The Origin Of Wedding Invitation Materials

Wedding invitations are usually printed on card stock, which is a medium-to-heavyweight paper made from tree pulp or cotton. The weight of card stock is measured in pounds, with cardstock weight ranging from 45# to 300# or higher. Couples have a variety of options when it comes to the type of paper used for their wedding invitations, including solid white cardstock, linen cardstock, cotton cardstock, parchment, felt, kraft or recycled cardstock, vellum, and wood grain cardstock. The choice of paper and printing style can depend on the desired tone and formality of the wedding, as well as budget considerations.

Paper types: Cotton, kraft, wood-grain, vellum, pearlescent, etc

Cotton paper is a high-end option for wedding invitations. It is typically made from 100% cotton, which gives it a premium cost. Cotton paper is super soft, durable, and free from imperfections. It absorbs ink well, making it ideal for letterpress printing and ensuring the richness of colour.

Kraft paper is a strong and durable paper type commonly recognised by its natural brown colour. It is made through the Kraft process, which preserves the wood's natural fibres, lending robustness to the paper. Kraft paper is widely used for packaging, crafting, grocery bags, and stationery. It is valued for its strength, versatility, and eco-friendly qualities.

Wood-grain paper is a rustic alternative to the formal look and feel of parchment or vellum. It conveys an outdoorsy, scrappy, DIY touch, lending a feel of personalised intimacy to wedding invitations.

Vellum is made from cellulose fibres (plants and trees). It is a smooth, delicate, translucent paper that comes in various colours, weights, brands, and textures. It is unique and versatile, with many uses in stationery, paper-craft, packaging, and design. Vellum is created by beating and processing cellulose fibres until there is no air present, resulting in dense, moisture-rich sheets. It has a super smooth, almost plastic-like finish and is suitable for writing, printing, cutting, scoring, and gluing.

Pearlescent paper has a shimmer finish that adds elegance to wedding invitations. It gives photographs a soft glow and is often used for a premium, heavyweight paper listed at over 100 pounds per 500 sheets.

Printing techniques: Engraving, embossing, foil stamping, letterpress, etc

The printing technique used for wedding invitations can convey the formality of the wedding, and different techniques also have different price points and production times. Here is an overview of some of the most popular printing techniques:

Engraving

Best for: Formal occasions

How it's done: An image or text is etched into a metal plate, which is then filled with ink. Paper is then pressed onto the plate with a pressure of around 3,000 pounds, creating a raised type on the front and an indentation on the back.

Paper: Works best on thick paper, like cotton fibre.

Ink: The ink used is thick, meaning light ink can be printed on dark paper. Multiple colours can be used but this is more time-consuming and expensive.

Turnaround time: Two to six weeks.

Embossing

Best for: Monograms and bordering

How it's done: A metal plate and a counter are created. The paper is then stamped between the two, creating a raised impression.

Paper: Typically done on thicker paper stock like cotton fibre.

Ink: Embossing is often done without ink but adding coloured ink is an option.

Turnaround time: Three to five weeks.

Foil stamping

Best for: Luxe, romantic, whimsical, or casual invites

How it's done: A heated copper plate is used to push foil into the paper, creating an impression. This is considered "dry printing" as no ink is used.

Paper: Lighter foils (like silver and white) on darker papers create a dramatic effect.

Ink: Foil stamping does not use ink, but a little goes a long way.

Turnaround time: Ten business days to two months.

Letterpress

Best for: Traditional designs

How it's done: Text or an image is etched in reverse on a raised surface (usually a plate) and coated with ink to produce a physical impression on the paper.

Paper: Requires soft, bulky paper, so you're limited to thick card stock, like cotton fibre or bamboo paper. Stick to white or light-coloured paper and darker ink.

Ink: Stick to one or two ink colours. The ink used for letterpress is thin, so white or pastel inks tend to look grey and dull on black or dark paper.

Turnaround time: Two weeks to two months.

