Junior Rasmussen
When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider, from printing processes to invitation styles and postage costs. One of the most important considerations is the weight of the cardstock, which is measured in GSM (grams per square metre). The GSM of cardstock for wedding invitations can range from as low as 176gsm to over 600gsm. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the paper. For home printing, most consumer-grade printers can handle cardstock between 216gsm and 270gsm. For professional printing methods such as offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing, the recommended GSM can vary from 216gsm to 600gsm. It's important to choose the right cardstock weight to create a good first impression and ensure your invitations don't feel flimsy or overly bulky.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 210gsm to 600gsm |
| Thickness | 300gsm to 350gsm |
| Finish | Matte or shimmery |
What You'll Learn
Cardstock weight for wedding invitations ranges from 65lb/176gsm to 600gsm or higher
The cardstock weight for wedding invitations varies depending on factors such as printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the weight typically ranges from 65lb/176gsm to 600gsm or higher.
When choosing cardstock for wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the printing process. For home printing, most consumer-grade printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it is important to check the specific capabilities of your printer. Professional print shops can accommodate heavier weights, with some methods suitable for cardstock up to 325gsm or even 600gsm.
The style of the invitation is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock, starting from 80lb cover, while folding invitation cards use lighter cardstock, usually between 65lb and 100lb cover. Layered invitation cards offer more flexibility, with a light top layer attached to a heavier card.
Postage costs are also influenced by cardstock weight, as invitations over 1 ounce require additional postage. Keeping the invitation card stock weight down can help reduce postage expenses.
Ultimately, personal preference plays a role in choosing cardstock weight. Some people prefer thicker, heavier card stock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. The right weight for wedding invitations depends on your desired look, feel, and budget.
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GSM stands for grams per square metre
GSM, or grams per square meter, is a unit of measurement used to determine the weight and thickness of paper. The higher the GSM number, the heavier and thicker the paper. For example, a piece of paper measuring 55 GSM will be much lighter and thinner than a piece of paper that is 400 GSM. The latter will be heavy, thick, and more durable.
When it comes to wedding invitations, the cardstock weight can vary from 65 lb / 176 GSM to double-thick duplexed cardstock that is 222 lb / 600 GSM or higher. The type of printer you have will determine the cardstock weight you can use. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb / 216 GSM to 100 lb / 270 GSM cardstock. However, it's important to consult your printer manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
If you're looking for a good balance between weight and foldability, 300 GSM cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations. It's a good, stiff card that is easily printed and can be folded with ease. This weight also allows for a variety of finishes, such as soft-touch laminate or metallic foiling.
Ultimately, the choice of cardstock weight for your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the desired tone of your wedding.
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The higher the GSM, the denser and sturdier the card
When it comes to wedding invitations, one of the most important considerations is the quality of the card stock. The thickness and stiffness of the card are determined by its grammage, or GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM indicates a denser and sturdier card, which can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your invitations.
For wedding invitations, it is generally recommended to use a card with a higher GSM. This is because invitations need to be durable enough to withstand handling and mailing without becoming bent or damaged. A higher GSM card will also give your invitations a luxurious feel and make a lasting impression on your guests.
The ideal GSM for wedding invitations is typically in the range of 250 to 350. Cards within this range are considered premium and will give your invitations a high-quality, elegant finish. A 250 GSM card, for example, will have a noticeable thickness and feel substantial in the hand, while a 350 GSM card will be even more robust and substantial.
If you want your invitations to have a truly luxurious and exclusive feel, you might consider going even higher, with a GSM of 400 or above. Cards with such a high GSM are extremely sturdy and will give your invitations a real sense of opulence. However, it's important to keep in mind that very high GSM cards may also increase the weight and cost of mailing your invitations.
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Wedding invitations typically use cardstock between 210gsm and 600gsm
Wedding invitations are a special type of stationery that deserves a lot of thought and consideration. The card stock you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.
Cardstock weight for wedding invitations typically ranges from 65lb (176gsm) to 222lb (600gsm) or higher. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, wedding invitations usually use cardstock between 210gsm and 600gsm. This range offers a variety of options to suit different printing methods, invitation styles, and personal preferences.
When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing process. If you plan to print your invitations at home, you need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it's always a good idea to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations. On the other hand, if you plan to use a professional print shop, you should contact them beforehand to ensure they can accommodate your chosen cardstock's weight, thickness, and texture.
The style of your invitation is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock of 80lb cover or more. In contrast, folding invitation cards are made with lighter cardstock, usually between 65lb and 100lb cover, as they are folded to create a thicker invitation. Layered invitations or those inside pockets or wraps can vary in weight, but it's recommended to keep the top layer light and attach it to a heavier card base.
Postage costs are also affected by the weight of your invitation cardstock. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter cardstock can help keep postage costs down.
Lastly, personal preference plays a role in choosing cardstock weight. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you should choose the cardstock that works best for your design, budget, and overall vision.
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Thicker cardstock requires a specialist printer
When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock weight can vary from 65lb/176gsm to 600gsm or higher. But if you're looking to use thicker cardstock, you'll need to consider a few things.
Firstly, let's talk about the printing process. Most home printers can handle cardstock up to 100lb (270gsm), but thicker cardstock may require a specialist printer. If you're planning to print your invitations yourself, check your printer's instructions and do a test print to see what weight it can handle.
If you're considering a professional print shop, keep in mind that different shops have different equipment and capabilities. Be sure to ask about their cardstock weight limits and bring samples to discuss. Some printing methods, like letterpress printing, can handle thicker cardstock, but you'll need to ensure the shop has the right equipment.
Another factor to consider is your invitation style. If you're creating a flat invitation card, a heavier cardstock of 80lb (216gsm) or more is recommended. However, if you're making a folding invitation card, you'll want to use lighter cardstock, typically between 65lb-100lb (176-270gsm).
It's also important to think about postage costs. Invitations over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter cardstock can help keep costs down.
Finally, personal preference plays a role. Some people prefer the look and feel of thicker cardstock, while others opt for thinner options. Ultimately, it's your decision, and you should choose the cardstock that best suits your needs and design preferences.
Remember, thicker cardstock requires a specialist printer, so be sure to do your research and plan accordingly.
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Frequently asked questions
GSM stands for grams per square metre, and is the way the weight or density of paper is measured. The higher the GSM, the denser and sturdier the paper or card will be.
For wedding invitations, you should use card in the range of 200-350 GSM. This will give your invitations a high-quality feel.
You should consider the printing process, the style of the invitation, the postage cost, and your personal preference. For example, if you are printing your invitations at home, you need to check the maximum GSM your printer can handle. And if you want to keep postage costs down, you should use a lower GSM as thicker card will require additional postage.
A higher GSM will give your invitations a more luxurious feel. Speciality printing methods, like die stamping or foil, require thick card to maximise the effect of the texture these methods apply. A higher GSM will usually offer smoother finishes and clearer colours.
