Choosing The Perfect Card Stock For Your Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding? One of the most important decisions you'll make is what cardstock to use for your invitations. The right paper will set the tone for your celebration and create a beautiful keepsake for your guests.

Cardstock is a form of paper that differs from computer paper or construction paper because of its weight. It's thicker, allowing various inks and printing styles, and has a more luxurious feel without a steep price tag.

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the following:

- Paper weight: Cardstock weight ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight in pounds, the thicker the cardstock. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended to ensure it feels more substantial than computer paper but isn't too heavy for your home printer.

- Printer type: The type of printer you use will impact the final print quality. Home printers are often limited in the thickness of paper they can handle, so it's important to review your printer's instructions and do a test print.

- Texture: Textured cardstock, such as linen or cotton, can add visual interest and hide imperfections in the printing. Smooth cardstock is better suited for laser printers as too much texture can cause issues with the ink.

- Colour: White or cream cardstock is a classic choice, but coloured cardstock can add a fun and cohesive look to your invitations.

- Finish: A matte or eggshell finish is commonly used for wedding invitations, but you can also choose a semi-gloss or metallic finish for a more modern look.

Now that you know what to look for, it's time to start shopping for cardstock! Online retailers like Amazon, Cards & Pockets, and Cardstock Warehouse offer a wide variety of colours, weights, and finishes to choose from. Happy planning!

Cardstock weight and thickness

The weight and thickness of cardstock are important factors to consider when creating wedding invitations. Cardstock is typically measured in pounds, with a higher number indicating greater thickness and weight. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended to achieve a more elegant and formal look. This weight strikes a balance between being substantial and lightweight enough to feed into a home printer.

For single-folded sheets, a weight of 110 lb. is suggested. This weight is ideal for creating a luxurious and professional appearance. However, it's important to note that not all home printers can handle this thickness, and you may need to consider using a commercial printer for weights above 100 lb.

When selecting cardstock, it's essential to differentiate between "text weight" paper and "cardstock" or "cover weight" paper. Text weight paper is similar to standard printer paper, while cardstock refers to heavier paper with a cardboard-like feel.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that cardstock weight is a matter of personal preference and budget. While thicker cardstock can enhance the overall tone and elegance of your wedding invitations, it may also increase costs.

If you're printing your wedding invitations at home, it's recommended to start with 80 lb. cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you find the optimal thickness for your printer. Conducting a test print can help you determine the maximum weight your printer can handle without issues like smudging or jamming.

Where to buy cardstock

When it comes to buying cardstock for wedding invitations, there are several options to choose from.

Online

You can buy cardstock from online retailers such as Amazon, which offers a wide range of cardstock papers in different colours, sizes, weights, and textures. Amazon also provides customer reviews, which can be helpful in making a decision.

Local Print Shops

If you prefer to see and feel the cardstock before purchasing, you can visit local print shops like Kinko's or FedEx Office. These shops offer professional-quality prints at a lower cost than boutique printing services. However, they may have limitations on paper size and type, so it's important to check with them beforehand.

Specialty Paper Stores

Another option is to look for specialty paper stores that cater to stationery and crafting projects. For example, Cards & Pockets offers a curated selection of fine paper and colour cardstock brands, including Colorplan, Stardream, and Pop-tone, each with its own unique characteristics.

Stationery Suppliers

Finally, you can explore stationery suppliers like The Paper Mill Store, which specialises in wedding invitations and offers a range of papers, envelopes, and note cards to create the perfect invitation suite.

When choosing where to buy cardstock, it's important to consider the specific requirements of your wedding invitations, such as the desired paper weight, finish, and printing method. Some papers may work better with certain printers, so it's always a good idea to test out a few options before making a final decision.

Printing at home vs at a local print shop

When it comes to printing wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing at home or using a local print shop. Both options have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Printing at Home

Printing your wedding invitations at home can be a great option if you're looking for convenience and flexibility. It allows you to design and print your invitations from the comfort of your own home, saving you time and money on trips to a print shop. Additionally, home printing gives you more control over the entire process, from choosing the paper stock to making last-minute changes. This option is also ideal if you're working with a tight budget, as it eliminates the need for professional printing services.

However, printing at home also has its drawbacks. It can be time-consuming and may require a significant amount of ink, paper, and other supplies. Moreover, the quality of the final product may vary depending on the capabilities of your home printer. If you're printing a large number of invitations, it can be a tedious and costly process.

To get the best results when printing at home, consider the following tips:

• Experiment with different print quality settings to find the one that produces the sharpest prints.
• Use textured cardstock to hide imperfections and give your invitations a unique look. Linen cardstock, in particular, is a great option for home printing.
• Start with low-weight cardstock (around 80#) and gradually increase the weight until you find the perfect balance between print quality and paper thickness.

