Choosing The Perfect Paper Thickness For Elegant Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, setting the tone for the wedding and giving guests an idea of what to expect. When it comes to choosing an elegant wedding invitation, the paper thickness, or cardstock, plays a crucial role. The right thickness can add a luxurious and elegant feel to the invitation.

The standard weight of cardstock for wedding invitations varies, ranging from a low of 65 lb to over 200 lb for duplexed cardstock. Most home printers can handle cardstock up to 100 lb, but it's important to check your printer's specifications. For a more luxurious feel, thicker cardstock options such as 120 lb or even 240 lb can be considered, giving the invitation a high-end and elegant touch.

Different types of paper, such as card stock, cotton fiber, kraft, wood-grain, and vellum, offer varied textures and finishes to choose from. Smooth matte, linen, eggshell, and metallic finishes are popular choices for wedding invitations, adding a subtle elegance to the design.

In addition to thickness and paper type, printing methods like letterpress, foil stamping, and thermography can further enhance the elegance of the invitation. Ultimately, the best paper thickness and type for wedding invitations depend on personal preferences, design choices, and budget constraints.

Cardstock weight: 80-lb cardstock is thin enough for most home printers, while 100-lb cardstock will give your invitations a professional look

When it comes to wedding invitation paper thickness, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of printer you have will determine the thickness of cardstock you can use. Most home printers can handle 80-lb cardstock without any issues, and this is a good weight to start with when testing out different paper thicknesses. If you're looking for a more elegant and professional look for your invitations, consider upgrading to 100-lb cardstock. This weight will give your invitations a luxurious feel without breaking the bank.

If you're printing your invitations at home, it's important to note that most desktop printers are limited in the paper thickness they can handle. While 80-lb cardstock is thin enough for most home printers, you may want to test out thicker paper by starting with 80-lb and gradually increasing the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then, move down a weight. This will help you find the perfect thickness for your invitations without causing any damage to your printer.

The weight of the cardstock also depends on the style of your invitations. If you're creating flat invitation cards, a heavier weight cardstock of 80-lb or more is recommended. On the other hand, if you're creating folding invitation cards, a lighter weight cardstock between 65-lb and 100-lb is suggested. This ensures that your invitations don't become too thick and bulky after folding.

Additionally, postage costs can be affected by the weight of your invitations. Keeping the weight of your invitation cardstock below 1 ounce will help you avoid additional postage fees. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Remember, the best paper thickness for your wedding invitations depends on your personal preferences, printer capabilities, invitation style, and budget. Don't be afraid to experiment with different weights to find the perfect balance between elegance and practicality.

Printing process: Consider whether you will be printing your invitations at home or taking them to a professional print shop

When it comes to printing your wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing at home or using a professional print shop. Here are some things to consider for each option:

Printing at Home:

• Paper weight capabilities: Most home printers are typically used for lightweight copy paper, so it's important to check the maximum paper weight your printer can handle. While most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, not all can. Consult your printer manual for cardstock printing information and recommendations.
• Print quality: Experiment with the print quality settings on your printer to see which settings give you the sharpest prints. You can also try using textured cardstock to hide imperfections, as inkjet printing can sometimes look fuzzy.
• Weight range: When choosing cardstock for printing at home, start with lower weights and work your way up. Heavier cardstock will give your invitations a more professional look, but you'll need to ensure your printer can handle the weight.
• Trial and error: Selecting the right paper for your home printer may involve some trial and error. Start with 80lb cardstock and increase the weight gradually, testing different options until you find the best option for your printer.

Professional Print Shop:

• Printing equipment and capabilities: Different print shops will have different equipment and capabilities. Before choosing a print shop, contact several options to learn about their equipment, processes, and what paper weights, thicknesses, and textures they can accommodate.
• Popular printing methods: There are several popular printing methods used by professional print shops, including offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing. Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, and some are better suited for certain paper types and weights.
• Suggested weights: The suggested paper weight range for professional printing methods varies. For example, offset printing can handle up to 120lb cover paper, while letterpress printing is commonly used on thicker cardstock, such as 111lb to 222lb.
• Cost considerations: Using a professional print shop will likely incur additional costs. Factor these costs into your overall budget when deciding whether to print your invitations at home or outsource them to a professional.

