Paper 101

Online orders are charged in full at the time of sale. But for your convenience you may make a 50% deposit for your order by entering "deposit" as the promo code at check out. We will bill you for the remaining balance plus shipping once your order is ready to ship.

A proof for each printed piece ordered will be emailed to you within 3 business days. Please note that the color on your monitor may vary from the color of the final product.

Other PMS colors available upon request.

The Perfect Paper (link to paper page)

Which Paper Is Right For Me?

No matter what project you may be working on, we have the perfect paper. Here are some common uses for some of our sheets. No doubt you’ll find many more!

Vellum Paper

No longer limited to wedding overlays, the unlimited colors and weights of this transparent sheet have made it extremely versatile. Add elegance to an invitation, or a contemporary flair to cards and scrapbooks. The possibilities are endless.

Writing Weight Paper

This sheet is slightly lighter than text weight paper and is most commonly used for letterhead, resumes, business forms and personal stationary. But don’t let that limit you. With numerous colors and textures in our line, writing weights are perfect for any project where you plan to only print on one side of the sheet.

Text Weight Paper

Slightly heavier than writing weights, text weight papers come in so many textures and colors, it’s hard to keep up. Whether it be a parchment pattern or a metallic sheet, text weights are great for brochures, flyers, letterhead, book pages or invitation inserts.

Cover Weight Paper (Cardstock)

Almost every text weight paper has a matching cardstock. It’s heavy weight makes it perfect for brochure covers, direct mail pieces, postcards, invitations, announcements, cards, folders, boxes, tags and more.

Duplex Paper

Heavier in weight, duplex paper has all the benefits of cardstock, but with the added bonus of having a
different color on each side of the sheet.

Understanding Paper Weights

The American measures of paper weights are nothing if not confusing. A papers’ weight, for example 80# (80 pound) refers to the weight of 500 sheets (or one ream) of paper in its basis size. Each grade of paper has its own basis size, or standard sheet size. For instance, the weight and grade of paper you probably use in your copier at home is 20# bond. Bond paper comes in a basis size of 17" x 22" (although you buy it already trimmed to 8.5 x 11, or other common size). But 500 sheets of 17 x 22 copier paper would weigh 20 pounds--hence 20# bond.
Here’s where things get tricky. Because different paper grades, ie. text and cover, come in different basis sizes, it’s possible for them to have the same basis weights, even though the weight of each individual sheet is quite different. So, despite the fact that an 80# text sheet is quite thinner than an 80# cover, they have the same "technical" weight.

Paper weights are also indicated in grams, via the metric system, which is a bit easier to understand. Following the metric system, an 80# text sheet would weigh 119 g/m2, and an 80# cover sheet would weigh 216 g/m2. Here the difference is visible, with the cover weight being significantly heavier than the text weight.

The chart below should make things easier to understand:

Postage Particulars

(link words "Square envelopes" to square envelopes)
Square envelopes always require extra postage! Visit your local post office for exact postage requirements.

Take a sample! (link to Joi Square)
Take a sample to your innovative invitation to your local post office to check postage cost.
Postcards are a fun and cost-effective way to send invitations or receive RSVPs. Rates for postcards are about 10 cents cheaper than standard mail! For postcard rate possibilities your card can be no larger than 6" x 4.25" and no smaller than 5" x 3.5". Be sure to use at least an 80# cardstock to be sure your postcard doesn’t get beaten up in the mail.

Your local post office, or usps.com can provide you with additional information and postal rate updates.

Design Dictionary

Announcement
This card announces the marriage to those not invited to attend the ceremony. It is usually printed using the same design, color and lettering you select for your invitations. Announcements are normally mailed immediately after the wedding, or upon the couple's return from the honeymoon.

Bright-White
Bright-White is a crisp, pure white for that pristine, wedding-white look.

Copy
The wording you have chosen for your invitations and enclosure cards.

Corner Copy
Corner copy is a footnote on the lower right or left hand corner of the invitation, where you can put information about the reception, alternate ceremony information, etc.

Ecru
Ecru coordinates with an ivory color scheme.