Local Print Shop

Using a local print shop, such as Kinko's or FedEx Office, is another popular option for printing wedding invitations. This option offers several advantages over home printing. Firstly, professional print shops can provide higher-quality prints that will make your invitations look more polished and elegant. Secondly, they have industrial-grade printers that can handle thicker cardstock, giving your invitations a more luxurious feel.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider when using a local print shop. The print quality may vary between different locations of the same print shop, and you might encounter issues with certain types of paper, such as shimmery cotton or vellum. Additionally, some print shops may have restrictions on printing oddly-sized stationery or envelopes, requiring you to use standard 8.5" x 11" sheets.

To ensure a smooth process when using a local print shop, keep these tips in mind:

• Save your invitation designs on a thumb drive as high-resolution PDFs before taking them to the print shop.
• Opt for cardstock with a smooth texture, as too much texture can cause issues with laser printers, which apply ink on top of the paper.
• Start with 100# cardstock and work your way up to find the ideal weight that balances print quality and paper thickness.

In conclusion, both printing at home and using a local print shop have their advantages and disadvantages. Printing at home offers convenience, flexibility, and cost savings, while local print shops provide higher-quality prints and can handle thicker cardstock. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the desired look and feel of your wedding invitations.

Cardstock colours and textures

When it comes to cardstock colours and textures, the options are endless. From simple white or cream cardstock to more decorative options like wood grain or Kraft paper, there is a cardstock to suit every wedding theme and style.

White and Cream Cardstock

Solid white or cream cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it comes in a variety of weights and colours, making it perfect for printing at home. It is also relatively inexpensive, so you can print all your invites on a small budget. The 80# weight is ideal for most home printers, while the 100# weight will give your invitations a more professional look.

Linen Cardstock

Linen cardstock is designed to resemble linen fabric with a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. The basket weave texture adds visual interest to simple invitations and is perfect for hiding imperfections or quality issues that may occur when printing at home.

Cotton Cardstock

Cotton cardstock has a smooth texture and is highly absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. It gives wedding invitations a clean, modern look and is considered "photo safe", meaning it will keep your invitations looking great for years to come.

Parchment

Parchment paper is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marble effect. It adds a unique touch to spring and small, personal weddings. While it is not very thick, it layers nicely with other types of cardstock, such as cotton or vellum.

Kraft Cardstock

Kraft cardstock, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel. It resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags but is thicker and more polished. It is a perfect choice for vintage or outdoor weddings.

Vellum

Vellum is a translucent paper that can be printed on directly or layered over illustrations, artwork, or photos. It adds a subtle depth to your invitations without the trouble of printing.

Coloured Cardstock

Coloured cardstock resembles thick craft paper and comes in a variety of colours and weights. It is a great option for creating a fun and cohesive look for your wedding stationery, especially when paired with coloured envelopes.

Wood Grain Cardstock

Wood grain cardstock has a subtle wood grain texture embossed into the paper, adding a decorative touch to your invitations. It is perfect for accent pieces like belly bands and tags, as well as enclosure cards and vellum underlays.

Laid Cardstock

Laid cardstock has subtle vertical ridges running the length of the paper, giving it a soft, romantic feel. It is a unique choice for brides who want something a little different from the traditional options.

Cardstock paper brands

When it comes to cardstock paper brands, there are several options available that are suitable for wedding invitations. Here are some brands to consider:

Spectrum Noir Ultra Smooth Premium Cardstock:

This cardstock is a great option for wedding invitations as it has a versatile weight of 100 pounds, preventing bleed-through. It is also opaque, durable, and easy to cut. It can be used in most office printers, making it convenient for printing invitations.

Neenah White Index Heavy Cardstock:

Neenah cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations. It has a weight of 110 pounds and comes in bright white sheets. This cardstock is suitable for both inkjet and laser printers, and its smooth surface makes it ideal for projects like inking, gluing, stamping, and die-cutting.

Gina K. Designs Cardstocks:

Gina K. Designs offers a wide range of colours and their cardstock is 100 lb, making it a good option for die-cutting. It is also known for its ability to crease well without cracking or buckling, which is important when creating folded invitations.

My Favorite Things (MFT) Cardstocks:

MFT cardstocks come in a wide selection of colours and their cardstock weight is 100 lb. They offer a range of grey colours that are ideal for creating elegant and modern wedding invitations.

Papertrey Ink Cardstocks:

Papertrey Ink cardstocks are known for their quality and affordable price point. Their papers typically weigh around 100 lb and they offer slightly different colours than other brands, including rich reds and browns.

Bazzill Cardstocks:

Bazzill cardstock is widely available and offers a variety of textures, colours, and specialty finishes. Their cardstock weight ranges from 65 lb to 110 lb, giving you options depending on your printing needs.

Stampin' Up! Cardstocks:

Stampin' Up! cardstocks are a good choice for those starting out, as they are affordable and offer a wide range of colours. Their cardstock is around 65 lb, which is on the thinner side, but it works well for stamping.

When choosing a cardstock brand for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and thickness of the paper, as well as its compatibility with your printer. It's also a good idea to test out different brands to see which one gives you the best results in terms of print quality and overall appearance.

Frequently asked questions