Choosing The Perfect Blush-Colored Stock For Wedding Invites

Blush is a popular colour for wedding invitations, and for good reason. It evokes a sense of romance and fairy-tale charm, and is a versatile hue that can be used in various wedding styles, from modern to classic. When it comes to choosing the right blush-coloured stock for your wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you'll want to decide on the type of paper you want to use. Some popular choices include linen cardstock, which has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest, or cotton cardstock, which is smooth and absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. You can also opt for specialty print paper, which often includes imported options with unique textures and finishes. The weight of the paper is another important consideration, with thicker cardstock generally giving a more luxurious feel. For printing at home, it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you find the perfect balance between quality and your printer's capabilities. If you're looking for a good balance between thickness and ease of mailing, 100# cardstock is a great option. For a truly luxurious feel, consider going for 110# to 130# cardstock, which will likely require professional printing services.

Blush-coloured stock paper weight and thickness

When it comes to paper weight, a sheet of 80# "text weight" paper is different from 80# "cardstock" paper. In the US, cardstock is measured in pounds (also shown as "#" or "lb"), whereas in Europe, it is measured in grams per square meter ("gsm"). While the American system is less unified, the general rule of thumb is: the higher the weight in pounds, the thicker the cardstock.

Cardstock weight ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. For wedding invitations, cardstock weight varies from a low of 65lb/176gsm to double-thick duplexed cardstock that is 222lb/600gsm or higher. The weight you choose will depend on the printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference.

If you are printing your invitations at home, you should consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb/216gsm to 100lb/270gsm cardstock, but not all. It is recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming, and then move down a weight. 80# to 90# is ideal for most home printers, while 100# can go through some home printers and give your invitations a professional look.

If you are using a professional print shop, you should consider the equipment, print processes, and capabilities of the shop. Offset printing, for example, can handle weights up to 120lb cover/325gsm, while letterpress printing is commonly done on thick cotton cardstock ranging from 111lb/300gsm to 222lb/600gsm.

The style of your invitation is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy-weight cardstock of 80lb cover and up, while folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, usually between 65lb and 100lb cover. If you are creating layered cards, it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card (80lb cover and up).

Finally, keep in mind that invitations weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage.

Blush-coloured stock paper texture

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is the paper of choice for many. It has a sturdy feel, resembling that of a postcard or business card, and its thickness ensures invitations look and feel elegant.

The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds, with a higher number denoting a heavier paper. For home printing, 80-90# cardstock is ideal as it can go through most desktop printers without any issues. 100# cardstock can also work for some home printers, giving invites a more professional look, but it may cause problems for others. The heaviest weight that can be printed at home is usually 110-130#, which will give your invitations a luxurious finish.

There are several types of cardstock to choose from, each with a different texture, finish and price. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and can also help to hide imperfections. Cotton cardstock, on the other hand, is relatively smooth and absorbent, making it suitable for both laser and inkjet printing. It gives invitations a clean, modern look and is considered photo-safe, so it's perfect for keepsakes. For a rustic or vintage wedding, kraft cardstock is a popular choice as it has a coarse texture similar to brown paper grocery bags.

Blush-coloured cardstock is widely available and can be purchased from several online retailers. When selecting a blush cardstock, it's important to consider the printer you'll be using as well as the desired finish. If you're printing at home, it's worth experimenting with different print qualities to achieve the sharpest results. Using textured cardstock can also help to disguise any imperfections.

Overall, when choosing a blush-coloured stock paper for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight, texture and finish of the cardstock, as well as the capabilities of your printer, to ensure you achieve the desired look and feel for your invitations.

Blush-coloured stock paper finish

Blush is a popular choice for wedding invitations, and it's easy to see why. The soft, romantic hue sets the tone for your big day and can be dressed up or down to suit the style of your wedding.

When it comes to the paper finish for your blush-coloured wedding invitations, there are a few options to consider. Here are some suggestions to help you make a choice:

Paper Weight and Thickness

The weight and thickness of the paper will impact how your invitations look and feel. A good range to aim for is between 80# to 120# cardstock. This weight will give your invitations a professional and luxurious feel without being too heavy or difficult to print.

Paper Type

• Cotton cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it has a smooth finish and comes in a variety of weights and colours. It is also "photo-safe", meaning it will keep your invitations looking great for years to come.
• Linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture and a matte finish, which can add visual interest to your invitations. It can also help to hide any imperfections or quality issues that may occur during printing.
• Parchment is a thin, semi-translucent paper with a slight marbled look. It layers well with other types of paper, such as vellum or cotton cardstock, to add depth to your invitations.
• Felt cardstock has a unique texture that is smooth and yet coarse, giving your invitations an air of sophistication.
• Kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and feel. It resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags but is thicker and more polished.

