Choosing The Perfect Cardstock Weight For Your Wedding Invitations

Choosing the right cardstock for your wedding invitations can be a difficult decision. There are hundreds of thousands of types of paper: different colours, materials, weights, textures, and finishes. The cardstock weight used for wedding invitations varies considerably, ranging from a low of 65lb / 176gsm up to double-thick duplexed cardstock that weighs 222lb (600gsm) and higher.

The type of printer you have will determine the final print quality. Most home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb paper, but not all, so be sure to check your printer's weight capacity. If you're printing at home, it's recommended to start with 80lb cardstock and increase the weight until you start having issues like smudging or jamming.

Home vs professional printing

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when deciding whether to print your invitations at home or use a professional printing service.

Advantages of Home Printing

Home printing is a cost-effective option that allows you to personalise your invitations to your heart's content. You can choose the perfect fonts, colours, paper type, and more. It is also a convenient option, as you don't have to worry about communicating your vision to a third party or waiting for your order to be completed. Additionally, home printing gives you greater flexibility in terms of paper thickness. While most home printers can handle cardstock up to 100 lb (270 gsm), some can even accommodate thicker cardstock of up to 120 lb (325 gsm).

Disadvantages of Home Printing

Printing your own wedding invitations can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. You will need to put in the effort to design and set up your invitations, and you may have to deal with paper jams or other technical issues. The print quality may not be as high as that of professional printers, and you will need to purchase your own paper and ink, which can add up in cost.

Advantages of Professional Printing

Professional printing services offer consistent, superb-quality prints that can handle a variety of paper surfaces, weights, and textures. They have the equipment and expertise to work with thicker papers and can produce elegant finishes like letterpress, foil, and thermography. You also don't have to worry about the troubleshooting involved with operating your own printer.

Disadvantages of Professional Printing

The main disadvantage of professional printing is the cost. It can be more expensive, especially if you require multiple vendors for different projects. Additionally, you may have less control over the final product and may need to wait longer for your order to be completed. Some print shops may also have limitations on paper size, thickness, or the number of colours used.

In conclusion, both home printing and professional printing have their advantages and disadvantages. Home printing is a cost-effective and flexible option that allows for personalisation, while professional printing offers higher-quality prints and elegant finishes but at a higher cost and with less control over the process. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, the level of customisation you desire, and the time you are willing to invest.

Paper weight metrics

Paper weight is typically measured in two ways: the weight of the paper and the thickness of the paper. The weight of the paper is usually measured in pounds (lbs) in the US and grams per square meter (GSM) in Europe. The thickness of the paper is usually measured in points (pt) or microns.

The weight of the paper is determined by how much a ream of uncut paper weighs. Typically, 500 sheets of paper make up a ream. The paper is weighed before being cut down to smaller sizes and this weight is used when identifying and categorizing the product. The basic size of the uncut paper varies depending on the type of paper. For example, an uncut sheet of bond paper is 17 x 22 inches before it's cut to letter size.

The thickness of the paper is measured using a tool called a micrometer and is expressed as a point size in thousandths of an inch. One point equals 1/1000 of an inch and can be expressed as 1 pt or 0.001.

The relationship between paper weight and thickness is not always linear due to differences in paper density and manufacturing processes. For example, a high-quality, dense paper may weigh more without being significantly thicker. Conversely, a low-density paper might be thicker but weigh less.

In the US, paper weights are also classified by basis weight, which includes bond, book, cover, index, tag, and text paper. Each type has specific weights and is suited for particular uses.

• Bond paper (16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 pounds): Also known as writing paper, this is the type of paper used for printer paper and copier paper. It is also commonly used for letterhead and stationery.
• Book paper (30 to 115 pounds): This category includes coated and uncoated papers of varying thicknesses and is commonly used to print books, booklets, catalogs, and magazines.
• Cover paper (60 to 120 pounds): Commonly referred to as cardstock, cover paper is thick and stiff. It is frequently used for business cards, invitations, postcards, and report covers.
• Index paper (90, 110, and 140 pounds): This stiff paper is most commonly used for index cards, postcards, and folders.
• Tag paper (100 to 200 pounds): Highly durable and fairly stiff, tag paper is used for retail signage, price tags, and file folders.
• Text paper (50, 60, 70, 80, and 100 pounds): This type of paper is usually an upgrade in quality over book paper and is most commonly used in commercial printing operations for brochures, letterheads, and internal memos.

When choosing the right paper weight for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing method, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.

