Invitations come in many different designs using numerous types of paper. If you are making your own invitations or having your invitations printed by a professional, the type of paper used helps set the atmosphere of the event. The type and quality of the paper stock being used will directly affect the cost of the invitations. If you are making your own invitations, then you can be very creative in your design.
Invitations can range from very casual to very formal and it starts with the paper being used. Invitations traditionally use 100% cotton or linen paper stock that is white or ecru in color. Ecru is ivory or cream color and is used mostly in North America. White is very common in Europe. Cotton paper is strong, smooth and a little less expensive than linen paper. Other types of paper are vellum, parchment and textured paper.
Basic invitation and card paper:
Basic Paper - This is the standard 20 lb printer paper, usually white but can come in ivory and other solid colors. However this paper is seldom used for invitations and is listed here more as a reference.
100% cotton – Cotton paper is strong, smooth and is used for most of the formal invitations. This is typically 24 lb paper and is commonly used in ink-jet printers.
Linen – Linen paper has a weave texture finish as compared to the smooth cotton paper. Linen paper has the look and feel of linen fabric. This performs well in many laser and inkjet printers and is typically 24 lb paper.
Blends – There are also different paper blends such as the linen with 25% cotton.
Vellum – Technically this is translucent vellum which is a smooth translucent paper that can have frosted patterns. Vellum paper can be used as an overlay to add a bit of elegance.
Textured – Textured paper can have many different looks. It can be glossy, woven or flower-embedded. Embossed paper has a textured design. Depending upon the actual degree of the texture, the paper may or may not perform well in ink-jet printers.
Cover Paper – This is stiff heavy paper used for durability and used to protect inner and thinner paper. Cover paper is used as an outside cover for many handmade invitations and can vary in weight from 50 to 100 lb.
Handmade – Handmade paper usually has flowers, seeds or other accents pressed into the paper. This paper is usually more delicate and can be difficult for ink-jet printing.
Tissue – Tissue paper is very delicate paper that comes in many colors. Tissue paper is usually used to separate different parts of the invitation and has no printing.
Printable Invitation Paper - - Many papers can not be used in your home ink-jet printer. Papers with uneven edges, a rough or embossed (raised or depressed) surface, folded, wrinkled and paper that is too heavy or too thin for the printer can jam, flatten an embossed design or the ink can smear. Typically most home ink-jet printers will NOT take less than 17 lb paper like the tissue paper or more than 28 lb paper. Ink-jet paper is coated to help the ink dry quickly. So also always check that the paper is ink-jet certified so it will not bleed or dry too slowly.
Envelopes – Use one step up in weight from the inner paper for the envelope, so if the paper is 24 lb, make the envelope 28 lb weight.
Acid free – Paper with no acid or residual acid producing chemicals are called “acid free”. This means the paper will better resist yellowing over time.
Paper grain – All paper has a grain that runs vertical or horizontally. It is best to fold paper along the grain to get a smooth edge.
Embossed - Paper can be embossed (raised) or debossed (depressed) or both.
Ready to use – You can get 8 ½” by 11” invitation papers that is perforated to easily allow it to be separated into two invitations or four accessory cards. Some paper also will come with folding creases.
If you are purchasing your invitations or paper online, it's a good idea to visit a stationary store before ordering to view and feel the different types of paper before you make a decision.
Some Online Paper Suppliers –
LCI Paper is a leading provider of handmade specialty papers and envelopes for weddings and personal, community and corporate events.
Perforated Paper.com is a source for quality perforated paper. Good selection of standard perforations or design your own.
