For wedding invitations, the point we're concerned about is not just the appearance, the pattern, font, and so on. Equally, the paper you choose can also directly translate the wedding theme.
For example, the sparkling paper could help set off a luxurious atmosphere while the downy cotton paper does for the modern minimalist style.
So, what kind of paper is the most appropriate? Especially for those who tend to DO IT YOURSELF, too many choices make them dizzy. What kind of paper is right for cardstock, or belly band, or lining?
Don't worry, take a look at these simple introductions and suggestions, and believe you can figure out at once.
In fact, there is some major paper often used in wedding or other party cards, today let’s see the seven of them.
1. TYPES
#1. VELLUM
Vellum paper is made of plasticized cotton and that is tanned, stretched, dried and refined to be very thin and slightly see-through. Thus, the finest trait of the VELLUM lies in its high transparency without impurity. In addition, it is resistant to extreme weather and can be kept for a long time.
Vellum paper is wildly used as gift packing, book covers, artwork copy, and others.
Nowadays, brides tend to incorporate vellum in wedding decors, it is almost matching with any detail for a perfect finishing touch.
Used as wedding invitations, vellum gives full play to its glassy vision, making handwriting and patterns clear at the utmost. If you do not like an all-vellum kit, make it as belly bands or outer wraps.
#2. COATED PAPER
Also called art paper, it is made by adding a white coating on the surface of the base paper. Accordingly, the surface of the coated paper is smooth and bright with great ink absorption. Besides, the pattern printed on the coated paper has a three-dimensional sense and wildly used in exquisite magazines, books, landscapes, posters and so on.
In invites, the coated paper can better absorb the ink, making the printing more realistic and with high-definition. In addition, because of the good flexibility, it is the first choice for the belly band.
#3. GLITTERING PAPER
As the name indicates, this kind of paper has the trait of sparkle because of the attachment of flash gold powder on the surface.
The glittering paper is very showy with bright colors and touches like fine sand. We often use the glittering paper to make packing boxes, stationery covers, and handicrafts.
In wedding invites, it usually used as linings, wraps and belly bands.
#4. PEARL PAPER
The pearlescent paper is named because there are particles in the surface layer that form a pearlescent effect. The paper is smooth to the touch and shimmery to the eyes.
The Pearlescent Paper is generally used between business brochures, printed advertisements, exquisite packing, and party cards.
More important, the Pearlescent Paper is recyclable and can be used again, truly friendly to the environment. Such a good idea for environmentalists!
#5. COTTON PAPER
The cotton is just like its name implies—soft, with the edge in furry. It is very suitable for DIY painting. If you like the watercolor design of the Bohemian style, this is not the second choice.
#6. ACRYLIC
Acrylic has good transparency of 98% light transmittance-the same as the plastic, but with the density half of the glass. That is to say, acrylic is half lighter than the glass and makes the shipment half cheaper or more.
Throughout weddings, acrylic is popularly used as decors like food backdrops, signs, table numbers and others.
Different from the appearance, the acrylic touches balmy even in the chilliest winter days. So the season is not your primary concern—it fits all year round, just pay attention to the design you mostly like.
#7. KRAFT PAPER
Kraft paper is made by sulfate-coniferous wood pulp that is beaten and copied on a long net paper making machine. This kind of paper has typical merits of high toughness and resistance to water, thus usually availed as envelopes, gift wraps, paper bags and others.
2. WEIGHT
Well, what else should we take care of the wedding invitation paper? That is the GSM (1lb. of Text paper = 1.48 gsm) --- grams per square meter, an important standard in printing. Though most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, not all can. For invitations, 90 lbs at least for more durability, impact, and touch.
But it not often the case:
Flat invitations—since there is only a simple sheet of card, it is usually made with heavier papers-80lb or more;
Folding invitations- almost between 65lb-100lb cover;
Layered invitations (pocket/warp)—keep the top layer light (80lb and under) and the backer as heavy as you like
If you really get out of this data, go straight to local or online shops selling invites; they have much rich experience in pinning down the best scale for you. In that case, you just need to listen to the advice of the merchant and refer to your own judgment by the way.
Indeed, figuring out the GSM scale could make those DIYers a clear head consulting with a printing shop.
3. PRICE
//The price of different papers
If you want to make cards by yourself then the next most vital concern must be the PRICE. From the most expensive acrylic to medium-price pearlescent paper, and low-priced copper paper，you should judge by your own budget. Let’s firstly select the most appropriate material on the premise of your wedding theme, and then put your budget in.
If you really like to print on your own, your home printer gives the force, your budget is enough, then for sure, you can buy some blank cut paper from local shops or online stores like Amazon.
Below are some references:
Indeed, papers used by weddinginvitespaper are much thicker than what shows above, for example, we provide 250-300gsm (178lb-214lb) pearl and glittering papers. And the total price of an invite kit is less than $1.9, including the design, printing, envelopes and shipment.
4. COMBINATIONS
//In many cases, people apply to more than one material, and multiple matches can make invitations more enchanting.
Here are some of the commonly used or creative combinations for your reference. Choose what most moves your heart according to your wedding theme.
Vellum + Kraft—elegant rustic
Vellum + Cotton Paper—minimalist country
Vellum + Glittering Paper—simple luxurious
Glittering paper used as the lining is really matching and gorgeous, if you think the background is too flashing, then the tiny backer under the belt, will make your invitation simple and generous with a lively atmosphere.
Glittering Paper + Kraft — whimsical theme
Glittering Paper + Cotton Paper — elegant and classy
Glittering paper + Coated paper — classic belly band
Vellum Cover — unique and mysterious
5. ACCESSORIES
// In addition to the real paper, some elements can help upgrade the invitation to the next level.
1. Gold Foil
Printing on the edge or on the text will lead to the card being more luxurious and romantic.
Foil Backer
The texture of the gold foil background looks sparkling in natural light or under lighting, but so mild and takes with it a sensation of elegance out of luxury.
2. Real Wood Tag
The tags made with real wood are easy to engrave with monogrammed names, drawing guests close to the natural breeze.
3. Burlap
Another addition to country wedding cards, earthy and unique.
4. Lace
The lace can help lend more elegance to the invitation kit.
Conclusion
We know that there are so many papers classified, with so many differences between each kind of paper. After looking at the characteristics and uses of each, you should plan out how to arrange different parts of the invitation.
Of course, singling out paper is the first step, and there are a lot of things to do later. We will also write more articles about how to make an invitation and welcome to come back.
Or you can contact us directly ask suggestions.
Of course, the easiest way is to place orders directly on our website. Our pearlescent paper is 250gsm which is thick and of good quality. Besides, we offer free design or you can send us your preferred style. Register now with 100% customizable stationaries!
