Choosing The Perfect Cardstock For Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the type of cardstock you use depends on the kind of printer you have. Most front-loading printers can't handle cardstock thicker than 80-90lb, while back-loading printers can manage up to 130lb. If you're printing at home, start with 80lb cardstock and increase the weight until your printer starts to smudge or jam. If you're using a local print shop, save your invitations on a thumb drive and opt for cardstock with a smooth texture. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square meter, with cardstock weight ranging from 45lb to 300lb or higher. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the better your invitations will look and feel.

Linen cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its delicate woven texture and matte finish

Linen cardstock is available in a variety of weights, typically ranging from 80# to 120#. When selecting the appropriate weight, it is essential to consider the capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle cardstock up to 80# or 90#, while industrial printers can accommodate thicker cardstock of 100# or higher. It is recommended to start with a lower weight and gradually increase until you find the perfect balance for your printer.

In addition to its functionality, linen cardstock also offers a classic and refined aesthetic. The subtle texture adds visual interest to simple invitations, making them stand out. This type of cardstock is often used for wedding invitations as it gives them a clean, modern look. Its ability to complement various colours and designs makes it a versatile choice for couples who want to incorporate their unique style into their invitations.

Linen cardstock is readily available from online retailers and specialty paper stores. It is a popular option for couples who want to create elegant and sophisticated wedding invitations. By selecting linen cardstock, couples can achieve a polished and professional look for their special day.

Cotton cardstock is a smooth, highly absorbent option that works well with both laser and inkjet printers

When it comes to wedding invitations, cotton cardstock is a popular choice. This type of paper is relatively smooth, with a modern look and feel, and its high absorbency makes it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. It is also "photo safe", meaning it will better preserve your invitations in your wedding album for years to come.

Cotton cardstock is available in a variety of weights and colours, making it a versatile option for wedding invitations. It is considered a "heavyweight" paper, typically ranging from 110 lb to 130 lb, which gives invitations a luxurious and professional look and feel.

When choosing cotton cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the specifications of your printer. Most home printers can handle paper weights up to 80# or 90#, while industrial printers can accommodate thicker paper, up to 130#. It is recommended to start with a lower weight and gradually increase until you find the right balance for your printer.

Additionally, cotton cardstock pairs well with other types of paper, such as vellum, to create a layered effect. This can add depth and visual interest to your invitations.

Overall, cotton cardstock is an excellent choice for wedding invitations due to its smooth texture, high absorbency, and compatibility with different printing methods. Its versatility in terms of weights and colours also makes it a flexible option to create elegant and professional-looking invitations.

Parchment paper is a thin, semi-translucent option with a subtle marbled look, often used for spring and small weddings

Parchment paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, adding a unique, luxe, and ethereal touch to the stationery. It is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a subtle marbled look, making it a perfect choice for spring and small weddings. Its delicate appearance and versatility make it an excellent accent to traditional card stock, elevating the overall look of the invitation suite.

Parchment paper, often available in weights ranging from 60lb to 90lb, is known for its old-world, classic look and feel. It is a great option for couples who want to achieve a timeless and elegant look for their wedding invitations. The paper's semi-transparency allows for layering with other materials like vellum or cotton cardstock, creating a beautiful depth and texture.

When choosing parchment paper for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the printing method. Parchment paper works well with inkjet and laser printers, offering a good ink holdout. However, it is always recommended to test print on a small quantity of paper before finalizing, as some printers may have issues with certain types of paper.

Additionally, parchment paper is available in various colors, including white, cream, and ivory, allowing couples to choose the one that best matches their wedding theme and color palette.

Overall, parchment paper is an excellent choice for couples who want to add a touch of sophistication and uniqueness to their wedding invitations, especially for spring and small weddings where a subtle, soft, and ethereal aesthetic is desired.

Kraft or recycled cardstock has a rustic look and feel, resembling the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags

Kraft or recycled cardstock is an excellent choice for wedding invitations if you're going for a rustic look and feel. This type of cardstock resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags, but it's thicker and more polished. It has a textured, fibrous look and feel, making it perfect for vintage or outdoor weddings.

Kraft cardstock is a unique option for wedding invitations, adding a sophisticated touch to your special day. It is thicker than regular paper, giving your invitations a sturdy and high-quality feel. This type of cardstock is also smooth to the touch, ensuring your invitations look and feel luxurious.

When choosing Kraft cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the weight or thickness of the paper. Cardstock weight is measured in pounds, and a higher weight indicates a thicker cardstock. For wedding invitations, you'll likely want to choose a weight between 110# and 130# to achieve a professional and elegant look.

Keep in mind that the weight of the cardstock also depends on the printing method you plan to use. If you're printing your invitations at home, some desktop printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle. It's always a good idea to review your printer's instructions and do a test print to ensure your chosen cardstock works well with your printer.

Overall, Kraft or recycled cardstock is a beautiful option for wedding invitations, especially if you're aiming for a rustic or vintage theme. With its textured look and feel, it will surely impress your guests and set the tone for your special day.

Vellum is a translucent paper that can be printed on or used as an overlay to add depth to invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many options for cardstock and paper. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as printers, ink and designs vary, vellum paper is a unique and creative choice.

Vellum is a versatile paper, used in stationery, paper-craft, packaging and design. It is durable and can be written on, printed on, cut, scored and glued. It is also recyclable, making it an environmentally-friendly choice for wedding invitations.

When using vellum for wedding invitations, it is typically layered over or wrapped around other pieces of print. It can be used on its own, but it is important to consider the design of the invitation underneath. For example, if the bottom layer has a floral design, think about the fonts and colours that will complement this.

Vellum is available for single-sided print, and you can choose either a colourful design or a monochrome look. If you are creating an invitation with both paper and a vellum overlay, you will need to order the base print format and then a separate order for the vellum layer.

Frequently asked questions