Card weight: 80-90# for home printers, 100# for single stamp, 110-130# for professional look

When it comes to wedding invitations, the paper weight is an important consideration. The standard weights for card stock are 80-90# for home printers, 100# for a single stamp, and 110-130# for a professional look.

Paper weighing 80-90# is suitable for most home printers and is commonly used for DIY invitations, card-making, scrapbooking, and other craft projects. This weight is also recommended for printing invitations with multiple layers, as it will not add excessive weight.

If you plan to mail your invitations, you should consider the weight of the card stock. A card stock weighing 100# is suitable for a single stamp and is commonly used for invitations and invitation backings.

For a more luxurious and elegant feel, you may opt for card stock weighing 110-130#. This weight range is considered heavyweight card stock and will require a professional printer. It is often used when a couple desires a more premium and couture look for their invitations.

The specific weight you choose within this range will depend on your desired level of thickness and the printing method you plan to use. For example, card stock weighing 110# is suitable for most printing methods, while 130# card stock may be too heavy for some home printers.

When selecting your card stock, it is essential to consider the specifications of your printer to ensure compatibility. Additionally, keep in mind that the finish and texture of the paper can also impact the overall weight and appearance of your invitations.

Envelopes: Outer and inner, with return address, guest address, and postage

Wedding invitations can include an inner and outer envelope, but the inner envelope is entirely optional. The outer envelope is stamped and addressed, while the inner envelope only includes the names of the invitees and contains the invitation inside. The outer envelope is traditionally formal, with the recipient's full name(s) and title(s). This works for couples of all genders, whether or not they share a surname, and can be adapted for non-binary individuals. The inner envelope is more informal, and you can leave out elements of the formal name format.

The outer envelope is addressed with the guest's name(s) and address. The outer envelope design complements the overall aesthetic of the invitation and the wedding. The inner envelope is placed inside the outer envelope, and it contains all other enclosures along with the main invitation. If you opt to use an inner envelope, the guests' names and titles should also be included. Typically, it should only include a couple's title and their respective last names. This is the same for single guests, too. The inner envelope is usually more informal since you already addressed them on the outer envelope.

When using both inner and outer envelopes, the invitation is placed inside the inner envelope, with the printed side facing up, and the inner envelope is then placed inside the outer envelope, unsealed, so that when the outer envelope flap is lifted, the guest's name(s) is visible.

Before sealing the outer envelope, double-check that the names on the inner and outer envelopes match.

Inserts: RSVP cards, maps, extra venue info, and website details

Inserts are a great way to include extra information with your wedding invitations without crowding the main card. They are also a chance to get creative with your invites. Here is some information about RSVP cards, maps, extra venue info, and website details:

RSVP Cards

RSVP cards are a must-have for wedding invitations. They are the second most important piece of the wedding invitation suite, after the invitation itself. They allow guests to confirm their attendance and can also be used to collect meal preferences or other information. It's a good idea to include a deadline for responses and to provide pre-addressed and stamped envelopes to make it easy for guests to respond.

Maps and Venue Info

Maps and venue information are important to include, especially if your wedding is in an out-of-the-way location or if there are multiple events at different venues. You can include a directions card or a custom map designed by a graphic designer or illustrator. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can include a map in your invite. Alternatively, you can provide a Google map on your wedding website.

Accommodation and Travel Info

If you have guests travelling from out of town, it's helpful to include accommodation and travel information in your invitation suite. You can include the name and address of the hotel where you've reserved a block of rooms, along with any special codes or booking deadlines. For destination weddings, you can also include an overview of travel options, such as the nearest airport.

Wedding Website

A wedding website is a central hub for all wedding-related information. It's a good idea to include the URL and any relevant passwords on one of your enclosure cards. This allows guests to easily access information such as the dress code, registry details, and any updates. Creating a website early on can also save you money by reducing the number of inserts needed.

Frequently asked questions