What is the best paper for wedding invitations?
Choosing the right paper for wedding invitations can be the difference between a keepsake-worthy invite and one that might fade in memory. But with so many options, how do you know which is the best? From textures like eggshell to smooth finishes, varying thicknesses, and special types of cardstock, the choices may seem overwhelming. In today’s post, I’ll walk you through each option, helping you select the perfect paper for a memorable, luxurious invitation.
What types of paper are used for wedding invitations?
What is the difference between eggshell and smooth paper?
How thick should wedding invitation paper be?
Which cardstock works best for wedding invitations?
Why does paper weight matter for wedding invitations?
What are the best paper choices for printing methods?
How do you choose the perfect paper for your wedding invitations?
What types of paper are used for wedding invitations?
When it comes to selecting paper for wedding invitations, traditional choices like cotton or linen are timeless, but specialty papers can add a distinctive, memorable quality. Here’s a look at popular paper types alongside some unique and eco-friendly options:
Cotton Paper
Known for its luxurious feel, cotton paper is soft, durable, and perfect for creating elegant wedding invitations. Made from 100% cotton fibers, it has a unique texture that exudes sophistication and feels wonderful in hand. It’s also a great choice for heirloom-quality invitations that couples can keep for years to come.Linen Paper
With a subtle woven texture, linen paper evokes the feel of fine fabric. It’s often used for upscale weddings, offering a sophisticated, timeless look. The light texture adds just the right amount of dimension, providing an understated elegance that’s easy to print on while still visually striking.Seed Paper
For eco-conscious couples, seed paper is a beautiful and sustainable choice. Made from biodegradable materials embedded with seeds, this paper can be planted by guests, allowing your invitation to grow into wildflowers, herbs, or other plants. Seed paper is typically thick and textured, and it works best with simple printing methods to ensure the seeds aren’t damaged during production. Seed paper brings a touch of nature to your wedding invites and is perfect for outdoor, eco-friendly, or rustic weddings.Handmade Paper
Each sheet of handmade paper is unique, featuring a natural, slightly textured surface with subtle deckled edges. It’s crafted from recycled materials or plant fibers, often by artisans, and adds a distinct, old-world charm to wedding invitations. Handmade paper is perfect for vintage-inspired or bohemian weddings, as it has a beautiful, natural look and feel that creates a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Due to its delicate surface, it pairs well with letterpress printing or hand-drawn elements.Vellum Paper
Vellum is a translucent paper often used as an overlay or accent piece. It adds depth and romance to wedding invitations, allowing for layering effects that can show off design elements underneath. Lightweight and smooth, vellum works beautifully with modern or minimalistic designs, making it a favorite for couples looking to add elegance without thickness or weight.Matte Paper
Matte paper is smooth and non-reflective, making it a great option for modern or minimalist invitations. Its flat surface provides an easy-to-read finish, allowing printed text and designs to pop without distraction. Matte paper is versatile, affordable, and available in various weights to suit different printing needs.Shimmer or Metallic Paper
Shimmer or metallic paper adds a subtle sparkle, bringing a luxurious touch to wedding invitations. This type of paper reflects light beautifully and makes colors appear more vibrant, making it ideal for formal or evening weddings. Shimmer paper works especially well with elegant designs and foil printing.Wood Veneer Paper
For a truly unique, rustic invitation, wood veneer paper offers a thin, flexible slice of real wood that’s been transformed into a lightweight “paper.” Its natural texture and earthy tones are ideal for outdoor or nature-inspired weddings, giving each invitation a touch of the great outdoors. Wood veneer paper can be laser-engraved or printed for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Each of these specialty papers brings its own character, whether it's an eco-friendly twist, a romantic texture, or an artistic look. By selecting the perfect type, you can create an invitation that captures the essence of your wedding day.
handmade paper
What is the difference between eggshell and smooth paper?
The texture of your invitation paper can make a big impact on its overall feel. Eggshell and smooth finishes are two of the most common textures, each offering a unique experience.
Eggshell Paper
Eggshell paper has a light texture, resembling the surface of an actual eggshell. This texture is delicate, giving the invitation a slightly tactile feel without being overwhelming. Eggshell paper can enhance designs with a classic or vintage aesthetic and is ideal for letterpress printing, as the texture complements the debossed design.Smooth Paper
Smooth paper, as the name suggests, has no texture. Its surface is flat, sleek, and ideal for detailed or intricate designs. Smooth paper is popular for digital printing because it provides a clean look, allowing colors and designs to stand out clearly. If you’re looking for a modern, polished feel, smooth paper is a great choice.