Cardstock types

There are a variety of cardstock types to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the most popular options for wedding invitations:

• Solid White Cardstock: This is the most common type of cardstock, which has a smooth, matte finish and comes in various colours and weights. It is made from tree pulp and is relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for printing wedding invitations at home.
• Linen Cardstock: Linen cardstock is designed to resemble linen fabric with a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. It is perfect for hiding imperfections and adding visual interest to simple invitations. It works well with laser printers but may struggle with images when used with inkjet printers.
• Cotton Cardstock: Cotton cardstock has a smooth finish 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 last longer in your wedding album.
• Parchment: Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marble appearance. It adds a unique touch to small, personal weddings and can be layered with other types of cardstock for depth.
• Felt: Felt cardstock has a unique texture that falls somewhere between cotton and canvas—smooth yet coarse. It gives invitations an elegant, sophisticated feel.
• Kraft/Recycled Cardstock: Kraft cardstock, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel. It resembles coarse brown grocery bags but with a more polished finish. It is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy-themed weddings.
• Vellum: Vellum is a delicate, translucent paper with an old-fashioned look. It is commonly used for calligraphy and wedding invitations but cannot be written on both sides. It is often used as an overlay for invitations to add depth without the hassle of printing.
• Coloured Cardstock: Coloured cardstock is a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding invitations. It is available in various colours and weights, making it easy to match your wedding theme.
• Wood Grain Cardstock: Wood grain cardstock has a subtle embossed wood grain texture, adding a decorative touch to your invitations. It is commonly used for accents such as belly bands, tags, enclosure cards, and vellum underlays.
• Laid Cardstock: Laid cardstock has subtle vertical ridges running along its length, giving it a soft, romantic feel. It is a unique choice for brides who want something different from the traditional options.

When choosing a cardstock type, it is important to consider the printing method, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preferences. Some cardstocks may not be compatible with certain printers, so it is always a good idea to test different weights and types before finalising your decision.

Paper thickness

The weight of cardstock is a key consideration when choosing paper for wedding invitations. The weight of the paper will impact the look and feel of the invitations, as well as the printing process and postage costs.

Paper Weight Systems

The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) in Europe. The general rule of thumb is that the higher the number, the thicker the cardstock. For example, the thickness of everyday office printer paper is 20 lb/80gsm, while cardstock used for wedding invitations can be as high as 110 lb/350gsm.

Common Cardstock Weights

Cardstock weight for wedding invitations typically ranges from a low of 65 lb/176gsm to 222 lb/600gsm and higher. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80-100 lb cardstock, but it's important to check the specific capabilities of your printer, as some can handle heavier weights.

Choosing the Right Cardstock Weight

When selecting cardstock for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.

Printing Process

The printing process is a crucial factor in determining the type and weight of paper to use. If printing at home, it's important to choose a cardstock weight that your printer can handle to avoid issues like smudging or jamming. If using a professional printing service, it's advisable to bring samples and discuss their equipment and capabilities.

Invitation Style

The style of the invitation also plays a role in choosing cardstock weight. Flat invitation cards, which are a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock (80 lb cover and up). On the other hand, folding invitation cards use lighter weight cardstock (65-100 lb cover) as they are twice as thick after folding.

Postage Costs

The weight of the invitation will impact postage costs. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. Therefore, choosing a lighter cardstock weight can help keep postage costs down.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock weight depends on personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. It's important to consider the desired look and feel of the invitations, as well as any budget and design constraints.

Types of Cardstock

In addition to weight, there are various types of cardstock available, offering different textures, finishes, and colours. Here are some popular options:

• Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, adding visual interest to invitations.
• Cotton cardstock has a smooth finish and is highly absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing.
• Kraft cardstock, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel, making it popular for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.
• Coloured cardstock adds a pop of colour to invitations and can be matched to the wedding theme.
• Vellum paper is a delicate, translucent paper with an old-fashioned appearance, often used as an overlay for calligraphy and wedding invitations.
• Pearl cardstock is a textured, shimmery cardstock with an iridescent sheen, creating a rich, elegant effect.
• Hammered cardstock has a hammered metal-like texture, giving it an elegant and unique appearance.

Paper finish

The paper finish you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on the type of printer you have, the weight of the paper, and your personal preference.

Printer Type

If you are using a home printer, you will need to check the printer's instructions to determine the maximum weight of paper it can handle. Desktop printers often have limitations when it comes to paper thickness. Inkjet printers, for example, cannot print on pearl cardstock, whereas laser printers can. Laser printers are also not designed to work with heavy cardstock.

Paper Weight

The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds (lb) in the US and grams per square meter (gsm) in Europe. The higher the number, the thicker the cardstock. Cardstock weight ranges from 45 lb to 300 lb or higher, but for wedding invitations, the weight can be as high as 110 lb / 350 gsm.

Personal Preference

When it comes to the finish of your wedding invitations, you may want to consider the following options:

• Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, giving your invitations a simple yet elegant look.
• Cotton cardstock is smooth, highly absorbent, and gives invitations a clean, modern look.
• Kraft cardstock has a rustic, on-trend look that is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.
• Pearlescent cardstock has a shimmery finish that adds elegance and a soft glow to photographs.
• Vellum is a delicate, translucent paper that is perfect for invitation suite belly bands.
• Glassine and clear vellum paper are non-opaque options that can be used to create borders or accents such as belly bands.
• Recycled paper is a good option for eco-friendly couples or rustic-style weddings.
• Board wedding invitations are made with three layers of paper and will not bend in the mail.

Ultimately, the choice of paper finish for your wedding invitations will depend on the type of printer you have, the weight of paper it can handle, and the look and feel you want to achieve.

Frequently asked questions