Choosing The Perfect Paper Weight For Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are usually printed on cardstock, which is thicker and sturdier than regular printer paper. The weight of cardstock is measured in pounds or grams per square metre (gsm). The weight of cardstock used for wedding invitations varies, but it typically ranges from 65lb (176gsm) to 220lb (600gsm) or higher. The type of printer you have will determine the weight of cardstock you can use. Home printers usually handle cardstock between 80lb (216gsm) and 100lb (270gsm). If you're printing your wedding invitations at a professional print shop, you can use cardstock up to 120lb (325gsm) or higher, depending on the printing method. Some printing methods, like letterpress and foil stamping, require heavier cardstock. Ultimately, the weight of paper you choose for your wedding invitations depends on your personal preference and budget.

Printing at home vs. using a professional print shop

Printing your wedding invitations at home or using a professional print shop both have their pros and cons. Here is a detailed breakdown of the two options to help you decide which one is best for you.

Printing at Home

Printing your wedding invitations at home is a quick, easy, and affordable option. Most home printers can handle paper weights of up to 80lb-100lb, which is the recommended weight for wedding invitations. However, it is important to note that not all home printers are the same, and some may only be able to handle lighter paper weights. Before printing your invitations, be sure to review your printer's instructions and do a test print to ensure your printer can handle the desired paper weight.

When printing at home, it is recommended to use textured cardstock, as inkjet printing can sometimes look fuzzy. Starting with a low weight and working your way up is also suggested. Experiment with different print quality settings to find the sharpest prints, and consider using a calibrated monitor to ensure colour accuracy.

Printing at home gives you the benefit of immediate control and the ability to adjust and reprint instantly. It also allows for meticulous colour matching to your monitor, ensuring that the print colours meet your exact standards. Additionally, printing at home can be more private for those hesitant to share personal information with third-party printers.

However, one of the drawbacks of printing at home is the limited paper thickness that desktop printers can handle. Another consideration is the frequency of printing, as occasional printing can lead to ink drying and clogging, resulting in added costs for maintenance and ink replacement.

Using a Professional Print Shop

Using a professional print shop can provide you with high-quality prints at a fraction of the cost of boutique printing. They have access to large-format, high-quality printers and can produce a variety of print sizes. Additionally, they can offer advice on paper types and weights, as well as provide a range of paper choices, including gloss, matte, luster, satin, and canvas.

When choosing a local printer, it is important to keep in mind that not all printers or locations provide the same print quality. Laser printers, which are commonly used in print shops, apply a layer of ink (toner) that can flake off on certain types of paper, such as shimmery cotton or vellum. Print shops may also refuse to print on envelopes or small, oddly-sized cardstock, as these can jam their machines.

Using a professional print shop can result in more professional-looking invitations, especially if you opt for letterpress or thermography printing methods. These methods create raised printing that can add a unique tactile and visual appeal to your invitations.

However, one of the drawbacks of using a professional print shop is the time and cost involved. There may be machine setup costs and time involved, especially for small invitation runs. Additionally, you will need to transport your files to the print shop, either in person or electronically, which can be tedious.

Both printing at home and using a professional print shop have their advantages and disadvantages. Printing at home offers convenience, privacy, and the ability to instantly adjust and reprint. On the other hand, using a professional print shop can provide higher-quality prints, a wider range of paper choices, and access to expert advice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your unique needs, preferences, and budget.

Invitation style

When it comes to wedding invitation styles, there are several options to choose from, each with its own unique look and feel. Here are some popular choices:

Flat Invitation Card

Flat invitation cards are typically made from a single sheet of heavy cardstock, usually weighing 80lb or more. This style exudes simplicity and elegance, making it a popular choice for modern and minimalist designs.

Folding Invitation Card

Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, are made from lighter cardstock, typically ranging from 65lb to 100lb. This is because the card is folded in half, resulting in a thicker invitation. This style is perfect for couples who want to include more information or design elements without increasing postage costs.

Layered Card

Layered invitation cards offer a lot of flexibility in terms of weight and design. You can mix and match different weights and textures of cardstock to create a unique and dimensional invitation. Just remember to keep the top layer light (80lb or less) and attach it to a heavier card. There are no restrictions on the weight of the invitation backer or pocket, so you can get as creative as you like!

