Light Card Stock: A Suitable Wedding Invitation Choice?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right cardstock. The weight of the cardstock, for example, can impact the overall look and feel of the invitation, with thicker cardstock often giving a more professional and elegant appearance. However, it's important to note that the weight capabilities of printers can vary, so it's essential to check the specifications of your printer before purchasing cardstock. Another factor to consider is the style of the invitation. Flat invitation cards, for instance, are typically made with heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards use lighter cardstock. Additionally, the type of paper chosen can also be indicative of the wedding's style. For instance, a classic and formal wedding might opt for matte cardstock, while a whimsical or beach-themed wedding could explore options like parchment or linen cardstock. Ultimately, the choice of cardstock for wedding invitations depends on a combination of personal preference, printer capabilities, and desired aesthetic.

Printing process

The printing process is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the type and weight of paper to use for your wedding invitations. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Printing at Home

If you plan to print your invitations at home, it's crucial to consider the paper weight capabilities of your home printer. Most home printers are typically used for lightweight copy paper, so their maximum paper weight capacity might be unknown to their owners. While most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb (216 gsm) to 100 lb (270 gsm) cardstock, not all of them can. Therefore, it's essential to consult your printer manual for cardstock printing information and recommendations. It's also worth noting that the higher the number on the European Metric Scale of GSM, the thicker the paper.

Using a Professional Print Shop

All print shops differ in their printing equipment and capabilities. Before settling on an invitation paper, it's advisable to contact multiple print shops to understand their equipment, print processes, and capabilities. Ensure they can accommodate your paper's weight, thickness, and texture. It's always a good idea to bring samples to discuss.

Suggested Weights for Popular Professional Printing Methods

Offset Printing

Offset printing uses metal plates to transfer ink to rubber rollers and then onto your paper. This method offers consistent, superb quality prints and can print on a variety of paper surfaces and weights. It can handle heavy coverage without streaks, spotting, or banding. However, one potential drawback is the additional time and cost involved in plate/machine setup for each design, especially for small invitation runs. Offset printing can typically handle weights up to 120 lb cover (325 gsm) and papers that are smooth or textured, coated or non-coated.

Thermography

Thermography, also known as raised printing, produces prints with a unique tactile and visual appeal. After printing with slow-drying ink, embossing powder is applied while the ink is still wet, and the paper is then passed through a heating mechanism to raise the design. While thermography provides a traditional and elegant invitation style, it does have some limitations, such as higher costs and colour and design restrictions. The preferred weight range for thermography is 80 lb cover (216 gsm) to 120 lb cover (325 gsm).

Letterpress Printing

Letterpress printing uses plates, hand-set type, and ink to press a design onto or into paper. It offers consistent, high-quality prints and can work with various paper surfaces and weights, providing a unique tactile element. However, one potential drawback is the extensive machine setup and colour limitations associated with each colour requiring its own plate and setup. Letterpress invitations are most commonly printed on thick, cotton cardstock ranging from 111 lb (300 gsm) to 222 lb (600 gsm).

Digital Printing

Digital printing is a quick and economical method that uses ink or toner to recreate a design on paper without plates or rollers. It offers the ability to print on a variety of paper and envelope weights, from light to heavy. Additionally, multiple colours can be printed with little setup. However, for large runs of 1000+ pieces, colours may subtly shift throughout the run. The ability to print on very heavy weights and heavily embossed textures may also be limited by the machinery. Digital printing can accommodate a wide range of weights, from lightweight 30 lb vellum to 120 lb heavyweight cardstock. While it doesn't work well with heavily textured papers, it can handle subtle textures like linen, coated metallics, and smooth, matte cardstock.

Invitation style

When it comes to wedding invitation style, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the printing process will dictate the type and weight of paper that can be used. If printing at home, most consumer-grade printers can handle 80-100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's specifications as some may be limited to 80lb.

The style of invitation is another key factor. Flat invitation cards, for example, are typically made from heavier cardstock, usually starting at 80lb and going up. In contrast, folding invitation cards are made from lighter cardstock, often between 65-100lb, as they will be twice as thick when folded. Layered invitations can be made from a variety of weights, but it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb or less) and attach it to a heavier card.

