Choosing The Perfect Card Weight For Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are an essential part of any couple's planning checklist. They contain all the information invitees need to know about the wedding, from the time and place of the event to the dress code. They also create anticipation by teasing the aesthetic of the big day. While many couples work with a stationery design studio to customise their invites, some couples opt for the DIY route to express their creativity or cut costs. When it comes to choosing the right paper weight for wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the printing process is important. Whether printing invitations at home or taking them to a professional print shop, it's crucial to consider the weight and type of paper that can be used. Most home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it's important to check the specific capabilities of your printer. Different printing methods, such as offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing, may also have different weight requirements. The style of the invitation is another factor to consider. Flat invitation cards, for example, typically use heavier weight cardstock, while folding invitation cards use lighter stock. The weight of the cardstock will also impact the postage required, with any invite weighing over 1 ounce requiring additional postage. Ultimately, the choice of paper weight for wedding invitations depends on the couple's preferences, budget, and design choices.

Printing at home vs. using a professional printing company

When it comes to printing wedding invitations, there are two main options: printing at home or using a professional printing service. Here is a detailed comparison of the two options to help you decide which one is best for you.

Printing at Home:

Printing invitations at home offers several advantages in terms of convenience and customisation. Here are some benefits:

• Convenience and Quick Printing: With a home printer, you can print your invitations whenever you need them without having to wait for external services. This is especially useful if you have a small number of invitations or need urgent prints.
• Creative Control: You have the freedom to adjust print settings, experiment with different paper types, and choose from various sizes, giving you creative control over the final look and feel of your invitations.
• Immediate Proofing: Home printing allows you to see the results instantly, enabling you to make any necessary adjustments on the spot.
• Cost-effectiveness for Small Runs: If you only need a small number of invitations, printing at home can be more cost-effective than using a professional service, as you avoid setup fees and bulk printing costs.

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

• Print Quality Limitations: Home printers may not match the print quality and colour accuracy of professional services. Your invitations may appear less vibrant or lack the sharp, crisp finish of professionally printed ones.
• Limited Print Size: Most home printers have restrictions on print size, making it challenging to create large-format invitations or those with unique dimensions.
• Consumable Costs: The cost of ink and specialty paper can quickly add up, especially if you're printing a large number of invitations.
• Printer Limitations: Not all home printers can handle heavy cardstock or specialty papers, so you'll need to research the capabilities of your specific printer.

Using a Professional Printing Service:

Professional printing services offer many benefits that can enhance the quality and customisation options for your wedding invitations. Here are some advantages:

• High-Quality Prints: Professional printers utilise advanced equipment and premium materials, resulting in superior print quality with vibrant colours and sharp details.
• Wide Range of Print Sizes and Materials: They offer a variety of print sizes, from standard to large formats, and can accommodate requests for canvas, metal, fine art paper, and other specialty materials.
• Expert Colour Calibration: Skilled technicians ensure accurate colour calibration, so your prints closely match your digital designs.
• Efficiency for Large Runs: If you have a large number of invitations, professional services can handle the volume efficiently, and you won't have to worry about ink refills or printer maintenance.
• Time Savings: Outsourcing your printing saves you time and effort, as you don't have to set up and maintain your own equipment.

However, there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:

• Turnaround Time: Using a professional service may involve longer turnaround times, especially if you have a large order or are ordering during peak seasons.
• Shipping Costs: If the printing service is not local, you may need to factor in shipping fees, which can increase the overall cost.
• Limited Creative Control: You may have less direct control over the printing process and adjustments, as you rely on the expertise of the printing service.

The decision between printing at home and using a professional service depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise convenience, creative control, and small print runs, then printing at home may be the best option. On the other hand, if you seek exceptional print quality, a wide range of sizes and materials, and expert colour calibration, then a professional printing service will likely better suit your needs. Ultimately, consider your budget, the volume of printing, and your desired print quality when making your decision.

Paper weight metrics

The weight of a paper is usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lbs). The former is the metric system, mainly used in Europe, while the latter is the US system. The metric system is more standardised and uses only one measuring scale for all kinds of paper products. The US system, on the other hand, has different categories of paper, such as cardstock, text paper, and others.

The weight of a paper is not the same as its thickness. Grammage, or GSM, refers to the area density of a paper product or its mass per unit of area. While it is technically the proper term for paper weight, most printers in English-speaking countries refer to it as the "weight" of a card.

When choosing the right GSM for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider that paper with a lighter weight is generally designed for printing and writing, while heavier and thicker paper is ideal for specialised applications, such as invitations, greeting cards, and scrapbooking.

For wedding invitations, cardstock weight typically ranges from a low of 65lb / 176gsm up to double thick duplexed cardstock that weighs 222lb (600gsm) and higher. A paper weight of 100-110 lbs will give off a professional look and still allow you to mail your invitations with a single stamp.

If you are printing your wedding invitations at home, it's important to note that most home printers can only accommodate paper weights of up to 80 lbs. Cardstock paper is too firm to bend and will usually not work with a home printer.