Emboss or Blind Emboss (link to emboss example)
Embossing is the process of creating a raised, bas relief image on paper, or other substrates. It is accomplished by pressing the paper against a three-dimensional die, creating the raised image. Debossing is a similar process where the image is pressed into the paper as opposed to be raised.

Foil Stamp
"Also known as "stamping" or "hot-stamping", it is the process of fusing foil to the paper. It is accomplished by pressing a thin layer of foil between the paper and a heated die. The image on the die effectively cuts and heats the foil, binding it permanently to the paper."

Front Panel Copy
It is a term we use to indicate that the invitation you have chosen has a place on the front for the bride and groom's names and or a verse.

Informal Note (link to Thank U Kits)
An informal note has the bride’s name, the bride's monogram or the names of the newly married couple. It is blank inside for your personal handwritten message. It can be used as a thank you or for short correspondence.

Lined Envelope (link to Toni Ector Designs: Unique Affair or Lovely Lines or Joi)
A colored lining on the invitation inner envelope.

Middle Panel Copy
It is a term we use to indicate that the invitation you have chosen has a place on the middle panel for the bride and groom's names and or a verse.

Paragraph Form
Paragraph form is an invitation wording style with indented paragraphs and even margins. It is not typically used on invitations with a border.

Proof
A proof is a sample of what your print order will look like, before it is printed. It allows you to "proofread" the printer's work before it goes to press. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by providing a "hard-copy." The need for hard-copy proofs has been eliminated with our online proofing system, which allows you to see what your personalized product will look like before it is printed.

Reception Card
Enclosed with the invitation, it notifies guests of the time and place of your reception.
Respond Card (link to RSVP Kits)
The respond card is filled out by the guest and returned so that you will have an accurate count of how many will be attending the ceremony and reception.

Respond Envelope Copy
Respond envelope copy is the name and address you want printed on your respond envelopes.

Return Address on Back Flap of Envelope
You can have your return address printed on the back flap of the outer invitation envelope.

Save the Date Card (link to Toni Ector Designs: Unique Affair or Lovely Lines or Joi)
The save the date card is sent out before the invitations to your guests to let them know of the upcoming event, especially if it is close to a holiday.

Soft White
Soft white is a rich, creamy vanilla-colored paper that has the look of timeless elegance.

Thank You Card (link to Thank U Kits)
A thank you note is handwritten and should mention the gift that was given. This will let them know your appreciation of their thoughtful gift.

Thermography
The process of creating raised lettering by applying a powder to the freshly laid ink and fusing it to the paper through the application of heat.

Vellum
In early times, before the printing press, vellum was an animal hide used in producing written works, typically calfskin, used in the making of scrolls. It was characterized by its thin, smooth, durable properties. In Roman times, the term referred to the best quality of parchment regardless of the animal from which the hide was obtained. A small amount of true vellum is still made for writing Jewish scrolls of various sizes.

In papermaking, vellum refers to the toothy finish applied to the paper during it's manufacture. This finish provides a texture that is akin to that of traditional animal hide vellum, and assists in ink absorption. A vellum finish is most often applied to high quality, cotton fiber, paper.

Stardream Envelope
A pearlized, shimmery envelope.

Innovating Ideas

Clear Embossing Powder

Sometimes, your creation needs just that extra special something, and here it is. Embossing powders are a beautiful way to add color, dimension and sparkle to anything you make with a stamp. Sprinkle the powder onto the wet ink, then using a heat tool melt the powder and transform normal flat ink into a three dimensional delight. Some powders shine, some powders sparkle, and there is a color for every occasion and mood you can muster. Do something creative every day!

Embossing Powder Heat Tool

Every girl deserves her own heat tool! Perfect for setting embossing powder... it reaches 680°F (360 watts) but doesn't blow too much so the embossing powder stays put. Be very careful and don't use it on your hair

Invitation Etiquette

Wording Basics Etiquette

How do I properly indicate ‘afternoon' and 'evening' on the invitations?

Afternoon begins after twelve o’clock and evening begins at six o’clock.

How should a Thank You note be written?

