Wedding Paper 101 - How to Choose the Paper for Your Wedding Invitations
Let’s talk about paper. At first, it seems simple. Paper is just paper, right? Until suddenly, it’s not. You start shopping and find yourself swimming in numbers like 80 lb, 220 lb, 300 gsm… and wondering what in the world felt, vellum, linen, and cotton all mean. How are you supposed to know what’s best?
Let me help! I’m Laura, your stationery guide, and I’ve been living in the world of paper for over a decade. I know how confusing it can feel and how exciting it becomes once someone walks you through it. So, let’s break it down together and help you choose the perfect paper for your wedding invitations.
Paper Weights
Let's start with paper weights. In short, the heavier the paper, the thicker and more luxurious it feels.
There's a metric system and a US system (shocking right?). If you see paper weights that are measured in GSM - that's metric - grams per square meter.
If you see a paperweight listed in LBS - that's the US.
Most cardstocks that you can use in a home printer are 80 lb weight or less. Which is great for everyday items, but not as great for wedding invitations. It's a small thing, but think about how it feels to hold an invitation: the thicker it feels, the more high-end it feels, and it's not a huge expense to upgrade on!
That’s why everything I print starts at 120 lb cardstock. It’s thick, smooth, lightly textured with a soft eggshell finish, and it feels substantial in your hands (as it should, This is your wedding, after all!).
If you really want to step it up, my other favorite weight is 240 lb - double thick. Similar to a beautiful letterpress coaster. It adds weight and richness to your suite without adding a massive cost. If you want something that feels high-end but don't have the budget for foil or letterpress, this is your move.
And if you are going with letterpress or foil? That 240 lb cardstock gives you the deepest, crispest impression possible. It’s paper that makes a statement before a single word is read.
Paper Textures
To start - paper comes in either matte or shimmery. That's not a texture per say, but it's the first choice you need to make. This is more of a personal preference! Some additional common textures are:
Smooth
Crisp, clean, and versatile. Smooth paper has a silky feel and no visible texture, making it a go-to option for just about any design style.
Ideal For: Anything! It’s especially great for designs with lots of color or bold graphics because the smooth surface keeps everything looking sharp and saturated.
Linen
Linen has a light, woven texture that looks and feels like linen. It’s subtle but adds a touch of refinement you can feel.
Ideal For: Classic or sophisticated invitations where you want a hint of texture.
Not Ideal For: Large blocks of color. The woven texture can cause some unevenness in ink coverage.
Eggshell
Eggshell paper is softer and luxurious, with a thick feel and a drywall-like texture.
Ideal For: Really elegant and formal invitations, and it adds a subtle texture to your design
Not Ideal For: Large blocks of color.
Vellum
Vellum is a transparent paper that is lightweight.
Ideal For: Wraps, overlays, or adding dimension to your suite. It looks stunning when tied with ribbon or sealed with wax.
Duplex
Two layers of cardstock pressed together, giving you a double-thick card with double the impact.
Ideal For: They can give you a really unique look to your design - a bold floral pattern on the outside of your pocket but a solid inside. Or go with a more subtle choice - shimmery silver on the outside and matte gray on the inside!
Cotton
Cotton papers are soft and buttery, and they feel like a luxury item. They tear nicely if you have your eyes on the torn-edge deckle look - you'll get that lovely feathery design.
Ideal For: Letterpress printing (especially in thicker weights), or torn-edge styles where that organic, feathered finish really shines.
Handmade
Handmade paper is the cream of the crop. It's an artisan craft and comes in some really lovely colors. It has feathery edges for a deckled look because it's actually coming straight from a paper-making frame. It's soft and fibrous and comes in a lot of great earthy colors.
Ideal For: Truly elevated invitations, especially with letterpress or foil.
Note: Handmade paper is not suitable for digital printing and is only available with letterpress.
Glitter and Foil
These are great for adding glam to your design! Most come in silver, gold or rose gold. The glitter I use has either a coarse or fine-grade glitter, and it is absolutely no shed (meaning it won't get everywhere!)
Ideal For: Designs that want to add a glam punch to your design
Layering With Texture
I love to use these different textures to add depth to my invite designs. Think of your paper suite like an outfit. You wouldn’t wear velvet pants and a velvet shirt and velvet shoes all at once, right? The same idea applies here. We mix shimmer with matte, classic white with a bold liner, or a clean design with a dash of sparkle in a glitter belly band.
Paper Colors
Color is where your wedding stationery really starts to tell a story. There are SO MANY colors of paper out there. You can keep it clean and simple with just white and ivory. You can add just some subtle color with a lightly colored envelope. You can go all out and use big and bold colors with white ink on the darker ones.
Why does color matter?
The colors you use are going to set the tone for your wedding. Say your wedding is using berry colors, pinks, burgundy, rose gold, and neutral tones. And you want to feature The Laura Suite. There are a lot of options you can do!
- If you are having a fall wedding, you might want to make your invitations a deep burgundy with white ink or foil or have the envelopes be burgundy.
- If you are having a summer wedding that is light and romantic, you may want more nudes and pinks with small accents in darker pinks. A blush info card or dusty blue envelope can give just the right touch!
-If your wedding is black tie, be chic and sophisticated with white letterpress paper and a rich, crisp burgundy letterpress.
How To Use Color
I'm a big fan of a monochromatic look - it's so elegant and sophisticated. Remember the rule of 3s - the eye likes odd numbers. The most eye-catching designs will use three colors. Choose one main color, one accent, and a base like ivory or white for a cohesive, refined look.
Still Not Sure? That’s What I’m Here For
I always recommend ordering a sample of your favorite suite. When you do, I’ll send along swatches of cardstock and envelopes in your color palette. Think of it like paint chips. You can mix, match, and play with them until you find the combo that feels so you.
Working with a designer means you don’t have to guess if your colors will print right or if your blue is going to turn purple on your home printer. You’ve got a pro in your corner who knows how to make sure the paper, ink, and design all work in harmony.
Shop The Wedding Collections, and let’s bring your vision to life, together!
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