Invitation style: Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy cardstock, while folding invitation cards are made with lighter cardstock

When it comes to wedding invitation cardstocks, there are two main styles to choose from: flat invitation cards and folding invitation cards. Each style has its own recommended cardstock weight that will ensure your invitations look and feel elegant.

Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy cardstock, usually starting at 80 lb cover weight and going up. This gives the invitation a luxurious and elegant feel, making your invitation feel expensive and couture. The thicker cardstock also ensures that your invitation doesn't bend easily, making it perfect for wedding stationery. If you want to add a luxurious touch to your flat invitation cards, you can opt for cardstock with special finishes such as satin, silk, or glossy. These finishes will give your invitations a sleek and elegant look.

On the other hand, folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter cardstock. Since these cards will be folded in half, using a heavier cardstock might make the invitation too thick and bulky. A popular weight range for folding invitation cards is between 65 lb and 100 lb cover weight. This weight range ensures that your invitation is easy to fold and doesn't end up being too thick. If you want to add a bit of texture to your folding invitation cards, you can choose cardstock with a linen finish, which gives a delicate woven texture that adds a subtle touch of elegance.

When choosing the cardstock for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and your personal preferences. You also need to ensure that the cardstock you choose is compatible with your printer to avoid issues like smudging or jamming. Additionally, if you're planning to mail your invitations, keep in mind that heavier cardstocks might require additional postage.

Postage: Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is a crucial consideration. The weight of your invitations will have a direct impact on the postage costs, so it's important to keep this in mind when selecting your paper thickness. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips to help you navigate the process:

Understanding Weight Limits:

• In the United States, any invitation weighing over one ounce will require additional postage beyond the standard first-class "Forever" stamp. This is a key factor to consider when creating elegant wedding invitations with multiple inserts or thicker paper.
• The weight limit for standard postage varies internationally, so be sure to check with your local postal service for specific guidelines if you're mailing invitations outside of the US.

Determining Invitation Weight:

• The weight of your invitations depends on various factors, including the thickness and number of cardstock layers, any additional inserts or embellishments, and the size and shape of the envelope.
• To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to assemble a complete invitation, including all inserts and embellishments, and take it to your local post office for weighing. They will advise you on the exact postage required.
• Keep in mind that square envelopes, invitations with bulky embellishments like bows or dried florals, and stiff materials like wood or acrylic may also incur additional postage fees.

Managing Postage Costs:

• To keep postage costs down, consider using lighter-weight cardstock for your invitations, especially if you plan to include multiple layers or inserts.
• If your invitation approaches or exceeds the one-ounce limit, you may need to use additional stamps with smaller denominations, such as 20-cent stamps, to make up the difference in postage.
• Alternatively, you can opt for thinner embellishments like paper belly bands or vellum instead of ribbons to reduce the overall weight of your invitation suite.

Additional Considerations:

• Don't forget to include postage for RSVP cards. It's standard etiquette to include a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope with your wedding invitations to make it convenient for your guests to respond.
• When budgeting for your wedding invitations, be sure to factor in the cost of postage. It's easy to overlook, but it can add up, especially if you have a large guest list or require additional postage for heavier invitations.

Preference: Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner cardstock

When it comes to wedding invitation paper thickness, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner cardstock.

Those who favour the former tend to associate the thickness of the paper with luxury and elegance. The added heft gives the invitation a more expensive and couture feel, regardless of the design style. This can be a great way to make a statement and create a lasting impression on guests.

On the other hand, those who opt for lighter, thinner cardstock may prioritise practicality and cost-effectiveness. Thinner paper is often more suitable for home printing, as most consumer-grade printers can handle cardstock up to a certain thickness. By choosing a lighter weight, you can also keep postage costs down, as invitations weighing over 1 ounce typically require additional postage.

It's worth noting that the weight of the paper also depends on the type of invitation. Flat invitation cards, for instance, are usually made with heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards are typically made with lighter cardstock as they will be twice as thick when folded.

Ultimately, the decision of paper thickness comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your wedding invitation project.

Frequently asked questions