Paper Types for Wedding Invitations | The Bride's Guide to Wedding Stationery
At Blushed, we primarily work with 3 to 4 different paper options. I strongly believe that, just as the atmosphere can dictate the overall mood of a romantic evening, your paper choice will dictate the mood of your stationery and the wedding itself. The type of paper that you choose will also dictate what printing methods that you can use and the cost of your suite as a whole. The wonderful thing about having a custom design is that you can mix and match your papers to create the perfect suite just for you.
120lb - Smooth Finish
This lovely paper (shown above as the "details" card) has crisp edges and a smooth surface—perfect to show off small details in artwork and/or watercolor. It allows the beauty of the artwork itself to shine rather than a more prominent tactile experience.
This first option is the most budget friendly offered at Blushed.
The recommended forms of printing for this paper finish includes:
Flat printing
Foil, though I generally recommend the other options for this
240lb - Smooth Finish
This option (shown above as the foil invitation) is similar to the first option discussed above, except that it is twice as thick. The added weight of this second option gives the invitation suite a more luxurious feel and opens up more printing options than the lighter version. The same benefits apply here too: a smooth surface and crisp edges allow for the artwork in the suite to shine—details are crisp and shown off beautifully.
The recommended forms of printing for this paper finish includes:
Flat printing
Foil
Letter Press
Italian - Textured & Deckled
If you are a detail lover, this is for you! This beautiful Italian paper gives your invitations that unique, handmade look and (literal) feel that you have probably been drooling over on Pinterest. The gentle texture on the surface of the paper is similar to watercolor paper, and instead of a crisp edge, this paper is has an uneven edge that naturally occurs when the paper is created (known as a "deckle"). The texture gives this beautiful paper a delicate feel before the artwork is even added to it! Spoiler alert—this is a personal favorite of mine at the moment!
The recommended forms of printing for this paper includes:
Flat printing
Foil
Handmade Cotton Rag - Textured & Deckled
The final paper option has the lovely surface texture and the most delicate deckled edges! Literally made by hand, this beautiful paper option is a great way to showcase stunning calligraphy and simple illustrations—allow the paper itself to shine! If you have never seen or explored the idea of handmade paper before, some of my favorites are Fabulous Fancy Pants and Pressed Paper.
As you might have already guessed, this paper option is the most expensive of those listed.
The recommended forms of printing for this paper includes:
Foil
Letter Press
Pin One of These For Later:
I hope seeing pictures of all of these paper options was helpful as you start to dream up your future wedding invitations!
If you are interested in starting your custom wedding stationery design process, I would love to hear more about your story and the dreams you have for your big day! Simply fill out this questionnaire and I will contact you soon with a custom price proposal. I can hardly wait to meet you and get started on your one of a kind heirloom
