Cotton Paper For Wedding Invitations: Choosing The Right Type

The type of paper chosen for wedding invitations can set the tone for the entire event. Cotton paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its strength, durability, and soft feel. It is also a good absorber of ink, allowing for richer colours. Cotton paper is typically made from cotton linters or used cloth and is recognised by its smooth and pure texture. Cotton cardstock is the paper of choice for many invitation companies as it comes in a variety of weights and colours, making it universally appealing.

Cotton paper's texture, durability, and ink absorption

Cotton paper, also known as rag paper or rag stock paper, is made from cotton linters (fine fibres that stick to cotton seeds after processing) or cotton from used clothing. It is significantly more durable than pulp paper, which replaced it as the main form of paper in the 19th century due to its lower cost of production. However, despite improvements in pulp paper quality over the years, cotton paper has remained the more durable option.

Cotton paper is often used for important documents intended for long-term preservation, such as legal documents, archival copies of dissertations or theses, and banknotes. Its durability can be attributed to the length of its fibres, which are longer than those in pulp paper, resulting in a stronger material. The percentage of cotton fibre in the paper corresponds to its resistance to deterioration; for each percentage point of cotton fibre, the paper can withstand one year of use. Legal document paper, for example, typically contains 25% cotton.

Cotton paper is also known for its superior ink absorption compared to copy paper. This is due to the capillary action process, where the sticky nature of liquid ink causes it to be readily absorbed by the paper. The forces of adhesion, cohesion, and surface tension cause the ink to rise up the paper. The higher absorbency of cotton paper allows for better printouts, making it ideal for invitations where clear and smudge-free printing is desired.

The texture of cotton paper can vary depending on its manufacturing process and the source of cotton fibres. For example, Indian Cotton Paper is handmade from recycled clothing, rags, and textiles, resulting in a strong and durable paper with a weight of approximately 150 gsm. The use of post-manufactured materials contributes to the longer and stronger fibres found in Indian Cotton Paper compared to other cotton papers. Embossed Indian Cotton Paper takes this a step further by adding machine-embossed patterns and designs, creating a multidimensional texture and unique look.

Cost of cotton paper vs other types

Cotton paper is typically more expensive than other types of paper. This is because it is made from cotton fibres, which are more durable and less likely to yellow with age. Cotton paper is also able to absorb ink more readily, which results in a better printout.

The cost of cotton paper varies depending on the percentage of cotton fibres it contains. Paper labelled as "25% cotton", for example, contains about 25% cotton fibres mixed with 75% cellulose (or wood pulp). This type of paper will be less expensive than 100% cotton paper but will still offer higher quality than non-cotton paper.

The price of cotton paper also depends on the brand and the retailer. Some popular places to buy paper for wedding invitations include Paper and More, Kinko’s, and FedEx Office. These stores offer professional-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing.

When choosing paper for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the type of printer being used. Home printers, for example, are often limited in the thickness of paper they can handle. It is recommended to start with 80# cardstock and increase the weight until issues such as smudging or jamming occur.

Other factors that can affect the cost of cotton paper include the weight, texture, and finish of the paper. Heavyweight paper, such as card and cover stock, will be more expensive than standard paper. Paper with a smooth matte finish is typically the most affordable option, while paper with textures like linen or metallic finishes will be more costly.

Where to buy cotton paper for wedding invitations

Cotton paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations, and there are several options for purchasing it. One option is to buy cotton paper from online platforms such as Etsy. Etsy offers a wide range of cotton paper options, including different sizes, colours, and weights, as well as additional services like printing and customisation.

Another option is to purchase cotton paper from specialist paper suppliers. For example, Feathers and Stone offer a range of cotton rag deckle-edge paper, which is suitable for wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and RSVPs. They also offer printing services and provide advice on printing on handmade paper.

Cotton Willow Design Co. is another specialist paper supplier that offers handmade paper wedding invitations made from 100% cotton paper. They offer customisation options, including additional inserts, return address printing, guest address printing, and custom wax seals.

Additionally, some printing companies, such as Pipkin Paper Company, offer advice on choosing the right paper for wedding invitations and may also provide paper purchasing options.

It is worth noting that some companies may offer free shipping or discounts on bulk orders, so it is worth comparing prices and services from different suppliers before making a purchase.

Cotton paper weights and thicknesses

Cotton paper is a popular choice for wedding invitations. It is relatively smooth, highly absorbent, and gives wedding invitations a clean, modern look and feel. It is also considered "photo safe", meaning it will keep better in your scrapbook and wedding albums for years to come.

Cotton paper weight is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the weight, the thicker the paper. Most home printers can handle paper weight up to 80-100 lb, while industrial printers can handle up to 110-130 lb. Paper weight above 150 lb is typically reserved for professional printers, embossers, and letterpress printing.

When choosing the weight of cotton paper for wedding invitations, consider the printing process, invitation style, postage cost, and personal preference. If you are printing at home, ensure your printer can handle the paper weight. If you are mailing the invitations, keep in mind that heavier paper will require additional postage. Flat invitation cards typically use heavier paper, while folding invitation cards use lighter paper. Ultimately, the choice of paper weight depends on your budget, design, and personal preference.

Cotton paper's eco-friendliness

Cotton paper is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-pulp paper. It is a highly renewable resource that can be made from recycled materials, such as garment industry waste or denim scrap. This helps to reduce landfill waste and gives materials a second life.

Cotton paper is also a more durable option than wood-pulp paper. It is stronger and won't yellow over time, meaning it will last longer and stay looking newer for longer. This durability also means that cotton paper is better able to withstand the printing process, which can sometimes involve toxic chemicals and large amounts of water and energy. Cotton paper, on the other hand, can be made without the use of toxic chemicals and uses less water and energy during production.

Additionally, cotton paper has a luxurious feel and unique texture that is well-suited for wedding invitations. Its soft, smooth surface absorbs ink well and gives invitations a clean, modern look. Cotton paper is also "photo-safe", meaning it will better preserve your invitations over time if you choose to keep them in a scrapbook or wedding album.

When it comes to the eco-friendliness of cotton paper, it's important to consider the entire lifecycle of the product. While cotton paper itself may be more sustainable than wood-pulp paper, there are other factors to consider, such as the impact of transportation and the energy used during the papermaking process. Overall, however, cotton paper is a more environmentally friendly option that can help reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

Frequently asked questions