Choosing The Perfect Lb Cardstock For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of your big day, setting the tone for your celebration and giving your guests their first glimpse into the event. When it comes to choosing the right cardstock for your invitations, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, cardstock is thicker than regular paper, giving it a more luxurious feel without breaking the bank. This thickness also means it can handle various inks and printing styles without falling apart. Secondly, the weight of the cardstock is crucial – the higher the weight in pounds, the sturdier the paper. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended, striking a balance between being substantial yet light enough to feed into your home printer. However, if you're printing at home, it's important to check your printer's weight capacity as not all consumer-grade printers can handle cardstock above 100 lb. Finally, when choosing where to purchase your cardstock, online retailers that specialise in this type of paper are your best bet, offering a wider range of colours and options compared to traditional craft and office supply stores.

Paper weight and thickness

The weight of the paper you use for your wedding invitations is important for several reasons. Firstly, it will determine how formal your invitations feel. The thicker the paper, the more elegant your invitations will seem. Secondly, the weight of the paper will dictate what you can and can't do with it. For example, thicker paper is more durable and less likely to tear or warp, but it may be too heavy for your printer to handle.

Paper weight is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). In the US, paper is measured in pounds, so this is what we'll use here. The higher the number, the thicker the paper.

When it comes to wedding invitations, you'll want to use cardstock, which is thicker than regular printer paper but thinner than cardboard. Cardstock usually ranges in weight from 45lb to 300lb or more. For wedding invitations, you'll want to use cardstock that weighs at least 80lb. This will give your invitations a more elegant feel without being too heavy for your home printer.

If you're printing your invitations at home, it's important to check your printer's manual to see what weight of paper it can handle. Most consumer-grade home printers can manage 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but some can handle up to 120lb. If you're using a professional printing service, they will be able to handle much heavier paper, and you can go up to 222lb or more.

Another thing to consider when choosing the weight of your cardstock is how you want to present your invitations. If you're sending a flat invitation card, you can use heavier cardstock (80lb and up). But if you're sending a folded invitation, you'll need to use lighter cardstock (65lb-100lb) as it will be twice as thick after folding.

Finally, don't forget about postage! The heavier your cardstock, the more it will cost to send. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage.

So, to summarise, when choosing the weight of cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider your printing method, your invitation style, and your budget. The best weight paper for your wedding invitations is the one that works for you and your design.

Choosing the right paper for your printer

The type of printer you have will determine the cardstock you should use for your wedding invitations. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb paper, but not all. So, before you start, check your printer's weight capacity and capabilities.

Home Printing

Home printing is often the best option for wedding invitations as it's quick, easy, and affordable. However, desktop printers are usually limited in the paper thickness, or weight, they can handle. The best way to determine the maximum weight of paper your printer can handle is by reviewing your printer's instructions and then doing a test print. Start with 80 lb cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then, move down a weight.

Tips for Home Printing:

• Experiment with print quality settings to find the sharpest prints.
• Use textured cardstock to hide imperfections.
• Start with a low weight and work your way up.

Printing at a Local Print Shop

A local print shop can provide professional-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing. However, there are a few drawbacks. Not all printers or locations offer the same quality, and some may not print oddly-sized stationery or envelopes.

Tips for Choosing a Local Printer:

• Save your invitations on a thumb drive as a hi-res PDF.
• Use cardstock with a smooth texture to avoid issues with the ink flaking off.
• Start at 100 lb cardstock and work your way up.

Paper Weight by Paper Type

It's important to note that the type of paper can significantly change what the weight means. Cardstock, for example, is thicker than regular printer paper but thinner and more flexible than cardboard.

Choosing the Right Paper Weight:

When choosing the right paper weight for your wedding invitations, consider the printing process, invitation style, postage, and your personal preferences.

• If you're printing at home, don't go lighter than 53 lb cardstock to avoid transparency issues. Thicker cardstock, such as 80 lb to 100 lb, will look and feel more formal and elegant.
• For flat invitation cards, use heavier cardstock (80 lb cover and up) to give a sturdy feel.
• For folding invitation cards, use lighter cardstock (65 lb to 100 lb cover) as they will be twice as thick after folding.
• Keep postage in mind—any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage.

Invitation style

When it comes to wedding invitation style, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, if you're creating a flat invitation card, it's best to opt for a heavier weight cardstock – 80lb cover and above. This will give your invitations a more formal and elegant look and feel. If you're creating a folding invitation card, a lighter weight cardstock is recommended, typically between 65lb-100lb cover. This is because the card will be twice as thick once folded, so a heavier weight may become too bulky.

If you're creating a layered invitation, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and then attach it to a heavier card (80lb cover and up). There are no restrictions on the weight of the backer card or pocket, so you can go as heavy as you like! Just remember to keep bulk in mind if you're planning to have three or more layers.

Another thing to consider when choosing your cardstock weight is postage. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so keeping the weight of your cardstock down will help to keep postage costs down. It's always a good idea to take a finished invite to your local post office to determine the accurate postage.

Finally, it's important to consider your personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, it's your invitation, so choose the weight that works best for you, your design, and your budget.

Postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is an important consideration. The weight of your cardstock will determine how much postage you need to include, so it's crucial to keep this in mind when selecting your paper.

In the United States, the postage rate for a standard-sized letter is based on weight, with a 1-ounce letter requiring a certain amount of postage. If your invitation exceeds this weight, you'll need additional postage. For example, if you're using a thicker cardstock or including multiple inserts, the weight can quickly add up, resulting in a higher postage cost.

To ensure you're applying the correct postage, it's recommended to take a finished invitation to your local post office for weighing. This will help you determine the exact postage required, ensuring your invitations reach their intended recipients without any issues or delays.

Additionally, consider the size and shape of your invitations. Unusual sizes or dimensions may require additional postage, so it's best to consult with your local post office to get an accurate estimate.

When creating your wedding invitations, be mindful of the weight and size to keep your postage costs in check. By selecting the right cardstock and designing your invitations efficiently, you can strike a balance between aesthetics and affordability.

Lastly, if you're concerned about the added weight of envelopes, consider using lightweight envelopes or choosing a cardstock that includes envelopes to stay within your postage budget.

Personal preference

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is a popular choice. It is thicker than standard computer paper, allowing for various inks and printing styles without the risk of it falling apart. It also has a more luxurious feel and can be tucked into an envelope without folding.

The weight of the cardstock is an important consideration. A paper's weight is based on what 500 sheets of that paper would weigh. The higher the weight, the sturdier the paper. For wedding invitations, a cardstock weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended. This weight strikes a balance between being more substantial than computer paper, while still being light enough to feed into a home printer.

For a single folded sheet, a heavier weight of 110 lb. is suggested. This will give your invitations a more professional look and feel. If you're printing at home, it's important to consider the weight limitations of your printer. Most consumer-grade printers can handle 80 lb. to 100 lb. cardstock, but it's always a good idea to consult your printer manual for specific recommendations.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock weight comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer thicker, heavier card stock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. If you're unsure, it's recommended to experiment with different papers before purchasing in bulk to find the weight that best suits your needs and design preferences.

Frequently asked questions