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Avoid Flimsy Invitations: What You Need to Know Before Ordering from Online Stores
20lb. envelopes are very thin for your invitation, so thin that the addresses and even the invitation inside can show through the paper, especially during the mailing process.
Paper Weight Matters
Paper weight plays a major role in how professional your invitation looks and feels. It’s often the first sign of quality.
Home printers typically use lightweight paper (around 67–70lb.), as they can’t handle heavier stock. As a result, invitations printed at home will generally be lighter and less sturdy.
Heavy paper (such as one hundred 130lb. or more) is typically used with professional printing presses, which are the only machines capable of handling this type of cardstock. Invitations printed on heavy stock feature crisp, sharp details, and the colors appear exactly as intended, your pink will look pink, not blue. This level of quality clearly indicates the invitation was produced by a professional printer, not at home, where printed text may fade over time.
When you choose heavier, high-quality paper, your invitations won’t just look better, they will feel better in hand and make a lasting impression.
Don’t Overlook the Envelopes – First Impressions Matter
All invitations include envelopes, which is why you receive them at no additional cost. However, do not overlook their importance.
Envelopes are just as essential as the invitation itself, they are the first thing your guests see. You want to be able to print or handwrite addresses that look just as sharp and elegant as the invitation inside.
We recommend choosing envelope weight of at least 80lb. Heavier envelopes (80lb. and above) feel sturdy, refined, and help make a lasting first impression. They also prevent the invitation from showing through the envelope, maintaining a clean and elegant appearance. In contrast, lighter envelopes (such as 20lb.) can feel flimsy and may reduce the overall presentation of your invitation.
Selecting the right envelope helps set the tone for your event from the moment it is received.
You can see that while our printer was able to print successfully, the ink did not absorb properly into the paper, causing smudging.
You can see that while our printer successfully printed without smudging, the heat caused the glue on the envelopes to melt, leaving visible lines and marks on the front.
Choosing the Right Envelopes – What You Need to Know
When selecting envelopes for your invitations, white or ecru (off-white) are always safer and more professional choices compared to colored envelopes. Here’s why:
Avoid Glossy or Shimmery Finishes
Glossy or shimmery envelopes often have a UV coating that makes them look nice but prevents ink from sticking properly. Whether you handwrite or print addresses, the ink can easily smudge or wipe off.
Avoid Dark-Colored Envelopes
Dark-colored envelopes can cause significant issues during mailing. The ink is often difficult for postal workers and machines to read, which can delay or even prevent delivery. In many cases, you may need to use white or metallic ink just to make the address visible.
This is why we recommend sticking to lighter shades like white or ecru. If you want to elevate the look of your envelopes, consider using hand-lined options.
Printing Compatibility
If you plan to print addresses yourself, make sure the envelopes are compatible with an inkjet printer. Inkjet printing works best on uncoated, matte surfaces.
Glossy envelopes can’t be printed on with inkjet or most professional printers.
Laser printers can sometimes print on glossy envelopes, but the heat used in the process can melt the glue on the envelope flap. This can cause marks to show through the front of the envelope and may even ruin the envelope entirely.
Envelope Weight
Stick with at least 80lb. envelopes. They not only look more elegant but also hold up better during mailing and handling. Lightweight envelopes (like 20lb) feel flimsy and can detract from the quality of your invitation.
In this image, you can see the marks left by the UV varnish coating on the envelope. While silver may look nice, the glossy shimmer can cause issues. Choosing a matte grey instead will not only look more elegant but also make the text clearer and easier to read for the mail carrier.
In the image, you’ll notice that the envelope liners only extend about half an inch from the top. Even if you invest in lined envelopes, this style can still appear flimsy, as the liner does not reach all the way to the bottom of the envelope.
Difference Between Hand-Lined and Unfinished Lined Envelopes
Hand-lined envelopes are carefully assembled with liners that are fully inserted and glued all the way to the bottom of the envelope. This gives the envelope a luxurious, polished, and heavier feel, enhancing the overall presentation of your invitation.
Unfinished lined envelopes, on the other hand, typically have liners that extend only about half an inch from the top. The liner is not fully attached, and it doesn’t reach the bottom of the envelope. This can make the envelope look flimsy or incomplete, and the invitation may still show through.