Your wedding invitation sets the tone for your entire celebration, so it's important to choose the right card stock. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wedding invitation card stock, from the different types of paper to the factors you need to consider when making your decision. By the end, you'll be able to confidently choose the perfect card stock for your special day.
Before we dive into the different types of card stock, let's first talk about the factors you need to consider when making your decision:
Wedding Invitation Card Stock
Here are 8 important points to consider when choosing wedding invitation card stock:
- Paper Type
- Weight
- Texture
- Color
- Finish
- Budget
- Printing Method
- Envelopes
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the perfect card stock for your wedding invitations.
Paper Type
The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations will have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are the most popular types of paper used for wedding invitations:
Cotton: Cotton paper is a high-quality paper made from cotton fibers. It is known for its strength, durability, and smooth surface. Cotton paper is a good choice for formal and elegant invitations.
Linen: Linen paper is made from linen fibers. It has a natural, textured look that gives it a rustic or vintage feel. Linen paper is a good choice for casual or outdoor weddings.
Cardstock: Cardstock is a thick, durable paper that is made from wood pulp. It is a good choice for budget-friendly invitations or for invitations that will be mailed long distances.
Parchment: Parchment paper is a thin, translucent paper that has a slightly wrinkled texture. It gives invitations an old-world or antique look. Parchment paper is a good choice for formal or destination weddings.
Once you have chosen the type of paper you want, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your wedding invitations, such as weight, texture, color, and finish.
Weight
The weight of your wedding invitation card stock will affect the thickness and durability of your invitations. Paper weight is measured in pounds per ream (lb/ream). A ream is 500 sheets of paper.
For wedding invitations, a paper weight of 100-120 lb/ream is a good choice. This weight is thick enough to make your invitations feel substantial, but not so thick that they are difficult to fold or mail.
If you are planning on using a lot of embellishments on your invitations, such as ribbons or lace, you may want to choose a heavier paper weight, such as 130-150 lb/ream. This will help to prevent your invitations from becoming too flimsy.
If you are mailing your invitations long distances, you may want to choose a lighter paper weight, such as 80-100 lb/ream. This will help to save on postage costs.
Once you have chosen the weight of your card stock, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your wedding invitations, such as texture, color, and finish.
Texture
The texture of your wedding invitation card stock will affect the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some of the most popular textures used for wedding invitations:
- Smooth: Smooth paper has a flat, matte surface. It is a good choice for formal and elegant invitations.
- Laid: Laid paper has a subtle ribbed texture. It gives invitations a classic and sophisticated look.
- Felt: Felt paper has a soft, velvety texture. It gives invitations a warm and inviting feel.
- Hammered: Hammered paper has a textured surface that resembles the look of hammered metal. It gives invitations a unique and eye-catching look.
Once you have chosen the texture of your card stock, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your wedding invitations, such as color and finish.
Color
The color of your wedding invitation card stock will set the tone for your entire invitation suite. Here are some of the most popular colors used for wedding invitations:
- White: White is a classic and elegant color for wedding invitations. It is a versatile color that can be paired with any other color.
- Ivory: Ivory is a warm and inviting color that is perfect for fall or winter weddings. It is also a good choice for invitations with a vintage or rustic theme.
- Blush: Blush is a soft and romantic color that is perfect for spring or summer weddings. It is a good choice for invitations with a feminine or whimsical theme.
- Navy: Navy is a sophisticated and timeless color that is perfect for formal weddings. It is a good choice for invitations with a nautical or preppy theme.
Once you have chosen the color of your card stock, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your wedding invitations, such as finish and printing method.
Finish
The finish of your wedding invitation card stock will affect the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some of the most popular finishes used for wedding invitations:
Matte: Matte paper has a flat, non-reflective surface. It gives invitations a classic and elegant look. Matte paper is a good choice for invitations with a lot of text, as it is easy to read.
Glossy: Glossy paper has a shiny, reflective surface. It gives invitations a more modern and glamorous look. Glossy paper is a good choice for invitations with a lot of images, as it will make the colors pop.
Pearlescent: Pearlescent paper has a shimmering, iridescent surface. It gives invitations a luxurious and sophisticated look. Pearlescent paper is a good choice for formal weddings or weddings with a vintage theme.
Metallic: Metallic paper has a shiny, metallic surface. It gives invitations a unique and eye-catching look. Metallic paper is a good choice for invitations with a modern or glamorous theme.
Once you have chosen the finish of your card stock, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your wedding invitations, such as printing method and envelopes.
Budget
The cost of your wedding invitation card stock will vary depending on the type of paper, weight, texture, color, and finish you choose. Here are some tips for saving money on your wedding invitation card stock:
- Choose a budget-friendly paper type. Cardstock is a good choice for budget-friendly invitations. It is less expensive than cotton or linen paper, but it is still thick and durable.
- Choose a lighter paper weight. A lighter paper weight will be less expensive than a heavier paper weight. A paper weight of 100-120 lb/ream is a good choice for wedding invitations.
- Choose a simple texture. A simple texture, such as smooth or laid, will be less expensive than a more elaborate texture, such as felt or hammered.
- Choose a neutral color. Neutral colors, such as white, ivory, or blush, are less expensive than bright or dark colors.
- Choose a matte finish. A matte finish is less expensive than a glossy or pearlescent finish.
