Franklin Dean
Wedding invitations are often the first glimpse into what guests can expect from the wedding itself, so it's important to choose the right paper to set the right tone. There are many options to choose from, ranging from high-end to cost-effective. The type of paper you choose will depend on your budget, the weight and thickness you want, and the printing style you plan to use.
Cardstock is the most popular choice for wedding invitations as it is thick and luxurious. Cotton cardstock, in particular, is a favourite due to its soft feel and ability to absorb ink well. Linen cardstock is another popular option as it has a delicate woven texture that adds visual interest and can hide printing imperfections. For a rustic or eco-friendly wedding, kraft or recycled cardstock is a good option. This type of paper has a coarse, fibrous look that resembles brown grocery bags.
Other types of paper used for wedding invitations include vellum, which is a thin, semi-translucent paper that can be layered on top of opaque paper for a stylish effect. Glassine and clear vellum paper are also used for layered invitations, providing depth and interest. For a truly unique invitation, you can even print on wood!
The weight of the paper is an important consideration, as it will impact the cost of postage. Generally, the heavier the cardstock, the more professional and luxurious the invitation will look and feel. However, keep in mind that the weight of the paper should also be compatible with your printer, as some home printers cannot handle very thick paper.
Finally, the printing style you choose will also impact the type of paper you use. For example, thermography uses slow-drying ink and embossing powder to create a raised text effect, while letterpress printing presses text and designs into the paper for a unique tactile element.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65lb / 176gsm to 222lb / 600gsm or higher |
| Thickness | Low, medium, high |
| Finish | Glossy, satin, silk, matte, pearlescent, linen, cotton, Kraft, wood grain, etc. |
| Colour | White, off-white, blush, navy, cobalt, aqua, black, green, violet, burgundy, grey, red, etc. |
| Opacity | Opaque, semi-opaque, translucent |
| Eco-friendliness | Eco-friendly options available |
Cardstock
When choosing cardstock for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference. If printing at home, it is crucial to determine the maximum weight of paper that your printer can handle by reviewing the printer's instructions and performing a test print. Most home printers can handle 80# cardstock, and the weight can be increased until issues such as smudging or jamming occur.
Invitation style is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier cardstock—80# cover and above. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter cardstock, usually between 65# and 100# cover, as they are twice as thick after folding.
Postage costs should also be taken into account when selecting cardstock weight. Invites weighing over one ounce will require additional postage.
Finally, personal preference plays a role in the decision. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, the choice depends on the desired look and feel of the invitations.
Cotton cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is smooth, absorbent, and comes in a variety of weights and colours. Linen cardstock, with its delicate woven texture and matte finish, is another option that adds visual interest and hides printing imperfections. For a rustic or vintage wedding theme, kraft or recycled cardstock resembles coarse brown grocery bags and offers a textured, fibrous look.
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Cotton cardstock
If you're looking for a cost-effective option, cotton cardstock might not be the best choice. However, if you want your invitations to have a luxurious and elegant feel, cotton cardstock is an excellent choice.
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Linen cardstock
When choosing linen cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the overall tone you want to set for your wedding. The weight and thickness of the cardstock can impact the look and feel of your invitations. Heavier weights, such as 110 lb to 130 lb, will give your invitations a more luxurious and professional appearance.
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Kraft and wood-grain paper
Kraft paper and wood-grain paper are excellent choices for wedding invitations, especially for couples who want to convey a rustic or outdoorsy theme. These types of paper give the invitation a handmade, intimate feel.
Kraft paper, also known as recycled cardstock, has a rustic look that resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags, but it is thicker and more polished. It is smooth to the touch but has a textured, fibrous appearance, making it perfect for vintage or outdoor weddings.
Wood-grain paper, on the other hand, has a subtle wood grain texture embossed into the paper, giving it a unique, natural look and feel. This type of paper usually comes in a neutral colour palette, ranging from bright white to deep chocolate brown, complementing the wood grain texture and allowing for a variety of design options.
When choosing Kraft or wood-grain paper for your wedding invitations, consider the printing method that will work best with the paper's texture and colour. Some popular printing styles include flat printing, thermography, engraving, embossing, and foil stamping.
Additionally, you may want to pair your invitations with matching envelopes, belly bands, or other accessories to create a cohesive suite. Some suppliers offer sets that include these elements, providing a convenient way to achieve a coordinated look.
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Vellum
When choosing vellum for your wedding invitations, consider the desired effect. If you want a simple and subtle approach, opt for a lightweight option. If you're looking for something bolder and more striking, go for heavyweight vellum. You can also experiment with different colours and sizes to create unique and personalised invitations.
- Vellum Invitation Overlay: Print the invitation wording on a card and layer a sheet of lightweight vellum on top. The text will show faintly through the vellum, adding a hint of mystery.
- Printed Vellum Overlay: For a bolder look, print the invitation details directly onto the vellum overlay. This works especially well if you want to place the invitation over a photo.
- Vellum Gatefold Invitation Wrap: Use lightweight vellum to create a neat wrap for your invitation ensemble. Secure it with a ribbon, seal, or adhesive.
- Vellum Invitation Band: A vellum belly band is a streamlined version of the vellum wrap, adding a touch of elegance without the bulk.
- Printed Vellum Cardstock Invitation Cards: Print directly onto heavyweight vellum to create modern and translucent invitation cards.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as results vary depending on the printer, ink and template design. However, choosing the right paper is easy and fun if you know what you're doing. Simply find the paper that's right for your printer.
Cardstock weight used for wedding invitations varies from 65lb / 176gsm to 222lb (600gsm) and higher. The best weight depends on your printing process, invitation style, postage and personal preference.
If you're printing invitations at home, light cardstock is recommended as most home printers cannot handle heavy cardstock. Try this 5 x 7 Inkpress Media paper for vibrant colours.
For professional printing, paper weight can go up to 150# and above. Cotton cardstock is a popular choice as it is smooth and comes in a variety of weights and colours.
