Invitation Paper Size: Choosing The Right Fit For Your Wedding

Wedding invitations are more than just standard letters. The standard size of wedding invitations is a 5x7 card, but they can vary in scale depending on how much information you need to include and your preferred design. The size of your wedding invitation will depend on several factors, such as your budget, the style of your wedding, and the amount of information you need to convey.

Paper weight

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper weight is an important consideration. The weight of the paper can impact the overall look and feel of the invitation, as well as the printing process and postage costs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the weight of your wedding invitation paper:

Printing Process

The printing process plays a crucial role in determining the suitable paper weight for wedding invitations. If you plan to print the invitations yourself at home, it's essential to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock, but it's always a good idea to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print to ensure compatibility. On the other hand, if you opt for a professional print shop, you'll need to consider their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Some printing methods, such as offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing, have different weight requirements and limitations.

Invitation Style

The style of your wedding invitation also dictates the appropriate paper weight. Flat invitation cards, which consist of a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock, usually starting from 80 lb cover weight. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, are made with lighter cardstock, as they will be folded in half, resulting in a thicker invitation. A popular weight range for folding invitations is between 65 lb and 100 lb cover weight. Layered invitations or those with pockets or wraps offer more flexibility, allowing you to mix and match different weights for the layers.

Postage Costs

The weight of your wedding invitation directly impacts the postage costs. Invitations that exceed one ounce in weight will require additional postage. To keep postage costs down, consider choosing a lighter weight cardstock for your invitations. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight for your wedding invitations comes down to your personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Consider the overall impression you want to create for your wedding and choose a paper weight that aligns with your desired aesthetic and budget.

Printing process

The printing process is one of the most important factors to consider when determining the type and weight of paper to use for your wedding invitations. Whether you're printing at home or using a professional print shop, there are several things to keep in mind.

Printing Invitations at Home

When printing your invitations at home, one of the most important considerations is the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print to determine its maximum weight capacity. Start with 80lb cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

• Experiment with print quality settings to find the sharpest prints.
• Use textured cardstock to hide imperfections, such as linen stock.
• Start with low weight cardstock and work your way up to heavier options like 100lb-120lb.

Printing at a Local Print Shop

Printing at a local print shop, such as Kinko's or FedEx Office, can provide professional-quality prints at a lower cost than boutique printing. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Not all printers or locations provide the same print quality, and laser printers can cause ink to flake off certain types of paper. Additionally, most print shops require printing on 8.5" x 11" sheets, and they may refuse to print on envelopes or small, oddly-sized cardstock.

• Save your invitations on a thumb drive in a high-resolution PDF format.
• Use cardstock with a smooth texture, such as cover cardstock, to avoid issues with ink flaking.
• Start with 100lb cardstock and work your way up, as industrial printers can typically handle thicker paper.

Suggested Weights for Popular Professional Printing Methods

If you plan to use a professional printing service, here are some suggested paper weights for different printing methods:

• Offset printing: Can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm) and various textures, including smooth or textured, coated or non-coated papers.
• Thermography: Typically uses 80lb cover (216gsm) to 120lb cover (325gsm) paper weights.
• Letterpress printing: Commonly uses thick cotton cardstock ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm).
• Digital printing: Offers a wide range of weights, from lightweight vellum to heavyweight cardstock. Can print on subtle textures like linen but may have limitations with heavily textured papers.

Other Factors to Consider

In addition to the printing process, there are a few other factors to consider when choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations:

• Invitation style: Flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock (80lb cover and up), while folding invitation cards use lighter stock (65lb-100lb cover) as they are twice as thick when folded.
• Postage: Heavier cardstock will require additional postage, so keep this in mind if you want to minimise postage costs.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, it's your wedding, and you can choose the paper weight and style that best suits your invitations, design, and budget.

Invitation style

The style of your wedding invitation will depend on the amount of information you need to include, the design you want, and your budget.

