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How to Choose the Right Paper for Your Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the design and colors aren’t the only things that create a memorable impression—your choice of paper type and color plays a huge role, too. At Banter & Charm, I believe that every detail, down to the paper, should reflect the style and quality of your celebration. From crisp, bright whites to soft, luxurious textures, the paper you choose can elevate your invitation suite and make it feel truly special.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the options available at Banter & Charm, including the signature whites, on-trend shades, and unique paper options. Here’s why choosing the right paper and color is so important, and how you can use these details to bring your wedding vision to life.

Nothing compares to holding the paper in your own hands, though! Make sure to order an invitation sample pack to see them yourself!

choosing the right paper for your wedding invitations

The texture and color of your paper play a big role in the final look and feel of your invitations. Each of our print methods pairs beautifully with specific papers, allowing you to highlight your design’s details and bring out its best features.

The Power of the Perfect White

Paper is available in a myriad of colors, but for most invitation orders you’ll be looking for something in the “white” family – it’s classic, elegant, and versatile. But not all whites are created equal! That’s why I offer two distinct white options for letterpress and foil stamping and two more for flat printing, allowing you to select a shade and texture that perfectly suits your style.

Fluorescent White Cotton: This is a crisp, brilliant white,- if you’re looking for a true “white” this is a fantastic choice.

Pearl White Cotton: This is a softer, natural hue with warm undertones. This subtle warmth keeps the white from looking too stark.

 Both of these white papers are made from 100% cotton and are manufactured especially for letterpress and foil stamping.

cotton paper’s soft texture and thick weight provide the perfect base for letterpress and foil stamping. The paper absorbs the impression from letterpress and foil stamp, creating a beautiful, deep texture that you can feel.

letterpress vs flat print paper options

 

For flat printing, I offer two nearly identical shades of white. These eggshell finish cardstocks are formulated for digital presses, making sure the colors are vibrant and the details are crisp. Bright White corresponds with the Fluorescent White, and Soft White corresponds with Pearl white.

Choosing more colorful options

In addition to the signature white papers, choose a colored paper from any of the envelope swatches shown on Banter & Charm’s color guide. Letterpress and Foil Stamp are available on all the colored paper stocks- just keep in mind you won’t get that deep pillowy impression in these papers since they have a smooth finish.

Flat printing is also available! If you choose a dark color, like Navy or Pine, white ink flat printing is a great choice.

 

 

Weight and Thickness

One of the most befuddling paper terms is the “weight” of the paper. This number (usually expressed in pounds – 110#, 118#, etc) refers to the weight of a stack of 500 pieces of that paper. So the higher the number, the heavier the paper.

The standard weight for my house papers are 110# (letterpress or foil) and 120# (flat print)- shown on the left in the photo below. But if you’re looking for something heavier, I offer a “Double-Thick” or “2-ply” version of all papers – they’re as thick as two pieces of the standard weight. All colors stocks are also available in double thick weights.

double thick paper

Specialty Papers

Paper can have a variety of finishes, but the main options are glossy (like a shiny photo print), metallic or shimmer (will have a subtle shimmer to them), or matte (no shine). For the most part, the papers I print on have a matte finish. But if you’re looking for something shiny, I also offer a gold or silver foil. They can’t be printed on, but they make a lovely envelope liner or belly band.

gold foil envelope liner

Lastly, we have semi-translucent vellum. It doesn’t really have a color, it’s more of a frosted “clear” look. It’s available plain or printed, and since it’s not completely opaque a bit of the design below will show through.

printed vellum folder with wax seal

 

The paper and color you choose for your wedding invitations might seem like small details, but they make a world of difference in creating an invitation suite that feels luxurious, personal, and reflective of your style.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s work together to choose a paper and color that make your invitations as special as the day they represent. Order a sample pack to see some of this pretty paper in person, then get in touch to start designing your dream stationery suite!

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For pricing and availability, schedule a free consultation.

Let’s transform your wedding invitation vision into a tangible, beautiful reality.

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See some of this pretty paper in person with a sample pack.