How to Choose the Perfect Cardstock for Your DIY Wedding Invitations: A Guide to Cardstock Types and Finishes

Printing your wedding invitations yourself? There's a chance you've stumbled into a cardstock rabbit hole... What on earth is GSM? How do I know what finish to choose? What even IS cardstock?

It can be slightly overwhelming. But don't worry, I've got you covered! Let me guide you through the range of cardstock that's available, how to know what you're getting and where to get it. Let's dive in.

Cardstock Vs. Paper

In case you're wondering how cardstock differs from regular paper, let's get on the same page. Cardstock is a type of paper that is thicker and more durable than standard writing or printing paper. It typically has a weight of 170 to 350 grams per square meter (GSM), which provides it with greater sturdiness and rigidity. Thanks to its ability to hold up well and maintain its shape, cardstock is commonly used for wedding invitations, business cards, postcards and greeting cards. It comes in a wide array of finishes, colors, and textures, allowing for versatile design options.

Choosing the Right Cardstock

High-quality cardstock will elevate your design, producing a superior final print with enhanced clarity and vibrancy. It really is the key to ensuring a polished and professional finished product.

But How do you know what type of cardstock is going to look best with your invitation design? There main factors to consider are weight, finish, and material. Here's a breakdown:

Common Types of Cardstock

• Matte : Matte cardstock offers a smooth, non-reflective finish, perfect for almost any style. It's a truly flexible and understated surface that wont upstage your design.

• Gloss : Gloss offers a shiny, reflective finish that amplifies the vibrancy of colors and graphics. This finish is ideal for designs that aim to be bold, modern, and eye-catching, as it enhances the contrast and sharpness of printed images.

• Silk: Silk cardstock has a soft, smooth surface with a low sheen, offering a luxurious feel similar to silk fabric. It provides a refined, elegant finish that is less shiny than traditional gloss cardstock but still delivers rich color reproduction and a slight luster.

• Satin: Similar to silk, satin cardstock offers a balance between gloss and matte finishes. It has a subtle sheen that enhances the vibrancy of colors without the high reflectivity of gloss. Satin is an excellent choice for projects requiring a sophisticated look with a touch of elegance and warmth.

• Linen : Linen card stock features a subtle, textured surface that adds a touch of sophistication to your invitations. The linen-like finish makes it perfect for very formal or upscale event stationery.

• Natural: Natural cardstock, often slightly off-white or ivory, and offers a warmer, more organic tone compared to bright white. It is perfect for designs that seek a more rustic, earthy, or vintage appeal, adding a sense of warmth and authenticity to your printed materials.

• Smooth: Smooth cardstock features a sleek, even surface with no texture, ensuring sharp and clear printing. It’s a great choice for intricate designs or text-heavy materials, where precision and clarity are essential.

• Cotton: Cotton cardstock is made from cotton fibers, providing a soft, luxurious feel with a subtly textured surface. Its natural absorbency results in rich, deep print quality, making it a premium choice for high-end invitations.

Understanding Finishes

The finish of your card stock can significantly impact the overall look of your invitations. Matte finishes are perfect for a softer, sophisticated feel, while a gloss finish adds a touch of glam. Consider the vibe you want to convey through your invitations when selecting the finish.

Cardstock Measurements: GSM vs. lbs

Now that you know your finishes, you'll want to consider how heavy you want your cardstock to be.

Cardstock is often measured in GSM (grams per square meter), which tells you how much a square meter of cardstock weighs. This makes it easy to compare thickness and weight directly. You might also see it measured in lbs (pounds), which measures the weight of 500 sheets of card stock in its original size, which can vary. This makes GSM a more straightforward way to compare paper weights, while lbs can be a bit confusing since the size of the paper stack changes.

Generally the thicker the cardstock the more luxurious and premium your invitations will feel. That said, there are a few factors to consider.

How Heavy Should My Cardstock Be?

How heavy you decide to go with your cardstock depends on a few factors:

Budget: For the most part, the heavier the cardstock the more expensive it is. In small quantities, heavy cardstock might not break the bank. But don't forget to factor in postage costs, especially if sending abroad. The heavier the invitations, the at heftier the postage fees.

Printers: If you are printing at home, take a look at your printer's specs before investing in your carstock. Many domestic printers feed the paper through a roller, forcing it to bend. The thicker the cardstock the more likely is it to jam as it bends over the roller. The limit for most home printers is roughly 250 GSM. If you are wanting to go for heavier cardstock you might be best to use a professional printer.

Formality: When your wedding invitation design includes intricate elements—like fine lines, detailed illustrations, or elaborate typography—heavier, sturdier cardstock is often a preferred choice. Thicker stock helps maintain the crispness and clarity of the print, especially with high-resolution images. For less formal invitations, especially ones with minimal graphic elements, a lighter cardstock is perfectly suitable and can save the purse strings!

Where to Find Quality Cardstock

There are loads of one-stop shops for cardstock online!

UNITED STATES: Websites like Paper Source, Cards & Pockets, and The Paper Mill Store offer a wide range of options to suit your preferences. The Paper Mill Store also has an extremely comprehensive guide to cardstock for those looking for a deep dive.

UNITED KINGDOM: Shops that have great wedding invitation options are GF Smith, The Paperbox and Papermill Direct. GF Smith offers a fantastic glossary of terms for paper nerds who want to know more!