The standard invitation size is 5"x7", oriented either vertically or horizontally. This classic style should have enough room for most of your text as long as the design is not too elaborate. If you have a lot of information to include, you might want to opt for a larger invitation size, such as 6"x8" or 7"x9". These larger sizes are also a good choice if you want to include bold designs or extra details such as a map or directions to the wedding location.

On the other hand, if you want a more contemporary look, you could go for a smaller, square invitation, around 5"x5". This is a good choice for a modern wedding, and you can make it stand out by using bold, complementary colours or pairing it with a bright or metallic envelope.

If you want to keep things simple and elegant, a single sheet of heavy cardstock is a good choice. This is a popular option for couples who want a traditional, upscale look. However, if you want to include extra details or design elements, you might want to choose a folding invitation, which will give you more space to work with.

Another option is a layered invitation, which can include multiple layers of cardstock or be enclosed in an invitation pocket or wrap. This style can give your invitation a luxurious feel, but keep in mind that it will also increase the weight and postage cost.

Finally, if you want something unique, you could choose a custom die-cut shape or a booklet-style invitation with multiple pages. Booklet invitations are a fun choice for couples who want to include all their wedding information in one place and get creative with the design.

Postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors to consider to ensure that your special day gets off to a perfect start. The size and weight of your invitations will influence the postage costs, so it's important to keep this in mind when designing your invites.

The standard invitation size is 5"x7"", but this can vary depending on the amount of information you need to include and your preferred design. Larger invitations with multiple inserts will require more postage, so it's important to consider the weight of your invitations when choosing your paper.

If you're working within a tight budget, opting for a smaller invitation size, such as 4"x9" or 5"x5", can be a great way to keep costs down. These sizes still allow for creative and bold designs while minimising postage expenses.

The weight of your paper will also impact postage costs. Heavier cardstock, such as 110 lb cardstock, will require additional postage, especially if you're including multiple inserts. To save on costs, consider using lighter weight paper, such as 80 lb or 100 lb cardstock.

To ensure you're adhering to postage requirements, it's recommended to bring a finished invite to your local post office to determine the accurate postage needed. This will help you avoid any surprises or last-minute rushes to accommodate extra postage.

By considering the size and weight of your wedding invitations, you can better manage your budget and ensure a smooth mailing process for your special day.

Personal preference

Wedding invitations are a chance for couples to express their personal style and preferences. While the standard size for wedding invitations is 5"x7", there are many other options to choose from. Here are some factors to consider when deciding on the size and style of your wedding invitations:

Design and Legibility

The amount of design and text on your invitation will influence the size you choose. If you have a lot of information to include, such as logistics or additional events, you may want to opt for a larger card or include extra inserts. A larger invitation can also accommodate a bolder design or more elaborate details. On the other hand, if you prefer a more minimalist approach, a smaller card might be the perfect choice. Damilola Okuboyejo, creative director of By Dami Studios, recommends opting for a slightly larger card if your suite has a lot of design elements to ensure legibility.

Personal Style

The size and style of your wedding invitation should reflect your personal taste and the overall theme of your wedding. For example, if you're going for a rustic theme, aged paper with scalloped edges could be a great choice. If your wedding has a whimsical theme, you might choose a pastel-colored font and watercolor illustrations. The shape of your invitation can also be personalised with scalloped edges, trifold, or even hexagonal designs.

Budget

The size and style of your wedding invitation will impact the cost. Larger invitations or those with more detailed designs and extra inserts will be more expensive. Additionally, consider the cost of postage, as larger invitations may require more stamps. If you're working with a tight budget, a smaller invitation might be a better option.

Printing Process

If you plan to print your invitations yourself, you need to consider the capabilities of your home printer. Most home printers can handle 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print to ensure the best results. If you're using a professional print shop, consult with them about their equipment and capabilities to ensure they can accommodate your chosen paper weight, thickness, and texture.

Postage

The weight of your invitation will determine the postage cost. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep costs down, opt for a lighter weight cardstock. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invite to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Ultimately, the size and style of your wedding invitation are personal choices that should reflect your taste, budget, and design preferences. By considering these factors, you can create a unique and memorable invitation that sets the tone for your special day.

Frequently asked questions