavier invitations will require additional postage.

It's Easy to Work With:

This weight of cardstock is easy to work with and can be punched, die-cut, and folded without any issues. This makes it ideal for creating layered invitations, as you can easily manipulate the paper to create the desired effect.

It Provides a Good Base for Other Elements:

When layering, you want to ensure that your base layer is sturdy enough to support any additional elements you plan to add. 80 lb cardstock is a good balance between being lightweight and having enough substance to act as a foundation for your design. You can attach additional layers, embellishments, or inserts without worrying about the base becoming too flimsy.

It Allows for Design Flexibility:

Using 80 lb cardstock as your base gives you the flexibility to add layers of different weights and textures. You can experiment with various combinations to create the look and feel you desire. For example, you can pair it with a heavier card stock for a more luxurious feel or layer it with vellum or parchment paper for a soft, romantic effect.

In conclusion, 80 lb cardstock is a great choice for layering in wedding invitations because of its versatility, ease of use, and compatibility with most printers. It provides a good foundation for your design while keeping the overall weight of the invitation manageable. By choosing this weight, you'll have the freedom to create layered invitations that reflect your unique style and theme.

It's the most common weight for invitations

80 lb cardstock is the most common weight for invitations. It is a medium weight cardstock that will go through almost any type of printer. It is used for DIY invitations, card making, scrapbooking, flyers, postcards, die-cutting, menus, craft projects, programs, and business cards. If you are using 80 lb cardstock and need to fold it, it is recommended to score the stock before folding.

The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the number, the thicker the paper. 80 lb cardstock weighs about 216 GSM or 225 GSM and 400 sheets to a ream. It is about the weight and sturdiness of a cheap greeting card. However, some people may find it too thin and cheap-feeling for their liking.

Most consumer-grade printers can handle 80 lb cardstock, but not all. It is important to check your printer's specifications and weight capacity before purchasing cardstock. If you are printing at home, it is recommended to start with 80 lb cardstock and increase the weight until you start having issues like smudging or jamming.

It's used for DIY invitations, greeting cards, business cards, etc

80 lb cardstock is a versatile paper weight that can be used for DIY invitations, greeting cards, business cards, and more. It is considered a medium weight cardstock that is commonly used for a variety of projects due to its compatibility with most printers. Here are some advantages and use cases for 80 lb cardstock:

Advantages of 80 lb Cardstock

• It is a good balance between thickness and printability, making it suitable for both home and professional printing.
• This weight is widely available and can be found at most paper suppliers or craft stores.
• It is sturdy enough for projects that require folding, such as greeting cards or invitations with multiple panels.
• 80 lb cardstock provides a more premium feel compared to standard printer paper, without being too bulky or heavy.

Common Uses for 80 lb Cardstock

• DIY invitations: 80 lb cardstock is a popular choice for those creating their own wedding or event invitations. It provides a nice balance between thickness and ease of printing, especially for those using home printers.
• Greeting cards: This weight is ideal for making greeting cards, as it can be easily folded and scored without being too flimsy.
• Business cards: 80 lb cardstock strikes a good balance between durability and printability for business cards. It is thick enough to feel premium, yet light enough to be easily carried and stored.
• Flyers, postcards, and craft projects: The versatility of 80 lb cardstock makes it suitable for various craft projects, including flyers, postcards, menus, and die-cutting.

Frequently asked questions