So, which is better: eggshell or smooth? It depends on your wedding’s vibe! Eggshell is often chosen for classic, elegant weddings, while smooth paper works well for modern, minimalist designs.
How thick should wedding invitation paper be?
Paper thickness, or weight, is a key factor in making your invitation feel substantial and high-quality. Here’s a breakdown of common paper weights:
80 lb Text Weight
This is a lightweight option, best suited for inserts or additional details like RSVP cards. It’s not sturdy enough for an invitation alone, but it’s affordable and works well for supplementary pieces.100-120 lb Cover Weight
This range is popular for wedding invitations and provides a nice balance between durability and flexibility. Paper in this weight range feels sturdy yet refined, ideal for invitations that look and feel luxurious without being overly heavy.160-220 lb Cover Weight
For an extra luxe feel, consider thicker paper between 160 and 220 lb. This weight is often used for letterpress and foil printing, as the paper’s density can hold up well to the pressure. It has a weighty feel in hand, adding to the overall elegance of the invitation.
For the best results, most couples choose 100-120 lb paper for a solid invitation or 160-220 lb for a high-end, unforgettable impression.
Which cardstock works best for wedding invitations?
Cardstock is one of the most common choices for wedding invitations because of its durability and flexibility with different printing methods. Here are some top types of cardstock for wedding invitations:
Classic Cardstock
Simple, clean, and versatile, classic cardstock can be smooth or slightly textured, making it ideal for any wedding theme. Classic cardstock usually comes in a range of weights, allowing you to find the perfect balance between thickness and affordability.Recycled Cardstock
For eco-conscious couples, recycled cardstock provides a sustainable option. It’s typically made from post-consumer waste and comes in a variety of colors and textures. Recycled cardstock can range from rustic to modern depending on its finish.Luxury Cardstock
Made from high-quality materials, luxury cardstock often has a higher weight and is used for techniques like letterpress and foil stamping. This cardstock is ideal for formal or high-end weddings and is available in cotton, linen, and other specialty finishes.
Why does paper weight matter for wedding invitations?
The weight of your paper influences both the look and feel of your invitation. Heavier paper, for example, gives a premium feel and holds up well in the mail, while lighter paper can be easily damaged and lacks a sturdy hand feel. If you’re aiming for an upscale, luxurious wedding invitation, choosing heavier paper is well worth the investment.
Lightweight paper may be more budget-friendly, but it can convey a less formal impression. Couples looking to make a strong first impression often opt for paper weights of 100 lb or more, while those focused on cost-effectiveness may prefer 80 lb for inserts or details like maps and RSVPs.
What are the best paper choices for printing methods?
Certain papers pair better with specific printing methods, which is something to consider depending on your invitation design:
Digital Printing: Digital printing works best on smooth, matte, or light-textured papers like eggshell. This method is ideal for detailed, colorful designs as the ink sits on the surface of the paper, allowing vibrant colors to shine.
Letterpress Printing: Letterpress printing uses a pressing technique to create a debossed effect on the paper. You can read all about this beautiful print method in this blog post. Thick papers, like cotton or heavy cardstock, work best with this printing style, as they hold the impression well and enhance the texture.
Foil Printing: Foil stamping adds a metallic touch to the paper and requires a sturdy material, such as luxury cardstock or thicker cotton paper. Shimmery or metallic papers can also be used for extra glitz, as the reflective foil and paper complement each other beautifully.
How do you choose the perfect paper for your wedding invitations?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, here’s how to make your final decision:
Consider Your Wedding Theme
For a rustic wedding, linen or recycled paper could be perfect. For a modern wedding, smooth matte cardstock may work best, and for a luxurious event, cotton or metallic paper will help you set the tone.Match the Paper to the Printing Method
If you’re opting for letterpress or foil, choose a thicker, textured paper like cotton or luxury cardstock. For digital printing, smooth or light-textured paper is ideal.Think About the Feel of the Paper
Heavier, thicker paper generally feels more luxurious, while lighter paper can work for informal weddings or as additional details.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right paper for wedding invitations might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the first tangible pieces of your wedding that guests will experience. From texture to weight, the options each carry a unique feel that speaks to your personal style and the tone of your celebration. When you become an EGP client, you’ll receive a Welcome Box full of different paper samples so you can experience first hand the different types of paper available. By choosing the right paper, you’re creating an invitation that is as meaningful as the day it represents.