When it comes to wedding stationery, the paper weight is an important consideration. For wedding program fans, the right paper weight will ensure that the fans are sturdy enough to be functional, while also looking elegant and luxurious. The paper weight is measured in pounds, with cardstock weight ranging from 45lb to 300lb or higher. For wedding program fans, a cardstock weight of 110lb to 130lb is recommended. This weight range will provide a sturdy and rigid base for the fans, while still being thin enough to be printed on home printers. It is important to note that the printing process and invitation style should also be considered when choosing the paper weight. For example, flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards use lighter cardstock. Ultimately, the choice of paper weight depends on the couple's preference and budget.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Minimum recommended weight | 65lb |
Maximum recommended weight | 110-130lb |
Ideal weight | 80-100lb |
What You'll Learn
- Cardstock paper is measured in pounds, ranging from 45 to 300 or higher
- The higher the number, the thicker the paper
- For home printing, 80-pound cardstock is a good starting point
- For professional printing, 110-130-pound cardstock will give the most luxurious feel
- Paper weight is a personal choice, depending on budget and preference
Cardstock paper is measured in pounds, ranging from 45 to 300 or higher
Cardstock paper is a popular choice for wedding stationery, including invitations and program fans. The weight of cardstock paper is measured in pounds, ranging from 45 to 300 or higher. The higher the weight, the thicker the paper. This means that a sheet of 80-pound text paper will feel very different from 80-pound cardstock paper.
When choosing cardstock paper for wedding program fans, it is important to consider the desired thickness and rigidity. For program fans, thicker cardstock is generally preferred to ensure the fans are functional and sturdy. A weight of 110 pounds or higher is often recommended for program fans, as it provides a luxurious feel and can be printed at home or at a local print shop. However, some people have successfully used 65-pound or 67-pound cardstock for their program fans, although this weight may be too thin for some.
It is worth noting that most home printers can accommodate paper weights of up to 80 pounds, so for weights above that, it may be necessary to use a local print shop or a thicker paper. Additionally, when choosing a local print shop, it is important to consider their specific equipment, print processes, and capabilities, as not all printers or locations offer the same quality.
Ultimately, the choice of cardstock weight depends on personal preference, budget, and the desired tone of the wedding.
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The higher the number, the thicker the paper
When it comes to paper, weight is everything. The thicker the paper, the more durable it is, and the more uses it has. The standard measure for paper weight is grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper.
Paper weight is also measured in pounds, which is a measurement of the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size. This is a more confusing measurement, as the basic size varies depending on the type of paper. For example, a cover paper with a basic size of 20" x 26" and 500 sheets at this size weighing 100 pounds would be classified as 100-pound cover paper. In contrast, a text paper with a basic size of 25" x 38" and 500 sheets at this size weighing 100 pounds would be classified as 100-pound text paper. However, the two papers would not feel the same in your hand. The cover stock will be firm and may be glossy, while the text paper will be thin and uncoated.
The weight of paper is also important when considering the cost of postage. The heavier the paper, the more it will cost to send. So, if you are planning to post your wedding program fans, it is worth considering a lighter paper weight to keep costs down.
For wedding program fans, a sturdy paper is required, so that the fans are functional. A paper weight of 65-pound cardstock or higher is recommended. One source suggests that 80-pound paper is the minimum weight required for sturdiness, while another source recommends 110-pound cardstock.
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For home printing, 80-pound cardstock is a good starting point
When it comes to home printing, 80-pound cardstock is a good starting point for your wedding program fans. This weight is ideal for most home printers and will give your invitations a professional look. It's important to note that the weight of the cardstock will impact the overall impression of your wedding invitations. The thicker the cardstock, the more impressive it will feel.
To determine the maximum weight of paper your printer can handle, it's best to review your printer's instructions and then perform a test print. Start with 80-pound cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then, select a weight that is slightly lower to avoid these problems. This process will ensure that your printer can handle the cardstock weight and that your invitations will look their best.
Additionally, consider the style of your wedding program fans. If you're creating folding invitation cards, opt for a slightly lighter weight, as they will be twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for this style is between 65 and 100 pounds. On the other hand, if you're making flat invitation cards, go for a heavier weight, such as 80 pounds or higher.
