Choosing The Perfect Cardstock Size For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of the planning process. They set the tone for the celebration and give guests a glimpse into what to expect. While many couples opt for professional stationery services, creating your own invitations is a fun and cost-effective alternative. When it comes to choosing the right cardstock for DIY wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, cardstock is thicker than regular paper, giving it a more luxurious feel. It can also handle various printing styles and inks without falling apart. Secondly, the weight of the cardstock is crucial. Paper is classified by weight, which refers to the weight of 500 sheets of that paper. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended to ensure it's sturdy enough while still being suitable for most home printers. However, thicker cardstock will add a more formal and elegant touch. Finally, the type of cardstock is important. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice for its high-quality look and durable feel. Cotton, linen, or felt finishes offer a more textured appearance. When choosing cardstock for DIY wedding invitations, consider the desired weight, thickness, and finish to create elegant and personalised invitations that set the right tone for your special day.

Cardstock weight and thickness

Cardstock is thicker than regular printer paper but thinner and more flexible than cardboard. It is also referred to as cover paper. The weight of the cardstock is important as it determines how it will be used. The weight of the cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square meter (gsm). The higher the number, the thicker the paper.

The weight of the cardstock will determine how it will be used. For example, lightweight paper can be used in most consumer-grade home printers and is usually up to 60 lbs. Heavyweight paper is used for anything from business cards to booklets and is generally between 80 lbs to 200 lbs.

When it comes to wedding invitations, the cardstock weight will depend on the printing process and the type of invitation. Most consumer-grade printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb paper, but not all can, so it is important to check your printer's weight capacity. Generally, for invitation cardstock, you don't want to go any lighter than 53 lbs, but thicker cardstock will look and feel more formal and elegant.

If you are creating a flat invitation card, a heavy weight cardstock is recommended - 80 lb cover and up. However, if you are creating a folding invitation card, a lighter weight cardstock is suggested as they are twice as thick after folding. A popular weight range for folding invitation cards is between 65 lb-100 lb cover.

If you are creating a layered invitation card, you can use whatever weight you prefer. It is recommended to keep the invitation top layer light (80 lb cover and under) and then attach it to a heavier card (80 lb cover and up).

Printing process

The printing process is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Home Printing: Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's weight capacity as not all printers are the same. Start with a lower weight cardstock and gradually increase until you find the best weight for your printer.
• Professional Print Shops: Different print shops have different equipment and capabilities. Contact several print shops to learn about their processes and whether they can accommodate your chosen cardstock's weight, thickness, and texture. It's a good idea to bring samples with you.
• Suggested Weights for Popular Printing Methods:
• Offset Printing: Can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm) and works with smooth or textured paper.
• Thermography: Typically uses paper in the range of 80lb cover (216gsm) to 120lb cover (325gsm).
• Letterpress Printing: Commonly uses thick cotton cardstock in the range of 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm).
• Digital Printing: Can print on a wide range of weights, from lightweight vellum to heavyweight cardstock (up to 120lb). Handles subtle textures but may have limitations with heavily textured papers.
• Paper Weight by Invitation Style:
• Flat Invitation Cards: Typically made with heavier cardstock, usually 80lb cover and above.
• Folding Invitation Cards: Generally made with lighter cardstock, between 65lb and 100lb cover, as they become twice as thick after folding.
• Layered Invitation Cards: The top layer should be lighter (80lb cover or less), while the backer or pocket can be heavier (80lb cover or more). If you have three or more layers, consider keeping the weights lighter.
• Postage Considerations: Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. Keep the weight of your cardstock in mind to minimise postage costs.

Invitation style

When it comes to wedding invitation style, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the type of invitation you want to make will determine the weight of cardstock you need. Flat invitation cards are typically made from heavy cardstock, usually starting from 80lb cover weight and up. If you're making a folding invitation card, you'll need lighter cardstock as it will be twice as thick once folded; a popular weight range for these is between 65lb and 100lb cover. Layered invitations or those with pockets can be made with a variety of weights, but it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover or under) and then attach it to a heavier card.