Printing Method

The printing method you choose will also impact the finish of your blush-coloured stock paper. Here are some options:

• Digital printing is a versatile option that works well with most paper types. It is a good choice for invitations with photos or illustrations.
• Letterpress printing creates a deep impression on the paper, giving your invitations a trademark feel and appearance.
• Foil stamping is a specialty printing method that can add a touch of luxury to your invitations.
• Flat printing is a standard option that works well with most paper types.

Remember, when choosing a paper finish for your blush-coloured stock wedding invitations, consider the overall style and theme of your wedding, as well as your budget and printing capabilities. It's always a good idea to do a few test prints to ensure you're happy with the final result.

Blush-coloured stock paper suppliers

When it comes to wedding invitations, blush is a popular colour choice, and there are several paper suppliers that offer blush-coloured stock. Here are some options to consider:

Paper Source:

Paper Source offers a range of coloured paper and cardstock, including blush. Their paper is available in standard text weight and cover weight, also known as cardstock paper. The lightweight and cardstock paper comes in packs of 10 sheets or larger bulk packs. Paper Source's blush-coloured paper can be used for wedding invitations, scrapbooking, paper cards, and more.

The Paper Mill Store:

The Paper Mill Store offers a wide variety of pink paper, including blush, in various sizes, textures, and weights. They can custom cut, perforate, score, and hole punch the paper to meet your specific needs.

IndiaMART:

IndiaMART is an online marketplace that connects buyers with suppliers and manufacturers. They offer a range of coloured paper options, including custom-made deckle-edged cotton rag handmade papers in blush. This paper is available in a standard size of 8.5 x 11 inches and can be customised to your requirements.

Pipkin Paper Company:

While Pipkin Paper Company does not sell paper directly, they offer valuable advice on choosing the right paper for wedding invitations. They recommend selecting paper based on your printer and provide a list of their favourite places to buy paper, including Paper Source and The Paper Mill Store.

When choosing blush-coloured stock paper for your wedding invitations, consider the weight and texture that will work best with your printer and desired look. It is also a good idea to do a test print to ensure the colour and quality meet your expectations.

Blush-coloured stock paper printing techniques

Blush is a common choice for wedding invitations, and there are several printing techniques you can use to achieve the desired effect on blush-coloured stock paper. Here are some tips and techniques to consider:

Choosing the Right Paper and Printer:

• The type of printer you use will impact the final print quality. Home printers offer convenience and affordability, but may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle.
• When printing at home, experiment with different print quality settings to achieve the sharpest prints.
• For home printing, consider using textured cardstock, such as linen stock, to hide any imperfections that may occur with inkjet printing.
• If you're printing at a local print shop, save your invitations on a thumb drive as high-resolution PDFs.
• Laser printers apply ink on top of the paper, so choose cardstock with a smooth texture to avoid flaking.
• Keep in mind that some print shops may have restrictions on printing custom sizes or envelopes.

Paper Weight and Thickness:

• Cardstock weight is measured in pounds ("#" or "lb") in the US and grams per square meter ("gsm") in Europe.
• A good rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, which will give your invitations a more luxurious feel.
• For home printers, 80# to 90# cardstock is ideal, while 100# cardstock can work for some home printers.
• For professional-looking invitations, aim for cardstock in the 110# to 130# range, which may require industrial printers.
• Weights of 150# and above are typically reserved for professional printers, embossers, and letterpress printing.

Printing Techniques:

• When printing on coloured stock, you're usually dealing with uncoated paper, which can affect the appearance of colours and images.
• The paper's hue will influence the perception of printed colours. For example, printing on cream or ivory paper will give a warmer tint to your colours.
• To achieve natural-looking skin tones, consider subtracting yellow from the image's midtones to compensate for the stock colour.
• If printing full-colour images on medium to dark stock, consider under-printing with a white opaque ink to enhance vibrancy.
• For a subtle effect, run the opaque inks in line with your CMYK colours (wet-trapping). For maximum contrast, wait for the opaque inks to dry before running the CMYK inks (dry-trapping).
• Add a small percentage of silver ink to one of your colours when printing on light or medium-coloured stock to enhance opacity and create a subtle grey effect.
• For dark papers, consider using metallic inks, especially silver due to its reflectivity. Two coats typically provide the best coverage.
• Printing opaques in specific areas of your design can create astonishing effects and highlight certain aspects of your image.

By understanding the characteristics of blush-coloured stock paper and employing these printing techniques, you can create elegant and professional-looking wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions