Choosing The Perfect Paper For Your Wedding Invitations

Choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations can be a tricky task. There are many factors to consider, from the printing process and invitation style to postage and personal preference. The weight and finish of the paper can also affect the overall look and feel of the invitations. Some popular paper options for wedding invitations include card and cover stock, cotton fibre, kraft and wood-grain paper, glassine and clear vellum paper, and metallic pearl paper. It's important to consider the printing process and the capabilities of your printer when selecting the paper weight and type. Additionally, flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards use lighter cardstock. Ultimately, the choice of paper depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired style for your wedding invitations.

Cardstock weight: 65lb-300lb+

Cardstock weight is a matter of personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The weight of the cardstock will depend on factors such as your printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and budget.

Cardstock weight for wedding invitations can range from 65lb/176gsm to 222lb/600gsm or higher. If you are printing your invitations at home, you need to consider the weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80lb-100lb cardstock, but it is important to consult your printer manual for specific information.

If you are using a professional print shop, it is advisable to contact them beforehand to understand their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Some print shops may have limitations on paper weight, thickness, and texture.

• Flat invitation cards are typically made from heavy cardstock, usually 80lb cover and above.
• Folding invitation cards are generally made from lighter cardstock, as they will be folded and therefore doubled in thickness. A popular weight range for this style is 65lb-100lb cover.
• Layered invitation cards or those inside invitation pockets can vary in weight, but it is recommended that the top layer be kept light (80lb cover or less) and then attached to a heavier card.
• Keep postage costs in mind—invites weighing over 1 ounce will require extra postage.
• Ultimately, the choice is yours! Choose the cardstock weight that suits your preferences, design, and budget.

Printing process: home vs professional

The type of printer you use will have a big impact on the final print quality of your wedding invitations. Printing at home is a quick, easy and affordable option. However, desktop printers are often limited in the paper thickness, or weight, they can handle. Most consumer-grade home printers can manage 80lb to 100lb cardstock, but it's important to check your printer's instructions and do a test print to find its maximum capacity. If you're printing at home, start with 80lb cardstock and gradually increase the weight, moving down a weight if you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

There are several ways to optimise home printing. Experiment with your printer's quality settings to find the sharpest results. Use textured cardstock to hide any 'fuzzy' imperfections from inkjet printing. Start with a low weight and work your way up—the heavier the cardstock, the more professional your invites will look.

If you want to outsource your printing or step up the quality, a local print shop is a good option. They can provide professional-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing. However, not all printers or locations offer the same service—two branches of the same company may provide different print qualities. Laser printers, for example, can apply a layer of ink that may flake off on certain types of paper. They also often won't print oddly-sized stationery or envelopes, requiring you to print on 8.5" x 11" sheets and trim them down.

If you're using a local printer, save your invitations on a thumb drive in a high-res PDF format. Use cardstock with a smooth texture to avoid issues with the ink. You can usually start with 100lb cardstock and increase the weight from there.

Home vs Professional: Weighing Up the Pros and Cons

Home printing is convenient and cost-effective, but it may not deliver the same professional finish as a print shop. If you're printing at home, it's worth investing in high-quality cardstock and experimenting with different weights, textures and printer settings to achieve the best results.

Using a professional service gives you access to superior printing equipment that can handle a wider range of paper types and produce a more luxurious finish. However, this option is likely to be more expensive, and you may need to provide your own cardstock. There may also be limitations on the size and shape of the stationery you can print.

Whether you choose to print your wedding invitations at home or use a professional service, it's important to consider the capabilities of your equipment and the desired weight and texture of your cardstock to ensure the best final result.

Invitation style: flat, folding, or layered

When it comes to the style of your wedding invitations, you can choose from flat, folding, or layered designs. Here are some things to consider for each style:

Flat Invitations:

Flat invitations are a classic choice for wedding stationery. They are simple, elegant, and easy to create. This style is also cost-effective, as it requires less paper and can be printed on a single sheet. Flat invitations are ideal for couples who want a minimalist and modern look for their wedding stationery. This style can also be a good option if you want to include additional inserts or enclosures, as it allows for a neat and streamlined presentation.

Folding Invitations:

Folding invitations offer a more traditional and formal look. They provide extra space for information and allow you to create a sense of reveal as your guests unfold the invitation. This style can be more expensive, as it requires more paper and often involves additional design elements. Folding invitations are a good choice if you want to include multiple languages or additional details about your wedding.

Layered Invitations:

Layering adds a touch of luxury and dimension to your invitations. It can be achieved by mounting the invitation onto a backing layer or by using pocket folds. Layered invitations create a sense of depth and can make your stationery feel more substantial. This style is perfect for couples who want to make a statement with their invitations and showcase their attention to detail. However, it can increase costs due to the additional paper and assembly time required.

The style you choose will depend on your personal preference, budget, and the overall tone you want to set for your wedding. Flat invitations are simple and elegant, folding invitations offer a traditional and formal look, while layered invitations add a touch of luxury and dimension.

Postage: heavier invites cost more to send

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors that can influence the cost. From design to materials and printing methods, it's easy to see how these small decisions can add up to a big difference in total costs.

One factor that can significantly impact the cost of sending out wedding invitations is the weight of the paper used. Heavier cardstock is more expensive than thinner types of paper, and this will also increase the cost of postage. The current postage rate for a first-class letter weighing one ounce or under is $0.55, and a heavier invitation will cost more to send. If your invitations are an unusual size, such as square or larger than 5"x7", you will also need to pay extra.

To keep costs down, it's recommended to opt for lighter-weight paper stock. Reducing the number of enclosure cards and embellishments, such as a heavy cardstock backing, can also help to reduce the total weight of your invitation suite. Sticking to standard letter sizes, such as 5"x7", will also help to keep postage costs down.

It's important to keep in mind that the weight of the paper can also affect the overall look and feel of your invitations. Heavier cardstock will give your invitations a more luxurious and professional appearance. So, when deciding on the weight of your paper, it's essential to strike a balance between cost and the desired aesthetic of your invitations.

Preference: thick or thin cardstock?

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing between thick or thin cardstock. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Printer Compatibility

First, you need to consider the capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80 lb to 100 lb cardstock, but it's important to check your specific printer's weight capacity as some may have limitations. If you're using a professional print shop, be sure to ask about their equipment and capabilities to ensure they can accommodate your chosen cardstock weight.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also play a role in your cardstock choice. Flat invitation cards, which are a single sheet, typically use heavier cardstock (80 lb cover and up). On the other hand, folding invitation cards are usually made with lighter cardstock (65 lb to 100 lb cover) as they will be twice as thick after folding. If you're creating layered invitations or using pockets or wraps, you have more flexibility, but it's recommended to keep the top layer light (80 lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card.

Postage Costs

The weight of your cardstock will also impact the postage costs. Invitations over 1 ounce will require additional postage, so keeping the weight of your cardstock down can help you save on postage. 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 between thick or thin cardstock comes down to your personal preference. Some people prefer the luxurious feel of thick, heavy cardstock, while others may opt for the lighter, thinner option. Consider the overall tone you want to set for your wedding and choose the cardstock weight that aligns with your vision.

Cost

Thicker cardstock can be more expensive, so if you're working with a tight budget, thinner cardstock may be a more cost-effective option. Additionally, thicker cardstock may require special printing techniques that can increase the cost of your invitations.

In conclusion, when deciding between thick or thin cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider your printer capabilities, invitation style, postage costs, personal preference, and budget. Both options have their advantages and can create beautiful invitations for your special day.

Frequently asked questions