The printing process will also influence the type of cardstock you choose. If you're printing at home, you'll need to check the maximum weight of cardstock your printer can handle, which is usually between 80lb and 100lb. If you're using a professional printing service, there are a few options to consider. Offset printing can handle weights up to 120lb cover, while thermography and letterpress printing are usually used with cardstock between 80lb and 120lb cover. Digital printing can be used on a wide range of weights, from lightweight vellum to heavyweight cardstock.

The style of your wedding will also influence the type of cardstock you choose. For a modern, elegant wedding, you might choose Stardream Metallics cardstock. A rustic wedding could feature invitations made from the Kraft Collection or Speckletone Collection. For old-world sophistication, the Pergamenata Parchment Collection could be a good choice.

When choosing a cardstock weight, it's also important to consider postage costs. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so choosing a lighter cardstock will help keep costs down.

Postage

When it comes to postage for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the weight of your cardstock will impact the postage cost. Invitations weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. The thicker and heavier your cardstock, the more you will need to pay. So, if you want to keep costs down, opt for a lighter cardstock.

Secondly, the dimensions of your invitation will also affect postage. If your invitation is a standard size and weight, then one Forever Stamp, which costs around $0.73, will be sufficient. However, if your invitation is an unusual shape or size, or includes multiple inserts and embellishments, it will likely require additional postage. It's a good idea to take a complete, finished invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and advise you on the correct postage. This is especially important if your invitation is not a standard size or shape.

You can also hand-cancel your invitations, which means that instead of being processed through a machine, each envelope is individually stamped by hand. This can add a nice aesthetic touch, as hand-cancelled stamps include the city and state the envelope was mailed from. However, this service will cost extra per envelope, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

If you're looking for ways to save money on postage, there are a few things to keep in mind when designing your invitations. Firstly, try to avoid using thick cardstock or adding three-dimensional details such as wax seals or knotted ribbons. Also, keep the number of inserts to a minimum, and avoid using enclosures to hold all your pieces together, as this can increase the weight and thickness of your invitation.

When it comes to purchasing stamps for your wedding invitations, you have a few options. The most obvious and economical choice is the United States Postal Service (USPS). They offer a range of stamp designs, including a "Love/Wedding" subcategory. You can also order a stamp catalog for the year of your wedding to see what options will be available. Another option is to buy stamps online from sites like Amazon, Etsy, or Edelweiss Post. These sites often offer vintage or discontinued stamps that can add a unique touch to your invitations. Just be sure to compare prices, as sometimes the cost of stamps on resale sites may be marked up.

When designing with stamps, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Firstly, consider sticking to a single color palette for a cohesive and polished look. You can mix new and vintage stamps to achieve this, as long as the total value of the stamps adds up to the correct postage amount. Secondly, when using multiple stamps, it's best to line them across the top of the envelope, rather than clustering them in one corner. This makes it easier for postal workers to calculate the total postage value and gives more room for calligraphed addresses. Finally, when stacking multiple stamps, try arranging them from shortest to tallest, or pairing horizontal stamps together to create a stack of roughly the same height as a vertical stamp.

Personal preference

When it comes to wedding invitations, cardstock is a popular choice. It is thicker than regular printer paper, allowing various inks and printing styles without falling apart, and tends to have a more luxurious feel without a steep price tag.

The weight of the cardstock is an important consideration, as it will impact the look and feel of the invitations. The weight of the cardstock is measured in pounds, with a higher number indicating a thicker cardstock. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb. is recommended. This will ensure that the invitations feel more substantial than computer paper but are not too heavy or thick to feed into a home printer.

However, the "best" cardstock weight for wedding invitations is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. If you are printing your invitations at home, it is important to consider the weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle cardstock up to 80 lb. to 100 lb., but it is important to check your printer's manual for specific recommendations.

In addition to weight, there are other factors to consider when choosing cardstock for wedding invitations. The type of paper, such as uncoated cardstock, cotton finish, linen finish, or felt finish, will impact the look and feel of the invitations. The size of the cardstock is also important, as it needs to fit into standard envelope sizes.

Ultimately, the choice of cardstock for wedding invitations comes down to personal preference and the desired look and feel of the invitations.

Frequently asked questions