By following these tips, you can save money on your wedding invitation card stock without sacrificing quality.
Printing Method
The printing method you choose for your wedding invitations will affect the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some of the most popular printing methods used for wedding invitations:
- Flat printing: Flat printing is a simple and affordable printing method that produces sharp, clean text and graphics. Flat printing is a good choice for invitations with a modern or minimalist design.
- Letterpress printing: Letterpress printing is a traditional printing method that uses a metal plate to press an image into paper. Letterpress printing gives invitations a classic and elegant look. Letterpress printing is a good choice for invitations with a vintage or rustic theme.
- Thermography printing: Thermography printing is a printing method that uses heat to raise ink off the paper. Thermography printing gives invitations a raised, textured look. Thermography printing is a good choice for invitations with a formal or luxurious theme.
- Foil printing: Foil printing is a printing method that uses a thin layer of metallic foil to create a shiny, reflective design. Foil printing gives invitations a glamorous and sophisticated look. Foil printing is a good choice for invitations with a modern or art deco theme.
Once you have chosen the printing method for your wedding invitations, you can start to consider the other factors that will affect the look and feel of your invitations, such as envelopes.
Envelopes
The envelopes you choose for your wedding invitations will frame your invitations and set the tone for your entire invitation suite. Here are some things to consider when choosing envelopes for your wedding invitations:
- Size: The size of your envelopes will depend on the size of your invitations. Make sure to choose envelopes that are large enough to fit your invitations comfortably, but not so large that they look bulky.
- Color: The color of your envelopes should complement the color of your invitations. You can choose envelopes that are the same color as your invitations, or you can choose a contrasting color to create a more dramatic look.
- Lining: Envelopes can be lined or unlined. Lined envelopes have a layer of tissue paper on the inside, which gives them a more luxurious feel. Unlined envelopes are less expensive, but they are still a good choice for wedding invitations.
- Closure: Envelopes can have a variety of closures, such as a pointed flap, a square flap, or a self-adhesive seal. Choose a closure that you like the look of and that is easy to use.
Once you have chosen the envelopes for your wedding invitations, you can start to assemble your invitation suites and mail them out to your guests.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about wedding invitation card stock:
Question 1: What is the best type of paper for wedding invitations?
Answer: The best type of paper for wedding invitations is a high-quality paper made from cotton or linen fibers. Cotton paper is known for its strength, durability, and smooth surface, while linen paper has a natural, textured look that gives invitations a rustic or vintage feel.
Question 2: What is the best weight for wedding invitation card stock?
Answer: A paper weight of 100-120 lb/ream is a good choice for wedding invitations. This weight is thick enough to make your invitations feel substantial, but not so thick that they are difficult to fold or mail.
Question 3: What is the best texture for wedding invitation card stock?
Answer: The best texture for wedding invitation card stock depends on the overall look and feel you want for your invitations. Smooth paper has a flat, matte surface that is good for formal and elegant invitations, while laid paper has a subtle ribbed texture that gives invitations a classic and sophisticated look.
Question 4: What is the best color for wedding invitation card stock?
Answer: The best color for wedding invitation card stock depends on your personal preferences and the overall theme of your wedding. White is a classic and elegant color that is suitable for any wedding, while ivory is a warm and inviting color that is perfect for fall or winter weddings.
Question 5: What is the best finish for wedding invitation card stock?
Answer: The best finish for wedding invitation card stock depends on the overall look and feel you want for your invitations. Matte paper has a flat, non-reflective surface that is good for classic and elegant invitations, while glossy paper has a shiny, reflective surface that is good for modern and glamorous invitations.
Question 6: How can I save money on wedding invitation card stock?
Answer: There are several ways to save money on wedding invitation card stock. Choose a budget-friendly paper type, such as cardstock, choose a lighter paper weight, choose a simple texture, choose a neutral color, and choose a matte finish.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect wedding invitation card stock for your special day.
Tips
Here are a few tips for choosing the perfect wedding invitation card stock:
Tip 1: Consider the overall theme of your wedding. The type of card stock you choose should complement the overall theme of your wedding. For example, if you are having a formal wedding, you may want to choose a more elegant paper, such as cotton or linen. If you are having a rustic wedding, you may want to choose a more casual paper, such as cardstock or recycled paper.
Tip 2: Think about the printing method you will be using. Some printing methods, such as letterpress printing, require a thicker paper stock. Other printing methods, such as flat printing, can be used with a wider variety of paper stocks.
Tip 3: Order samples of different card stocks. Once you have narrowed down your choices, order samples of different card stocks so you can see and feel them in person. This will help you make the best decision for your wedding invitations.
Tip 4: Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are unsure about which card stock to choose, don't be afraid to ask for help from a professional printer or stationer. They can help you choose the perfect card stock for your wedding invitations.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect wedding invitation card stock that will reflect the style and tone of your special day.
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding invitation card stock is an important part of planning your wedding. The type of card stock you choose will affect the overall look and feel of your invitations, so it is important to take your time and consider all of your options.
In this article, we have discussed the different types of paper, weights, textures, colors, finishes, printing methods, and envelopes that are available for wedding invitation card stock. We have also provided some tips to help you choose the perfect card stock for your special day.
By following the advice in this article, you can choose the perfect wedding invitation card stock that will reflect the style and tone of your wedding. Your invitations will be a beautiful and lasting reminder of your special day.