The Perfect Thickness For Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of factors to consider, from the type of printer you'll be using to the weight of the paper. The standard thickness of wedding invitations can vary depending on the printing process, invitation style, postage cost, and personal preference.

For those printing at home, it's important to note that most consumer-grade printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock. However, it's always a good idea to consult your printer manual to ensure you're using the right paper weight.

If you're opting for a professional print shop, popular printing methods like offset printing and thermography typically use cardstock ranging from 80lb to 120lb. Letterpress printing, on the other hand, often uses thicker cardstock, ranging from 111lb to 222lb.

The style of your invitation is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards, for example, are usually made with heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock since they will be twice as thick after folding.

Additionally, the weight of your cardstock can impact the cost of postage, with any invite weighing over 1 ounce requiring additional postage.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock thickness depends on your specific requirements and preferences.

Acrylic invitations: 1mm, 2mm, or 3mm?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few standard thicknesses to choose from. The thickness of your invitations will depend on the material you choose and the overall tone you want to set for your wedding.

Acrylic invitations are a popular choice for couples looking for something trendy and unique. Acrylic invitations typically come in three thicknesses: 1mm/.04", 2mm/.08", and 3mm/.12". So, which thickness is the best choice for your big day? Here are some factors to consider:

Budget

The thicker the acrylic, the more expensive it will be. 1mm acrylic invitations are the most budget-friendly option, with prices starting at $2.40 per invitation. 2mm invitations will cost you a bit more, with prices starting at $3.60 each. If you're looking to save money, 1mm invitations are the way to go.

Postage

The thickness of your invitations will also affect the postage cost. 1mm acrylic invitations can be sent through regular postage channels without incurring additional fees. On the other hand, 2mm invitations will require special handling and will cost more to mail, starting at $3.60 each.

Design

If you're looking to add intricate laser-cut or engraved details to your invitations, 1mm acrylic is a better choice. The thinner material is less likely to break or fracture during the cutting and engraving process. With 2mm acrylic, you may be limited in the design options due to the thicker, bulkier nature of the material.

Weight and Impression

The thicker the acrylic, the heavier and more weighty the invitation will feel. If you want your invitations to make a strong impression on your guests, 2mm acrylic might be the better choice. However, 1mm acrylic invitations still provide a solid and substantial feel without being too bulky or heavy.

Customization

If you plan to pair your acrylic invitations with other materials or add-ons, 1mm acrylic is the better choice. It is cheaper, allowing you to save money for more flexible customization options. You can add wax seals, ribbon ties, laser-cut details, or vellum wraps without breaking your budget.

In conclusion, there are several factors to consider when choosing between 1mm, 2mm, or 3mm acrylic invitations. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that is easy to mail and customize, 1mm is a great choice. However, if you want your invitations to have a weighty, impressive feel, 2mm or 3mm might be better suited to your needs. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and the specific requirements of your wedding.

Cardstock weight: 80-90# or 100#?

When it comes to cardstock weight, there are a few options to consider: 80#, 90#, or 100#. But which is the best choice for wedding invitations? Let's take a closer look at each option and its advantages.

Starting with 80# cardstock, this weight is ideal for most home printers. It's on the thinner side, but it can easily go through desktop printers without any issues. If you're looking to print your wedding invitations at home, 80# cardstock is a great option to consider. It will give your invitations a nice, professional look without any printing problems.

Moving up to 90# cardstock, this weight is also a good choice for wedding invitations. It falls within the range of 80#-90# cardstock, which is known for its ease of use with most desktop printers. While it may be on the thinner side, it can still produce elegant and high-quality invitations. This weight is a good balance between durability and printability.

Now, let's talk about 100# cardstock. This weight is considered heavier and can cause issues with some home printers. However, it gives your invitations a more luxurious and professional appearance. If you're looking for that extra touch of elegance, 100# cardstock might be the right choice. It adds a sense of sophistication to your wedding stationery. Keep in mind that you may need to test your printer's capabilities to ensure it can handle this weight.

Ultimately, the decision between 80-90# and 100# cardstock depends on a few factors. If you plan to print your invitations at home, 80# or 90# cardstock is a safer option to avoid any printing issues. On the other hand, if you want your invitations to have a more substantial and elegant feel, 100# cardstock could be worth the potential printing challenges. It's important to consider the capabilities of your printer and the overall impression you want to create for your wedding invitations.

In summary, 80# and 90# cardstock are excellent choices for home printing and will give your wedding invitations a sleek and professional look. If you're willing to test your printer's limits and want a more luxurious feel, 100# cardstock can elevate the sophistication of your wedding stationery. Whichever option you choose, always remember to do a test print to ensure your invitations turn out perfectly.

Paper colours: white, black, or coloured?

When it comes to wedding invitation paper, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to use good-quality card or paper that is robust enough to reach your guests without bending. The texture of the paper is also important – for a contemporary invite, a smooth, high-gloss paper can be a good choice, while for a traditional invitation, a linen finish might be more elegant. It is also crucial to ensure that the paper is compatible with your printer, as some desktop printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle.

