Choosing The Perfect Cardstock For Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several options for cardstock. The type of cardstock you choose will depend on the printer you have at home, as well as your desired thickness and finish.

For home printing, it is recommended to use 80# cardstock and increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Most home printers can handle cardstock with a weight of up to 100#. For a more professional look, you can consider using cardstock with a weight of 110# to 130#, but this may require industrial printers.

Some common types of cardstock for wedding invitations include solid white cardstock, linen cardstock, cotton cardstock, parchment, felt, Kraft or recycled cardstock, and translucent vellum. Each type of cardstock offers a unique texture, finish, and weight, allowing you to create invitations that align with your wedding theme and style.

It is important to consider the weight and thickness of the cardstock, as this will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Additionally, ensuring that your chosen cardstock is compatible with your printer will help you avoid issues during the printing process.

Solid white cardstock

The 80# weight is suitable for most home printers, while the 100# weight is even better but may cause issues with some printers. The heavier the cardstock, the more professional your invitations will look.

If you are looking for a premium and elegant look for your wedding invitations, solid white cardstock is an excellent choice.

Linen cardstock

When choosing linen cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the weight of the paper. Linen cardstock typically ranges from 80 lb to 120 lb, with 80 lb being ideal for most home printers. However, if you want your invitations to look more professional, you can opt for a heavier weight, such as 100 lb or 110 lb.

• Hamilco White Linen Textured Cardstock: This cardstock is available in a pack of 50 sheets and is compatible with inkjet, laser, and multi-function printers. It has a weight of 80 lb and measures 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Geosar Linen Cardstock Paper: This cardstock comes in a pack of 200 sheets and has a weight of 92 lb (250 gsm). It is also available in a cream colour, adding a warm touch to your invitations.
• Royal Sundance Linen Cardstock: This cardstock is available in a variety of colours, including ivory, emerald, and midnight blue, and has a weight of 80 lb. It comes in a pack of 25 sheets.

With its elegant texture, wide range of colours, and compatibility with most printers, linen cardstock is an excellent choice for creating sophisticated and personalised wedding invitations.

Cotton cardstock

The weight of cotton cardstock ranges from 110# to 300# or higher, with most wedding invitation companies using cardstock in the 110# to 120# range. The higher the weight, the thicker the cardstock, and the better your invitations will look and feel, especially if you're printing them yourself.

When choosing cotton cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the colour, texture, and printing method to create the desired look and feel. If you're having a casual garden wedding with an eco-friendly, minimalistic vibe, you might opt for a light-coloured cotton cardstock with a matching invitation and a coloured paper stock wedding insert to add a splash of colour. On the other hand, if you're having a chapel wedding with an elegant, high-class style, you might prefer a navy envelope with the name and address in white ink print.

Parchment cardstock

When choosing parchment cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the printing method. Parchment cardstock can be printed at home or at a local print shop. However, keep in mind that desktop printers may have limitations on the thickness of paper they can handle. It is recommended to start with a lower weight paper, such as 80# cardstock, and increase the weight gradually until you find the right thickness that works with your printer.

Additionally, parchment cardstock pairs well with other types of paper, such as vellum or cotton cardstock. Layering parchment with thicker paper can add depth and create a unique look for your invitations. You can also consider adding envelopes, belly bands, or other embellishments to enhance the overall design.

Overall, parchment cardstock is an excellent choice for wedding invitations, especially for those who want a soft, subtle, and unique look. With its semi-translucent appearance and marbled texture, it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any invitation suite.

Kraft or recycled cardstock

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference. If you are printing 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 is important to check your printer manual for specific information. If you are using a professional print shop, contact them to learn about their equipment and capabilities.

Invitation style is also a factor to consider when choosing cardstock weight. Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy-weight cardstock, while folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock. Layered invitation cards can be made with a variety of weights, but it is recommended to keep the top layer light and attach it to a heavier card.

Postage costs are another consideration, as any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. Finally, choose a cardstock weight that aligns with your personal preference and design choices.

Frequently asked questions