Choosing The Perfect Paper For Watercolor Wedding Invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are endless options to choose from. For those who want to incorporate a watercolour theme into their invites, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of paper used can greatly impact the overall look and feel of the invitation. Watercolour paper is a great option for achieving a vintage, beveled look, while cardstock can give a more elegant and luxurious feel. The weight of the paper is also important, with thicker cardstock giving a more professional and sturdy invitation.

For those who want to add a personal touch, painting a watercolour design onto the invitations is a unique idea. This can be done by hand or by printing a scanned image onto the paper. Some online services offer custom watercolour invitations, allowing customers to add their own images and text. However, for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, creating DIY watercolour invitations is also an option. This may involve using materials such as watercolour paper, paint, and a basic home printer.

Ultimately, the choice of paper for watercolour wedding invitations depends on the desired look and feel, as well as the budget and printing method.

Watercolour paper vs cardstock

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper you choose can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the final product. Two popular options are watercolour paper and cardstock, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. So, what exactly are the differences between watercolour paper and cardstock, and which one is better suited for wedding invitations?

Thickness and Weight:

Watercolour paper and cardstock both tend to be thicker than regular writing or printing paper. However, they differ in their thickness and weight. The standard weight for watercolour paper is typically around 140 lbs or 300 gsm, and it can go up to 638 gsm or 300 lbs for higher-quality paper. On the other hand, cardstock falls under the category of "heavyweight paper" and usually ranges from 215 gsm to 270 gsm, or 110 lbs to 100 lbs, making most watercolour paper thicker and heavier than cardstock.

Material and Texture:

Watercolour paper is designed to withstand a large amount of water and absorb it effectively without warping or tearing. To achieve this, watercolour paper is made with cotton fibres intertwined with wood shavings, giving it a rougher texture or more "tooth" on its surface. This texture is essential for various watercolour techniques and helps the paper absorb water more effectively. In contrast, cardstock is made from a mixture of hardwood and softwood, resulting in a smoother texture that is better suited for printing. Cardstock is often used for business cards, greeting cards, and other applications where a smooth surface is preferred.

Colour and Appearance:

Watercolour paper usually has a bumpy and textured appearance due to its high tooth count. It is typically white or cream in colour and looks thicker than regular paper. On the other hand, cardstock can come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, blue, gold, and orange, depending on the project's requirements. While watercolour paper may seem similar to cardstock at first glance, their unique features and intended purposes set them apart.

Cost and Availability:

Watercolour paper can vary significantly in quality and cost. Inexpensive watercolour paper may be of lower quality and may not respond well to watercolour pigments, distorting the painting and making it difficult to work with. High-quality watercolour paper, on the other hand, will be thicker, more absorbent, and better able to withstand the techniques used in watercolour painting. Cardstock, while more expensive than regular writing or printing paper, offers versatility and durability, making it a popular choice for various projects, especially in business and office settings.

In conclusion, both watercolour paper and cardstock have their advantages depending on the specific requirements of the wedding invitations. Watercolour paper is ideal if you want a textured, vintage feel to your invitations and plan to use watercolour paints. Its absorbency and thickness will ensure that the paper can withstand the paint without warping. However, if you prefer a smoother, more modern appearance, cardstock is a better option. It is important to consider the desired look, feel, and printing method for your wedding invitations when choosing between watercolour paper and cardstock.

DIY watercolour invitations

DIY Watercolour Wedding Invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations is a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your big day. If you're a fan of the watercolour aesthetic, read on for a step-by-step guide to making your own watercolour wedding invitations.

Materials

• Watercolour paper or thick cardstock
• Printable wedding invitation templates
• Watercolours
• Paintbrush
• Cup of clean water
• Paper towel or rag

Choosing the Right Paper

The first step to creating your watercolour invitations is selecting the right paper. While you can use thick cardstock, watercolour paper will give your invitations a unique, vintage feel. The coarse texture of watercolour paper holds paint beautifully, resulting in a beveled look that traditional cardstock can't achieve.

Designing Your Invitations

If you're artistically inclined, designing your own invitations can be a rewarding experience. Consider incorporating meaningful elements such as a watercolour painting of your wedding venue or floral illustrations. If design isn't your forte, you can find printable invitation templates online or enlist the help of a designer.

Printing and Assembly

Once you're happy with your design, print your invitations at home or use a local print shop for higher-quality results. If printing at home, experiment with different print quality settings to achieve the sharpest prints. After printing, enlist the help of family or friends for assembly.

Finishing Touches

Add a touch of elegance to your invitations with finishing touches like a vellum jacket, custom wax seal, or envelope liner. If you're including multiple cards, consider using a paper cutter and exact knife for a precise and professional look. Don't forget to plan ahead, as DIY projects can take longer than expected!