A thank you note should be handwritten and mention the gift that was given by that person. This will let them know your appreciation of their thoughtful gift.

How should the initials in a monogram appear on the informal notes if I am using them after the wedding?

The bride's first name initial appears on the left, married last name initial in the center and maiden last name initial on the right.

How should the initials in a monogram appear on the informal notes if I am using them before the wedding?

The bride's first name initial appears on the left, last name intial in the center and middle name initial on the right.

My wedding is not being held on the hour, how should I indicate the time?

Traditionally, if your wedding is being held on the half hour, you should use ‘half after’ and not ‘half past’.

Should punctuation be used in the invitation wording?

Punctuation should only be used on abbreviations (such as Mr. or Mrs.), times and date or if you are directly quoting a verse or poem.

Where can I find additional verse and wording options for my invitations and accessory cards?

Our personalization pages include a useful help function where you can obtain many wording samples.

General Etiquette

Do I need to put a stamp on the respond envelope?

Certainly, you should provide the stamp for the convenience of your guests.

Do I need to send Thank You notes for shower and engagement gifts?

If a person gives you a gift for each event, you must still write a thank you note for each gift. Thank you notes for a shower or engagement party should be sent out 2-3 weeks after the event.

How do I indicate time on the reception card?

If the reception is being held following the ceremony, you would simply put: Reception following ceremony. If the reception is being held later, you should indicate the exact time. For example, if the ceremony is at two o'clock and the reception is at four o'clock: Reception at four o'clock in the afternoon

Is it acceptable to put ‘Formal Attire’ or ‘Black Tie’ on the invitations?

It is not appropriate to indicate a dress code on your invitation. If a dress code is required for the reception site, you can put attire instructions on the reception card.

My wedding is being held at someone's home. How do I word my invitation?

If the wedding is being held at someone's home, put 'at the home of' and the person's name. For example: at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Jones

What date should my guests respond by?

You should set your respond date 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding date. If your caterer requires a headcount by a specific date, you should make your respond date a week before their date.

When should I send out my Thank You notes?

Thank you notes should be written and mailed out as soon as the gift is received or within 3 months of the wedding date.

Military Etiquette

How do I list military rank and branch of service on my invitations?

"Names should be preceded by the military rank. Ranks should be spelled out. Place a comma after the name and then spell out the branch of service. If the person is retired from active duty, "(Retired)" should follow the branch of service. For example: Lieutenant Commander John Paul Jones, United States Navy (Retired)."

Invitations: A Way with Words
By Nina Callaway, About.com

Standard Wording:

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anne Catherine
to
Theodore Joseph Johnson
at the Newport Beach Club
Saturday, the Seventeenth of June
Eight o'clock in the evening

Both sets of parents are funding the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
and
Mr. and Mrs. Kwame Johnson
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their children
Anne Catherine and Theodore Joseph
etc.

If Bride’s parents are hosting, but would like to include grooms parents on the invitations

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anne Catherine
to Theodore Joseph Johnson
son of Mr. and Mrs. Kwame Johnson
etc.

When the bride and groom are paying for the wedding themselves, the wording should read:

EITHER

You are cordially invited to celebrate
the wedding of
Anne Catherine Myers
and
Theodore Joseph Johnson
etc.

OR

Together with their parents,
Anne Catherine Myers
and
Theodore Joseph Johnson
request the honor of your presence
etc.

Brides parents are divorced:

EITHER

Issued by the parent who raised her
Ms. Janet Myers
requests the honor of your presence
at the wedding of her daughter
Anne Catherine
etc.

Divorced parents are hosting the wedding together:

Mr. Christopher Myers
and
Ms. Janet Myers request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anne Catherine

Divorced parent and new stepparent are hosting the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Marc Velez
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of Mrs. Velez's daughter
Anne Catherine Myers
etc.

Child of divorced and remarried parents both hosting the wedding:

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
and
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Velez
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Anne Catherine
etc.

OR

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers
and
Mr. and Mrs. Marc Velez
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage of the daughter of Mr. Myers and Mrs. Velez
Anne Catherine
to
etc.