Best Places To Buy Paper For Diy Wedding Invites

There are many options for buying paper to make your own wedding invitations. If you're looking for a simple option, you can buy paper from a large online retailer like Amazon. If you want more options for colours and weights, you could try a specialist paper retailer like Cards & Pockets, Cardstock Warehouse, Envelopes.com or Fine Cardstock. If you're based in the US, Paper Source is another good option.

Online retailers such as Amazon, Cards & Pockets, and Cardstock Warehouse

Amazon

Amazon offers a vast selection of cardstock paper suitable for wedding invitations, including different colours, weights, and textures. For example, you can find white linen textured cardstock, cream shimmer cardstock, and pre-folded vellum jackets for invitations. Amazon also provides the convenience of quick delivery and subscription options for regular purchases.

Cards & Pockets

Cards & Pockets is an online retailer specialising in paper and cardstock. They offer a curated selection of fine paper brands, including Colorplan, Stardream, and Pop-tone, known for their quality and distinctive features. Colorplan is renowned for its vibrant colours and premium quality, while Stardream adds a touch of shimmer with its pearlescent finish. Pop-tone, inspired by pop culture, offers bold and vibrant hues. Cards & Pockets also have their own colour lines, such as Dusty Blue and Coral, giving you a diverse range of options to choose from.

Cardstock Warehouse

Cardstock Warehouse has an extensive collection of cardstock in various colours, neutrals, and metallics. They also provide tips and tricks on their website for creating wedding stationery from home, making them a valuable resource for DIY enthusiasts.

These online retailers offer a convenient way to source paper for your DIY wedding invitations, providing a wide range of options to suit different styles and budgets.

Paper weight and thickness

When it comes to wedding invitations, paper weight and thickness are important factors to consider. The right choice can elevate your message, while the wrong one can diminish its impact. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Paper Weight:

Paper weight is typically measured in pounds (lbs) and grams per square meter (gsm). The weight of paper you should use depends on the project. For everyday use, such as printing standard documents, reports, and forms, 20-24 lb paper is ideal. For professional documents like resumes and business proposals, a slightly heavier weight of 28-32 lb paper is preferred. For wedding invitations, a weight of 80 lb or more is recommended. This will give your invitations a more elegant and substantial feel, similar to a greeting card. It will also ensure that the paper can withstand various inks and printing styles without falling apart.

Paper Thickness:

Paper thickness is typically measured in points (pt) or microns. Points measure the thickness of the paper in thousandths of an inch, while microns measure the thickness in thousandths of a millimeter. The higher the point or micron value, the thicker the paper. For wedding invitations, a thickness of around 10-15 points or 250-350 microns is suitable. This will provide a sturdy and premium feel, while still allowing the paper to be fed into a home printer.

Choosing the Right Paper:

When choosing paper for your DIY wedding invitations, it is important to consider both the weight and thickness to achieve the desired look and feel. Cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its thicker weight and luxurious feel. When purchasing cardstock, it is recommended to order at least 20-25% more than you need to account for mistakes and practice. It is also advisable to experiment with different papers before purchasing in bulk to ensure that it suits your specific needs.

Recommended Sources:

There are several online retailers that specialize in selling cardstock and paper for wedding invitations, offering a wide range of colors and options. Some recommended sources include Amazon, Cardstock and Pockets, Cardstock Warehouse, Envelopes.com, and Fine Cardstock. These retailers often provide helpful resources and instructions for creating and printing your own wedding invitations.

By considering the paper weight and thickness, as well as sourcing quality materials from reputable suppliers, you can create elegant and impactful DIY wedding invitations that set the tone for your special day.

Paper colour and finish

When it comes to choosing the colour and finish of your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the weight of the paper is important – cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations as it is thicker than regular computer paper and gives a more luxurious feel. You'll want to choose a weight that is sturdy but that will still feed into your home printer. We recommend an 80-110 lb weight cardstock for your invitations.

In terms of colour, this will depend on your personal preference and the style of your wedding. If you're having a rustic-style wedding, you might choose a paper made from repurposed materials, such as kraft cardstock or pulpy, handmade papers. For a more elegant or formal affair, you might opt for a classic white or cream cardstock, or a luxurious metallic paper with a pearlescent or stardream finish. If you want to add a touch of sparkle, pearlescent paper has a subtle shimmer, while stardream paper has a more ornate, pearlescent finish.

If you're looking for something more colourful, Cards & Pockets offer a curated selection of fine paper and colour cardstock brands, including Colorplan, which offers a diverse range of over 50 colours, and Pop-tone, which features bold, vibrant hues inspired by pop culture.