It's worth mentioning that paper weight is measured differently in the US and Europe. In the US, cardstock weight is typically measured in pounds, ranging from 45 to 300 pounds or higher. In Europe, the metric system is used, and paper is graded in grams per square meter (gsm). When purchasing cardstock, ensure you are buying ""cover weight" or "cardstock" paper, as text weight paper is thinner and more like standard printer paper.
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For professional printing, 110-130-pound cardstock will give the most luxurious feel
When it comes to wedding program fans, the paper weight you choose will depend on whether you're printing at home or using a professional printing service. For professional printing, 110-130-pound cardstock will give the most luxurious feel. This weight range is the heaviest you can probably manage yourself, and it will give your wedding programs a professional, impressive look and feel.
If you're printing at home, most desktop printers can handle up to 80-pound cardstock, but you may need to test your printer's capabilities. Some printers can handle 100-pound cardstock, but this is where you may start to run into issues. If you're printing at home, it's worth noting that the heavier the cardstock, the more professional your invites will look.
When choosing paper weight, it's important to remember that a sheet of 80-pound text paper is very different from 80-pound cardstock. Text paper is what you would usually find in your home printer, whereas cardstock is sturdier and doesn't bend as easily, making it a good surface for printing.
If you're making fan programs, a thicker cardstock is recommended to ensure the paper isn't too floppy. One user who made fan programs commented that anything less than 110-pound cardstock would have been too thin. Another user who made paddle fans used one sheet of 110-pound cardstock and one sheet of 120-pound cardstock for each fan.
In conclusion, for professional printing, 110-130-pound cardstock is ideal for wedding program fans. This weight will give your programs a luxurious feel, and it's the heaviest weight you're likely to be able to print yourself. If you're printing at home, you may need to opt for a slightly lighter weight, depending on your printer's capabilities.
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Paper weight is a personal choice, depending on budget and preference
When it comes to paper weight, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It is a personal choice that depends on your budget and preferences. The weight of the paper will impact the look and feel of your wedding program fans, so it's important to consider what you want to achieve.
If you're looking for a more luxurious and heavyweight option, go for a higher paper weight. Paper weights of 100-110 lbs will give your fans a professional look, and they can still be mailed with a single stamp. You can even find ultra-thick paper stock options, similar to those used for business cards, at some printing companies. This weight will make your fans sturdy and impressive.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter and more affordable option, choose a lower paper weight. Weights of 80-90 lbs are ideal for most home printers and will give your fans a thinner feel. However, keep in mind that anything below 80 lbs might start to feel too flimsy and cheap.
Additionally, consider the printing process and your printer's capabilities. Some home printers may struggle with cardstock weights above 100 lbs, so it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print. If you're using a professional printing service, consult them on their equipment and paper weight capabilities.
Finally, don't forget to consider the style of your fans. If you're creating paddle fans or those with wooden sticks, a heavier cardstock of 110 lbs or more is recommended to provide enough stiffness. For folding fans, you can go with a slightly lighter weight, such as 65-100 lbs, as they will be doubled in thickness when folded.
Remember, the choice of paper weight depends on your personal preferences and budget. Select a weight that aligns with your vision for your wedding and don't be afraid to experiment with different options to find the perfect fit.
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Frequently asked questions
The best paper weight for wedding program fans is considered to be 110 lb cardstock, which is described as "heavyweight". However, some people have found success with 65 lb cardstock, which is the heaviest weight offered by some printing services.
Text paper is the type of paper you would find in your home printer and is generally between 20 lbs and 80 lbs. Cardstock is thicker and more rigid, like a postcard or business card, and ranges from 45 lbs to 300 lbs or higher.
The heavier the weight, the thicker the paper. The thicker the paper, the more impressive your wedding invitations will feel.
This depends on the type of printer you have. Home printers typically handle paper weight up to 80 lbs, while industrial printers can manage up to 120 lbs.
Vistaprint offers a free wedding sample kit so you can feel the paper and see if it is crisp, luxurious, too flimsy, textured, or perfectly smooth for your project.