Letterpress and Foil-Stamped Invitations

Letterpress and foil-stamped invitations require heavier cardstock, typically ranging from 110lb to 220lb. This is because these printing techniques require more pressure and impression to create a raised or stamped effect. The result is a luxurious and tactile invitation that your guests are sure to admire.

Digital/Flat Printing

If you're planning to digitally print your invitations, it's best to use cardstock between 100lb and 110lb. Thicker cardstock may crease during the printing process, unless you use a flat printing method, which distributes ink in a flat format.

When choosing the weight of your wedding invitation cardstock, it's important to consider the printing process, invitation style, postage costs, and personal preference. Heavier cardstock often conveys a sense of importance and luxury, while lighter weights can be more affordable and easier to work with. Ultimately, the best weight is the one that aligns with your vision and budget.

Postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, the postage cost is directly related to the weight of the paper used. The heavier the cardstock, the more postage you will need to pay.

In the US, if your invitation weighs over 1 ounce, you will need to pay for additional postage. To keep costs down, it is therefore recommended to use cardstock that weighs 80lb or less. This is considered a good weight for most home printers and will not require extra postage.

However, if you are using a professional printing service, you may want to opt for heavier cardstock, such as 100lb-110lb, which is recommended for digitally printed invitations. Letterpress and foil-stamped invitations require an even heavier weight paper, typically 110lb-220lb.

When choosing a paper weight, it is important to consider the printing process, the style of the invitation, and your personal preferences. If you are printing at home, be sure to check the maximum paper weight your printer can handle, as using cardstock that is too heavy can cause issues such as smudging or jamming.

It is always a good idea to do a test print with your chosen paper and bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the exact postage required.

Paper weight preferences

The weight of the paper used for wedding invitations is a matter of personal preference, but there are some guidelines to help you choose. The paper weight is measured in pounds or grams per square metre (gsm). The weight of the paper largely depends on the printing method chosen.

If you are printing your invitations at home, you need to consider the weight capabilities of your printer. Most home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but some can go up to 120lb. It is recommended to start with 80lb cardstock and increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming.

If you are using a professional printing service, there are different methods available, including offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing. Offset printing can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm), while thermography and letterpress printing typically use paper weights between 80lb cover (216gsm) and 120lb cover (325gsm). Letterpress printing can also use thicker cardstock, ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm). Digital printing can accommodate a wide range of weights, from lightweight vellum printing to 120lb heavyweight cardstock.

Another factor to consider is the style of your invitation. Flat invitation cards usually have a heavier weight cardstock of 80lb cover and above, while folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, typically between 65lb and 100lb cover. If you are creating a layered card, it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card (80lb cover and up).

Postage costs should also be considered when choosing paper weight. Invites weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage.

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight depends on your personal preference, budget, and the desired look and feel of your invitations.

Paper texture

The texture of the paper you choose for your wedding invitations will depend on the printing method you select, as well as your personal preference.

If you are printing your invitations at home, you will need to select a paper that is compatible with your home printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but be sure to consult your printer manual for card stock printing information and recommendations. If you are printing at home, consider using textured cardstock to hide some of the imperfections that may occur with inkjet printing. Linen cardstock, for example, has a delicate woven texture and matte finish that is perfect for hiding imperfections. Cotton cardstock is also a good option for home printing as it is highly absorbent and works for both laser and inkjet printing. It gives wedding invitations a clean, modern look and is considered "photo-safe", meaning it will keep better in your scrapbook and wedding albums for years to come. Kraft, or recycled cardstock, has a rustic look and resembles the coarse paper used for brown grocery bags. It is smooth to the touch but has a textured, fibrous look that is perfect for vintage or outdoorsy weddings.

If you are using a professional print shop, you will have more options for paper textures. Letterpress printing, for example, uses plates, hand-set type, and ink to press a design onto or into paper. This method works on a variety of paper surfaces and weights but is most commonly printed on thick, cotton cardstock ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm). Thermography, which produces prints you can feel, is typically done on 80lb cover (216gsm) to 120lb cover (325gsm) cardstock. Offset printing, which uses metal plates to transfer ink to rubber rollers, can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm) and papers that are smooth or textured, coated or non-coated.

When selecting a paper texture for your wedding invitations, it is important to consider the style and composition of your invites. Flat invitation cards are typically made with heavy-weight cardstock (80lb cover and up), while folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock (65lb-100lb cover) as they are twice as thick after folding. Layered invitation 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).

Frequently asked questions