Text paper vs. cover/cardstock paper

When it comes to paper, there are two main categories: text weight and cover weight. Text weight paper is thin and flexible, similar to the paper used in offices or books. On the other hand, cover weight paper, also known as card stock, is thicker and sturdier. The weight of paper is measured in pounds, with higher numbers indicating heavier and usually thicker paper. However, it's important to note that text and cover weight scales are separate and unrelated. For example, 80 lb text paper is much lighter and thinner than 80 lb cover paper.

Text weight paper is commonly used for the inside pages of a book or brochure. It is easy to fold and can be purchased in coated or uncoated finishes. Text paper typically comes in weights of 60, 70, or 80 pounds.

Cover weight paper, on the other hand, is used for covers, business cards, and packaging. It is more rigid and must be scored before it can be folded properly. Cover stock is available in coated or uncoated finishes and comes in weights of 60, 80, or 100 pounds.

When choosing paper for wedding invitations, it is important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preferences. Most home printers can handle cardstock weighing up to 80 lb (216 gsm) to 100 lb (270 gsm). Flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock of 80 lb cover and above, while folding invitation cards use lighter stock, usually between 65 lb and 100 lb cover. Layered invitations can have a variety of weights, but it is recommended to keep the top layer light and attach it to a heavier card.

In addition to weight, paper thickness is another important consideration. Paper thickness is measured in points, where one point is equal to one-thousandth of an inch (0.001 inches). For example, 10 pt paper is 0.010 inches thick.

When creating DIY wedding invitations, it is essential to choose the right type of paper. Uncoated cardstock is the most popular choice, as it has a high-quality, luxurious look and a durable feel. For a more textured appearance, paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish can be used. Specialty stationery stores or print shops can help select the appropriate paper weight and size for your printer.

Paper thickness

The weight of card stock for wedding invitations varies considerably, ranging from 65lb (176gsm) to 222lb (600gsm) and higher. The thickness of a sheet of paper is measured in thousandths of an inch, and the weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lbs). The higher the gsm or lbs number, the thicker the card.

The weight of card stock you choose will depend on several factors, including the printing process, invitation style, postage cost, and personal preference.

Printing Process

If you plan to print your wedding invitations at home, it is important to consider the paper weight capabilities of your home printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) card stock, but it is essential to check your printer manual for specific card stock printing information and recommendations.

If you plan to use a professional print shop, it is advisable to contact several shops to learn about their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Be sure to choose a shop that can accommodate your desired paper weight, thickness, and texture.

Invitation Style

The style of your wedding invitation will also influence the weight of card stock you select. Flat invitation cards, which are a single sheet of card stock, typically use heavier weight card stock of 80lb (216gsm) or more.

In contrast, folding invitation cards are made with lighter weight card stock, usually between 65lb (176gsm) and 100lb (270gsm). This is because the card stock is doubled in thickness after folding.

For layered invitation cards or those inside invitation pockets or wraps, you can choose a variety of weights. However, it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb or less) and attach it to a heavier card (80lb or more).

Postage Cost

Another consideration when choosing the weight of your card stock is the cost of postage. Invites weighing more than one ounce will require additional postage. Therefore, if you want to keep postage costs down, selecting a lighter weight card stock is advisable.

Personal Preference

Finally, personal preference plays a role in choosing the weight of card stock for your wedding invitations. Some people prefer thick, heavy card stock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, the decision depends on your design, budget, and any limitations you may have.

GSM vs. LBS

It is important to note that the weight of card stock can be measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lbs), and these measurements are not directly comparable. For example, 80lb text paper is different from 80lb card stock in terms of thickness and feel. When deciding on the weight of card stock, be sure to consider which measurement system is being used to avoid confusion.

Paper weight and cost

The weight of the paper you use for your wedding invitations will depend on a few factors, such as your printing process, invitation style, postage, and personal preference.

If you are printing your invitations at home, you will need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it is important to check your specific printer's manual for card stock printing information and recommendations. If you are using a professional print shop, it is a good idea to contact them to learn about their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Be sure to choose a paper weight that they can accommodate.

The style of your invitation will also impact the weight of paper you choose. Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy-weight cardstock, usually 80lb cover and up. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, are made with lighter-weight paper, typically between 65lb-100lb cover. Layered cards can be made with a variety of weights, but it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card (80lb cover and up).

Another factor to consider is postage. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. If you want to keep costs down, choose a lighter-weight paper for your invitations.

Finally, personal preference will play a role in the weight of paper you choose. Some people prefer thick, heavy card stock, while others prefer lighter, thinner stock. Ultimately, it is your choice!

In terms of cost, creating your own DIY wedding invitations can save you a lot of money compared to hiring a professional stationery designer. You can find downloadable templates online for a minimal fee or create your own design using software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign. The cost of the paper will depend on the weight and finish you choose. Heavier card stock will generally be more expensive, and certain finishes, like metallic or pearlescent cardstock, may also come at a premium. If you are printing your invitations yourself, you will also need to consider the cost of ink and whether your home printer can handle the job, or if you will need to use a professional printing service.

Frequently asked questions