Additionally, the weight of the cardstock will impact postage costs. Invites weighing over one ounce will require additional postage, so choosing lighter cardstock can help keep costs down.

Finally, personal preference plays a role. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, the choice is yours and you should select the cardstock that aligns with your design and budget constraints.

Postage

When it comes to wedding invitation postage, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the weight of your invitation will affect the postage cost. Invitations weighing more than one ounce will require additional postage. To keep costs down, opt for lighter card stock. It's a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Another factor to consider is the shape of your invitation. Square invitations will typically require more postage than rectangular ones. If you're concerned about postage costs, go for a standard rectangular shape.

Additionally, if you're including multiple inserts or enclosures with your invitation, this will also impact the weight and therefore the postage. Keep the number of inserts to a minimum if you're looking to reduce postage costs.

Finally, it's worth noting that postage rates can vary depending on your location and the distance your invitations will be travelling. Be sure to check with your local post office to get an accurate quote for your specific needs.

By considering these factors, you can make informed choices about your wedding invitation design and keep your postage costs under control.

Printer weight capabilities

The weight of cardstock your printer can handle depends on the printer you have. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb (216 gsm) to 100 lb (270 gsm) cardstock. However, not all home printers are the same, so it is important to check your printer's specifications before purchasing cardstock.

To find the specifications of your printer, you can search for the "specification sheet" on the manufacturer's website or in the product documentation. This will provide information on the maximum media weight supported by your printer.

If you are planning to print your wedding invitations at home, it is recommended to start with 80 lb cardstock and increase the weight gradually until you encounter issues such as smudging or jamming. Then, choose a cardstock weight that is slightly lower than the one that caused the issues.

Some printers that are suitable for printing on heavy cardstock include the Canon Pixma Pro-100 and the HP Office Jet 3830 Printer. The Canon Pixma Pro-100 can handle cardstock up to 110 lb, while the HP Office Jet 3830 claims to print up to 145 lb, but it is unclear if this is for regular-sized paper or only 4 x 6 cardstock.

If you are considering outsourcing the printing of your wedding invitations, professional print shops typically have different printing equipment and capabilities. It is recommended to contact multiple print shops to understand their equipment, processes, and cardstock weight capabilities before making a decision.

Some popular professional printing methods and their corresponding cardstock weight ranges include:

• Offset printing: up to 120 lb cover (325 gsm)
• Thermography: 80 lb cover (216 gsm) to 120 lb cover (325 gsm)
• Letterpress printing: 111 lb (300 gsm) to 222 lb (600 gsm)
• Digital printing: a wide range of weights, including lightweight vellum (30 lb) and heavyweight cardstock (120 lb)

Paper weight

The weight of your wedding invitation cardstock is an important consideration, especially if you're planning to print your invitations at home. Most at-home consumer printers can handle paper weight up to 80 lbs, and some can go up to 100 lbs, but not all, so it's important to check your printer's specifications. If the paper is too thick, your printer may not be able to run it, and it could even damage the cardstock.

The weight of your cardstock will also impact the postage required for your invitations. Any invitation weighing over one ounce will require additional postage, so keeping the weight of your cardstock down will help to reduce costs.

When discussing paper weight, it's important to note that there are different scales used to measure weight and density. The simplest approach is to use the European Metric Scale of GSM (grams per square meter). On this scale, the higher the number, the thicker the paper. This is not true when using the USA (North American) paper scale, where a higher number does not always indicate a thicker paper.

If you're printing your invitations at a professional print shop, it's a good idea to bring samples of your cardstock to discuss their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Different printing methods also have different weight requirements, so knowing your preferred printing method in advance will be helpful.

For flat invitation cards, a heavier weight cardstock is typically used, usually starting at 80 lb cover and going up. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, use lighter cardstock since they are twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for these cards is between 65 lb and 100 lb cover.

Ultimately, the weight of your wedding invitation cardstock will depend on your printing method, invitation style, postage considerations, and personal preferences.

Frequently asked questions