When choosing the finish for your wedding invitations, consider the style you want to portray. A popular choice is a linen paper finish, which has a coarse, uncoated finish that resembles a fabric feel. Other options include a matte finish, which has a textured surface that refracts light, or a glossy finish, which is flat, laminated, and shiny, helping the colours stand out. If you're sending your invitations out well in advance, a silk laminate finish is a good choice for durability.

Printing at home vs. using a local print shop

When it comes to printing your DIY wedding invitations, you have two main options: printing at home or using a local print shop. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Printing at Home

Printing your wedding invitations at home can be a convenient and affordable option, especially if you already have a printer. Modern printers, like the HP Envy 4527, offer high-quality printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in a compact and affordable package. Having your own printer allows you to quickly and easily print your invitations whenever you need them, without having to leave your home or office.

However, it's important to consider all the costs involved in printing at home. While the initial cost of a home printer may be low, the expected lifespan of these machines is often shorter, and the cost of supplies (ink, toner, and paper) is typically higher per print compared to commercial machines. Additionally, you may need to invest in other tools and materials to achieve the desired look and feel for your invitations.

Using a Local Print Shop

Using a local print shop for your wedding invitations can offer several benefits. Firstly, local print shops provide consultative services and advice to help perfect your print project. They can guide you in choosing the right paper type, weight, and finish, ensuring your invitations look and feel the way you want them to. This personalized experience allows you to work directly with experts who can catch any errors and make suggestions to improve the final product.

Local print shops also give you the opportunity to see and feel paper samples before making your decision, ensuring you choose the best option for your invitations. They can provide physical proofs of your project, allowing you to verify that the colors and design are correct before the final print. Additionally, local print shops often have access to advanced machinery and staff with the expertise to get the best results, offering improved quality and faster turnaround times.

In conclusion, both printing at home and using a local print shop have their advantages. Printing at home offers convenience and affordability, especially for smaller print jobs. On the other hand, local print shops provide expert advice, personalized service, and access to advanced machinery, ensuring a high-quality final product. When making your decision, consider factors such as cost, time, quality, and the level of customization you desire.

Envelopes

When it comes to wedding invitations, the envelope is just as important as what's inside. It's the first thing your guests will see, so it's worth putting in the time and effort to make it look good. Here are some tips for creating elegant and professional-looking envelopes for your DIY wedding invitations:

Choosing the Right Envelopes

Start by selecting the appropriate envelope size for your invitations. A A7 envelopes (5.25" x 7.25") are commonly used for wedding invitations, but you can use the following chart to determine the right size for your needs:

5" x 7" invitation: A7 envelope (7.25" x 5.25")

Customising Your Envelopes

Customising your envelopes will give them a personal touch and make them stand out. Here are some ideas for customisation:

• Printing: You can print directly on your envelopes using a DIY template. This is a low-cost alternative to hiring a calligrapher, and there are many free templates available online, such as those offered by Pipkin Paper Company and Ijeoma Kola. Customising your envelopes with your addresses and a return address will add a special touch.
• Addressing: When addressing your envelopes, pay attention to the layout. The recipient's address should be centred on the front, while the return address can be placed in the upper left corner or on the envelope flap. Leave enough space for postage stamps.
• Design: When designing your envelopes, avoid placing any wording or artwork too close to the edges, especially on the top and bottom right, as this is where postal barcodes are typically placed. Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme, and consider adding graphics or textures, such as a gold border or ivory ribbon, as Rimike invitations suggest.
• Paper weight: The weight of the envelope paper is also important. A heavier weight, such as cardstock, will give a more luxurious feel. Rimike invitations, for example, used a black die-cut enclosure that added elegance to their invitation suite.

Where to Buy Envelopes

There are several online retailers that specialise in envelopes and wedding stationery:

• Cards and Pockets: Recommended by Pipkin Paper Company, Cards and Pockets offer a range of envelopes and cards for all your wedding stationery needs.
• Envelopes.com: While geared more towards professionals, Envelopes.com offers a wide selection of quality cardstock envelopes.
• Fine Cardstock: This website offers a range of coloured envelopes and cards, including ready-to-print options for thank-you notes.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a vast selection of envelopes, including pre-folded vellum jackets, translucent vellum paper, and blank invitation cards with envelopes.

Final Tips

• Testing: Before printing on your envelopes, run a few test prints on plain paper or spare envelopes to ensure the alignment and settings are correct.
• Flattening: Use a bone folder, the edge of a ruler, or your fingernail to flatten the edges of the envelopes before printing. This helps prevent smudging.
• Batch printing: Print your envelopes in small batches to avoid paper jams and allow for any necessary adjustments.

Frequently asked questions