Now, onto the colours!

White

White cardstock is a classic choice for wedding invitations. It offers a clean, modern look and is perfect for printing, especially if you're using a home printer. White paper can also be paired with coloured envelopes to create a fun and cohesive look. Additionally, layering white paper with vellum or another coloured paper can add depth and interest to your invitations.

Black

Black paper is a bold and elegant choice for wedding invitations. If you're looking for a dramatic and luxurious feel, black cardstock could be the perfect option. However, it's important to note that printing on black paper may require specific types of ink to ensure readability. White, ivory, or light-coloured ink can work well on dark paper.

Coloured

Using coloured paper for your wedding invitations can add a unique and playful touch. Opting for vibrant hues can make a statement, while pastel colours can offer a softer, more whimsical feel. Coloured paper can also be used as an accent, such as a bold border on white paper, to add a pop of interest. Additionally, using two colours of paper, either similar shades or contrasting hues, can create a subtle or bold two-tone effect, adding a touch of sophistication to your invitations.

Ultimately, the choice of paper colour depends on your personal preference and the overall style of your wedding. White is a classic and versatile option, black adds elegance and drama, and coloured paper offers a unique and playful twist. You can also mix and match these options to create a truly customised invitation suite.

Paper weight: 110# or 220#?

The paper weight you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, the printing process, the invitation style, and your personal preference.

Budget

If you're working with a tight budget, a lower paper weight will be more affordable. 80# to 100# cardstock is ideal for most home printers and will give your invitations a professional look without breaking the bank.

Printing Process

The printing process will play a significant role in determining the paper weight you should choose. If you're printing your invitations at home, you need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80# to 100# cardstock, but it's important to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations.

If you're using a professional print shop, you'll need to consider their equipment and capabilities. Be sure to bring samples and discuss their ability to accommodate your chosen paper's weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also influence your paper weight choice. Flat invitation cards, for example, typically use heavier cardstock, ranging from 80# to 130#. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter cardstock, as they will be twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for this style is between 65# and 100#.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight is a personal one. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. It's important to consider your own preferences, design choices, and any limitations you may have.

110# or 220#?

Now, let's address the question of 110# or 220#. 110# cardstock is considered "heavyweight" and is commonly used for wedding invitations, giving them a luxurious feel. It is often the heaviest weight that can be printed at home or with industrial printers.

On the other hand, 220# cardstock, also known as "double thick" or "2-ply", provides an even more substantial feel and is created by laminating two pieces of 110# paper together. This weight is typically used for professional printing methods like letterpress printing and is less commonly chosen for wedding invitations due to the higher cost and the need for professional printing services.

In conclusion, the choice between 110# and 220# cardstock depends on your specific needs and constraints. If you're looking for a luxurious feel and professional results, 220# cardstock is a good option, but it will require professional printing services. If you're printing at home or on a budget, 110# cardstock is a more accessible choice that will still give your invitations a high-quality appearance and feel.

Paper finish: matte, metallic, or glossy?

The standard thickness of wedding invitations varies depending on the material used. Acrylic invitations, for instance, come in three thicknesses: 1mm/.04", 2mm/.08", and 3mm/.12", with 2mm/.08" being the standard thickness for most invitation shops. The thicker the acrylic, the more expensive it will be.

Now, onto paper finishes. When it comes to paper finishes for wedding invitations, you typically have three options: matte, metallic, or glossy. Each option has its own unique advantages and considerations. Here's a detailed guide to help you choose the best finish for your wedding invitations:

Matte Finish

Matte finish gives a classic and elegant look to your wedding invitations. Its non-reflective surface adds a touch of sophistication and is scratch-resistant, making it a durable choice. Matte finish is also versatile and can be used for various purposes beyond wedding invitations, such as business cards, postcards, hang tags, and pocket folders. Additionally, its non-glossy surface makes writing on it easy, and it pairs well with printed text as it enhances readability. If you're looking for a finish that is subtle and refined, matte is an excellent choice.

Metallic Finish

A metallic finish, often referred to as a gloss finish, adds a bit of sheen and vibrancy to your wedding invitations. This finish is ideal if your design incorporates bold colours or if you want a shiny, mirror-like effect. Keep in mind that writing on a metallic finish requires oil-based ink or permanent markers. This finish is perfect for making a statement and adding a touch of glamour to your invitations.

Glossy Finish

Glossy finish is best suited for invitations that feature photographs or vivid colours. It enhances the richness and contrast of the printed design, making images appear sharper and more vibrant. However, some people find that glossy finishes can be hard to read and show fingerprints and smudges easily. If you're looking for a finish that will make your photos pop, glossy is the way to go.

Ultimately, the choice of paper finish depends on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve for your wedding invitations. If you prefer a more understated and elegant look, matte might be the best option. On the other hand, if you want your invitations to be bold and eye-catching, metallic or glossy finishes can add that extra touch of sparkle and shine. Consider your design, colour palette, and the overall vibe you want to create for your special day.

Frequently asked questions