Choosing The Perfect Paper For Elegant Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning as they set the tone for the event and give guests an idea of what to expect. There are many options to choose from when it comes to invitation paper, ranging from high-end to cost-effective. The paper can be elegant, luxurious, eco-friendly, or rustic, depending on the couple's preferences and budget. Some popular choices include card and cover stock, cotton paper, vellum paper, kraft and wood-grain paper, and pearlescent paper. The weight and finish of the paper are also important considerations, with thicker paper generally giving a more professional look. Couples can also choose from various printing styles, such as engraving, embossing, foil stamping, and letterpress, to add a touch of luxury or glamour to their invitations.

Cotton paper: soft, durable, and timeless

Cotton paper is a sophisticated and elegant option for wedding invitations. Made from 100% cotton fibres, it is a durable and long-lasting paper product that will stand the test of time. Cotton paper is soft to the touch, yet strong, and its ability to absorb ink makes it ideal for printing.

Cotton paper is a popular choice for high-end stationery and is often used for letterpress printing and engraving. It is also a good option for archiving important documents, as it is resistant to typical deterioration and discolouration. This type of paper is a more expensive option, but its timeless and luxurious qualities make it a worthwhile investment for wedding invitations.

Cotton paper is available in a variety of colours, weights, and finishes, allowing you to create a unique and personalised invitation suite. It is also possible to select the cotton content of certain paper products, customising your invitations to your exact specifications.

Cotton envelopes can also add a special touch to your wedding invitations, making a statement with their elegant and natural quality. With its soft texture and ability to retain its form for several hundred years, cotton paper is an excellent choice for creating timeless and sophisticated wedding invitations.

Vellum paper: made from calf skin or cotton fibres, comes in a range of thicknesses

Vellum paper is a luxurious option for wedding invitations, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to the overall aesthetic. The term "vellum" originally referred to prepared calfskin, derived from the Latin word "vitulinum", meaning "made from calf". However, today, vellum is primarily made from cotton and wood pulp, offering a more accessible and affordable alternative.

Vellum paper is known for its sheer and frosted appearance, resembling what we used to call tracing paper in school. It is translucent, allowing some light to pass through, and has a super smooth, almost plastic-like finish. This paper is versatile and can be used in various creative ways for wedding invitations, such as overlays, inserts, wraps, gatefolds, and even the invitations themselves.

One of the unique characteristics of vellum paper is that it comes in a range of thicknesses. The thickness of the paper, also known as its weight, is measured in pounds or "lb". For vellum paper, the weight typically ranges from 45# to 300# or higher. A higher weight corresponds to a thicker paper. For home printers, 80# to 100# vellum paper is recommended, while 110# to 130# may require industrial printers.

When choosing vellum paper for your wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the printing method. Vellum paper can be printed at home using laser or inkjet printers, but it may be tricky due to its delicate nature. It is always advisable to order samples and test them on your printer before purchasing large quantities. Additionally, the type of printer can impact the final print quality, with desktop printers having limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle.

Vellum paper is an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and elegant look for their wedding invitations. Its versatility, range of thicknesses, and ability to be printed at home make it a popular option for couples who want to add a touch of luxury to their special day.

Linen paper: textured, elegant, and luxurious

Linen paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, offering a blend of texture, elegance, and luxury. It is named for its resemblance to linen fabric, with a delicate woven texture and a matte finish. This paper is often a blend of cotton and other materials, giving it a unique feel and an elegant look.

The weight of linen paper ranges from 80# to 120# or more, with thicker options providing a more luxurious and professional appearance. Its texture not only adds visual interest to the invitation but also helps to hide any imperfections or quality issues that may occur during printing. This makes it an excellent choice for couples who opt for home printing, as it can mask some of the "fuzziness" that can come with inkjet printing.

Linen paper is also a great choice for couples who want to incorporate illustrations or photographs into their invitations. The textured surface can make images appear sharper, especially when compared to traditional photo paper. Additionally, the absorbency of linen paper allows coloured ink to appear richer, enhancing any graphics or text.

When it comes to printing methods, linen paper is quite versatile. It pairs well with flat printing, foil stamping, letterpress, and even DIY techniques. Its ability to hide imperfections also makes it a good choice for couples who want to add embellishments like rhinestones, wax seals, or layered paper.

Overall, linen paper is an elegant and luxurious option for wedding invitations. Its texture, visual interest, and versatility make it a popular choice for couples who want to create beautiful and unique invitations that set the tone for their special day.

Kraft paper: a rustic, recycled option

Kraft paper is a recycled paper option that is perfect for eco-friendly couples or rustic-style weddings. It has a rustic, on-trend look, resembling the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags, but thicker and more polished. It is smooth to the touch but still has a textured, fibrous look, making it an excellent choice for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.

Kraft paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, with many options available on Etsy and Zazzle. Couples can choose from a variety of designs, including lace, burlap, and woodgrain accents, to create a rustic and intimate feel for their wedding invitations.

When it comes to printing on Kraft paper, it is essential to consider the thickness of the paper. Kraft paper is available in various weights, ranging from 80# to 300# or higher. For home printers, it is recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight gradually to find the maximum thickness that the printer can handle without issues like smudging or jamming.

Kraft paper is a unique and elegant option for wedding invitations, offering a rustic charm that sets the tone for an intimate and personalised celebration.

Cardstock: medium to heavy-weight paper made from tree pulp

Cardstock is a medium to heavy-weight paper made from tree pulp. It is a popular choice for wedding invitations because it is affordable, customisable, and gives a luxurious feel. The weight of the cardstock is measured in pounds, with 80# being standard for home printers and 100# being a heavier option that will give your invitations a more professional look.

The weight of the cardstock is important because it affects the final print quality and how your invitations look and feel. The rule of thumb is that the higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the better your invitations will look and feel, especially if you are printing them yourself.

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the type of printer you will be using. Desktop printers are often limited in the paper thickness they can handle, so it is recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

If you are printing your invitations at a local print shop, they will likely be able to handle thicker paper, so you can start with 100# cardstock and work your way up. Keep in mind that not all printers and locations print the same, so it is always a good idea to do a test print to ensure your invitations turn out the way you want them to.

In addition to weight, cardstock also comes in a variety of colours and textures, allowing you to add visual interest to your invitations. For example, linen cardstock has a delicate woven texture that adds a touch of elegance, while Kraft or recycled cardstock has a rustic look that is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.

Cardstock is a versatile and customisable option for wedding invitations, allowing you to create elegant and luxurious invitations that reflect your personal style and the tone you want to set for your wedding.

Frequently asked questions