Best Places To Buy Cardstock For Wedding Invites

Planning a wedding and want to create your own invitations? Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding stationery because it's thicker and more elegant than standard computer paper, giving your invitations a luxurious feel without the high price tag.

When it comes to buying cardstock for your DIY wedding invitations, there are several online retailers that specialise in this type of paper, offering a wide range of colours and options. You can also find cardstock on Amazon, with options like the 90 lb weight bright white stock from Neenah paper, or try craft and office supply stores.

Before you buy, it's important to know that cardstock weight is classified by weight, so pay attention to this when choosing. The higher the weight in pounds, the sturdier the paper. For wedding invitations, a weight of at least 80 lb is recommended, but for a single folded sheet, you may want to go for 110 lb.

Happy planning and crafting!

Online retailers like Amazon, Etsy, and Cards and Pockets

Amazon

Amazon offers a vast selection of cardstock in various colours, sizes, weights, and textures. For example, you can find white, cream, and ivory cardstock, as well as metallic and vellum options. The weights range from 65 lb to 150 lb, ensuring you can find paper that suits your printing needs. Amazon also offers cardstock in different quantities, from small packs for testing to bulk reams for large invitation quantities.

Etsy

Etsy is a fantastic source for wedding invitation cardstock, providing a wide array of options to suit any theme or style. You can find simple cardstock packs, as well as more elaborate options with deckled edges, vellum belly bands, wax seals, and ribbons. Many Etsy sellers offer customisation options, allowing you to create truly unique invitations. Additionally, some sellers provide printing services, making it a one-stop shop for your wedding invitations.

Cards and Pockets

Cards and Pockets specialise in cardstock and envelopes, making them a go-to source for wedding invitation supplies. They offer a range of wedding invitation kits that include not only invitations and envelopes but also cards for accommodations, RSVP, and other inserts. One of their standout features is the ability to purchase samples, allowing you to test different paper weights and find the perfect match for your home printer. Their envelopes are also highly recommended, ensuring your invitations arrive in style.

When choosing cardstock for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight, with 80 lb to 130 lb being suitable for most home printers. Thicker cardstock, such as 150 lb and above, may require professional printers. Additionally, don't forget to factor in the texture and colour of the cardstock to achieve the desired look and feel for your invitations.

Local print shops like Kinko's or FedEx Office

Local print shops like Kinkos or FedEx Office can be a great option for printing your wedding invitations. They can provide professional-quality prints at a lower cost than boutique printing services. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing this option.

Firstly, not all printers or locations will provide the same print quality. Two different Kinkos locations may produce very different results even when using the same paper and printers. It's a good idea to do a test print before committing to a large order.

Secondly, laser printers apply a layer of ink (toner) that can flake off on certain types of paper, such as shimmery cotton or vellum. If you want to use these specialty papers, be sure to ask about the type of printer the shop uses.

Additionally, most local print shops require you to print on 8.5" x 11" sheets and trim them down yourself. They may refuse to print on envelopes or small, oddly-sized cardstock as it could jam their machines. If you need non-standard sizes, you may need to look for a different printing option.

When preparing your files for printing at a local shop, save your invitations on a thumb drive as a high-resolution PDF. Use cardstock with a smooth texture, as too much texture can cause issues with laser printers. Start with 100# cardstock and increase the weight from there to get the desired result.

Overall, printing your wedding invitations at a local shop like Kinkos or FedEx Office can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and take steps to ensure the best possible results.

Craft and office supply stores like Michael's

Craft and office supply stores like Michaels offer a range of cardstock options for wedding invitations. When selecting cardstock from these stores, it is essential to consider the weight and thickness of the paper to ensure it is compatible with your printer and meets your desired level of elegance.

Michaels provides a selection of cardstock weights suitable for different printing needs. For instance, they offer 65 lb linen cardstock, which can add a touch of texture to your invitations while being thin enough to feed into most home printers. This weight is also suitable if you plan to use a background cardstock layer with a second layer for the invitation itself. If you are looking for something thicker and more elegant, Michaels also offers 80 lb cardstock, which can give your invitations a more professional look.

In addition to the weight, the colour and texture of the cardstock can enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding invitations. Michaels provides a range of colours, from classic white and cream to bolder options like navy, allowing you to choose a shade that aligns with your wedding theme. They also offer textured cardstock, such as linen cardstock, which can add a delicate woven texture to your invitations and elegantly conceal any printing imperfections.

When purchasing cardstock from Michaels, it is advisable to buy a small quantity first to test its compatibility with your printer and overall design. This trial-and-error approach will help you refine your selection and ensure you achieve the desired outcome for your wedding invitations.

By exploring the cardstock options at Michaels, you can find the right weight, colour, and texture to bring your wedding invitations to life, creating elegant and memorable announcements for your special day.

Paper and stationery stores like The Paper Mill Store

If you're looking for a paper and stationery store to buy cardstock for your wedding invitations, The Paper Mill Store is a great option. They specialize in providing a variety of paper products for weddings, including cardstock, envelopes, and notecards.

The Paper Mill Store offers a range of cardstock options in different colours, weights, and finishes to suit your specific requirements. You can choose from a selection of cardstock weights, from lighter options that are easier to print at home, to heavier weights that give a more luxurious feel.

Additionally, they offer a range of envelope options to match your chosen cardstock, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding invitations. You can also find notecards and other stationery items to complement your invitations.

The Paper Mill Store's website is a convenient way to browse their selection and make purchases. They provide detailed product descriptions, making it easier to select the right cardstock for your needs. You can also compare different options to find the perfect match for your wedding theme and style.

Furthermore, The Paper Mill Store often features special promotions and discounts, making it a cost-effective choice for your wedding invitation cardstock needs. By signing up for their newsletter or following their social media accounts, you can stay updated on the latest deals and new product offerings.

Overall, The Paper Mill Store is a trusted source for wedding invitation cardstock, offering a wide range of options, convenient online shopping, and competitive pricing. Their dedication to providing high-quality paper products makes them an excellent choice for couples looking to create elegant and personalized wedding invitations.

Online stationery stores like Pipkin Paper Company

Pipkin Paper Company offers a unique service where customers can download and edit invitation templates online, allowing for personalisation and customisation. After purchase, customers receive a link to edit their chosen template, which can then be downloaded as a print-ready file. This provides flexibility, as customers can either print their invitations at home or outsource them to an online printer.

The company's website also features a dedicated section titled "Cardstock 101: How to Choose Paper for Wedding Invitations", offering valuable insights and recommendations for selecting the right paper. It covers various cardstock types, including solid white cardstock, linen cardstock, cotton cardstock, parchment, felt, kraft cardstock, vellum, coloured cardstock, wood grain cardstock, and laid cardstock. This comprehensive guide helps customers make informed decisions about the weight, texture, and finish of the paper, ensuring their invitations align with their desired aesthetic and budget.

Additionally, Pipkin Paper Company provides valuable printing tips, recognising that different printers and inks can impact the final outcome. They suggest experimenting with print quality settings and recommend using textured cardstock to mask any potential imperfections. For home printing, they advise starting with 80# cardstock and gradually increasing the weight to find the optimal level for your printer.

With their focus on customer satisfaction, extensive template options, and informative resources, Pipkin Paper Company is a go-to source for couples seeking elegant and affordable wedding invitation cardstock.

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