When you’re looking to print invitations at home, there’s a lot of questions that come up. In fact, after I wrote about The Best Printer for Heavy Cardstock Paper, I got a ton of messages with the next obvious question. What is the best cardstock paper for invitations? So, let’s talk paper!
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Maybe you’re planning a little soiree and purchased a digital invitation from a shop like mine on Etsy. Or, maybe you are an invitation designer and want to print invitations for your customers. Either way, the question of the best invitation paper is an important one.
In a past blog, The Best Paper to Print Invitations, I discussed the number one myth about printing invitations at home. The big secret is that it isn’t dependent on your printer! It’s your paper! Sadly, if you’re looking to create beautiful invitations at home, you can’t just get any old cardstock paper on Amazon or at Michaels. If you do, you might be disappointed with the results.
So, with that said, what is The Best Cardstock Paper for Invitations?
The Best Light Cardstock Paper for Invitations
Let’s talk light cardstock. You may know that most printers don’t print on heavy cardstock paper. However, if you don’t know, feel free to read The Best Printer for Cardstock Invitations for more information. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a special printer, you won’t be able to print on heavy cardstock invitation paper. If that’s the case, I have the perfect light cardstock paper for your invitations.
The light cardstock paper I recommend, for example, for your invitations is this InkPress Media 5 x 7 paper. This cardstock paper prints vibrant colors and is what I typically use to print my invitations. You can see, for example, how it prints in the photo below. The top invitation is regular pre-cut cardstock from Michaels. The bottom invitation was printed on the InkPress Media 5 x 7 paper that I recommend. What a huge difference, right?
The Best “Heavier” Cardstock Paper for Invitations
Okay, so now let’s talk heavier cardstock. I think when anyone sets out to print invitations at home, they want it to be on heavy cardstock. This is probably because a lot of the professional wedding invitations we receive are on heavy cardstock and it just feels expensive. Amiright? The problem, like I said, is your printer. However, if you have a printer that prints on paper that is over 72LBS, as outlined in The Best Printer for Cardstock Invitations, then you’re ready to progress to heavyweight paper for your invitations.
Reviews on The Best Cardstock Paper for Invitations
Below I’m reviewing three different “heavier” cardstock papers for you to print your invitations on. All are pretty great choices, honestly, but depend on your preference and printer abilities. All the options are your standard 5 x 7 paper and can fit in a standard 5 x 7 envelope (these are the ones I always order.) I’ll start with the lightest and work my way to the heaviest paper.
Lightest
I was really impressed with this paper! It actually prints the most vibrant colors of the three different papers, which surprised me, given the texture! Since it has the textured linen look and feel, I think it could be used for a more formal occasion. For example, I think it would be perfect for a wedding invitation, as opposed to a birthday or shower invitation. However, even though it weighs in at 80lbs, it doesn’t have that “heavy” feel I would expect from a wedding invitation.
Medium
2. Ultra Thick 5″ x 7″ Cardstock
This next one is my favorite and the paper I think I will recommend the most for any cardstock invitation. Firstly, it has very vibrant colors – the most important factor, in my opinion. Secondly, it is a bit heavier than the previous linen cardstock. And because it doesn’t have a texture to the paper, I think it works for any occasion. These are an excellent option for your invitations!
Heaviest
3. Sustainable Greetings Index Cards
These were by far the heaviest of the three invitation papers at 110lbs, giving it that “heavy invitation paper” feeling. At first I thought that the colors weren’t as bright as the two other cards I mentioned above. But I am not sold on that. I think it’s a toss up! It’s a great option if your number one priority is the weight of the paper. This is probably the heaviest it gets!
So, what do you think? Was this helpful? If so, tell me which invitation paper you ended up purchasing in the comments below. Additionally, feel free to include a picture of your beautiful invitations! I would love to see how they turned out.
Time to Celebrate Your Life!
Lastly, thank you so much for taking the time to read about The Best Cardstock Paper for Invitations! I hope this gives you some ideas about printing invitations at home! Tell me below what you thought! I love to help you celebrate life through party decorations and beyond. Above all, I’d love to connect with you. Reach out to me on Instagram and let’s chat, or continue celebrating your life with The Celebration Effect.
xox
Lindsay