Creating DIY watercolour wedding invitations is a labour of love that will surely impress your guests. By choosing the right paper, designing (or finding) the perfect template, and adding personal touches, you can achieve invitations that are both beautiful and unique to your special day.

Choosing the right printer

When it comes to choosing the right printer for your watercolour wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, you'll want a printer that can handle various paper types, such as vellum paper, cardstock, envelopes, and other specialty papers. For this reason, an inkjet printer is generally recommended over a laser printer, as it can handle thicker papers more easily and is ideal for printing photos or illustrations. However, laser printers are faster, more cost-effective, and produce crisper text designs. If you're printing on shimmery paper, a laser printer is the better option, as inkjet ink may smear. On the other hand, if you're printing on handmade paper or envelopes with the flaps open, an inkjet printer is the way to go, as laser printers can burn the paper or cause the adhesive to melt.

If you're only printing a small number of invitations and are looking for something cost-effective, using your home printer may be a good option. However, keep in mind that desktop printers often have limitations on paper thickness, so be sure to check your printer's instructions and do a test print before committing. If you're printing at home, it's recommended to start with 80# cardstock and work your way up to find the highest weight your printer can handle without issues like smudging or jamming. Additionally, using textured cardstock can help hide some of the imperfections that may occur with inkjet printing.

If you're printing a large number of invitations or want to achieve a more professional look, outsourcing to a local print shop may be a better option. Keep in mind that print shops may have restrictions on paper size and thickness, and the print quality can vary between different locations of the same print shop. When choosing a local printer, it's essential to save your invitations on a thumb drive and use cardstock with a smooth texture to avoid issues with the ink flaking off.

Overall, the best printer for your watercolour wedding invitations will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Be sure to consider the type of paper you'll be using, the number of invitations you need to print, and your budget when making your decision.

Invitation paper weight

The paper weight you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference.

Printing Process

The printing process is an important factor in determining the type and weight of paper to use for wedding invitations. If you plan to print your invitations at home, you need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's essential to check your printer's specifications as some may have lower or higher limits.

When using a professional print shop, it's crucial to communicate with them beforehand to understand their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Some print shops may have restrictions on paper weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation also plays a role in choosing the paper weight. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock, starting from 80lb cover. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, usually between 65lb and 100lb cover, as they will be twice as thick after folding.

For layered invitation cards or those inside pockets or wraps, you can choose a variety of weights. However, it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover or less) and attach it to a heavier card. The backer or pocket can be as heavy as you like since it won't be printed on.

Postage

Another consideration is the postage cost, which increases with the weight of the invitation. Keeping the weight of your invitation cardstock down can help you save on postage. It's advisable to bring a finished invite to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Preference

Finally, personal preference matters. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. The best weight paper for your wedding invitations is ultimately the one that aligns with your design, budget, and personal taste.

Cost of printing invitations

The cost of printing wedding invitations varies depending on the printing method, paper type, weight, texture, colour, finish, and any embellishments. On average, wedding invitations for 100 to 150 guests cost between $256 to $312, but this can increase depending on the aforementioned factors, as well as your location, guest list, and vendor.

Printing Methods

The printing method used is the largest determining factor in the cost of wedding invitations. Here are some common printing methods and their associated costs:

• Digital printing is the most budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from $500 to $800 for a set of 100 invitations.
• Offset printing and thermography typically start at $800 and can go up to $1,800 for 100 stationery suites.
• Letterpress printing is more expensive, with prices starting at $1,500 for 100 invitation suites.
• Engraving is the most extravagant and formal printing method, costing a minimum of $2,000 for 100 invitations.

Paper Type and Weight

The type and weight of the paper used can also impact the cost of printing wedding invitations. Premium paper types such as cotton or linen are generally more expensive than standard paper like cardstock or matte paper. Heavier weight paper will also be more costly than lighter weight options. For home printing, 80# cardstock is a good starting point, with the ability to increase the weight until you find the best quality.

Texture, Colour, and Finish

Textured paper, such as felt or embossed paper, can add a unique touch but may increase costs. Coloured paper is generally more expensive than standard white or cream, and metallic ink will further raise the price. The finish of the paper, such as glossy or matte, can also affect the cost, with glossy finishes typically being more expensive.

Embellishments

Embellishments such as foil stamping, blind debossing, embossing, edging, bevel cuts, wax seals, envelope liners, and ribbons can add a luxurious touch to wedding invitations but will also increase the cost. These additions can range from $150 to $400 for 100 invitations, depending on the embellishment chosen.

Frequently asked questions