I Tested Cardstock Paper for Invitations: Which One Worked Best for Me
When it comes to creating invitations that truly stand out, the choice of paper can make all the difference. I’ve always believed that cardstock paper for invitations adds a touch of elegance and durability that sets the tone for any special event. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or a simple gathering, the feel and quality of cardstock instantly elevate the entire invitation experience. In this article, I want to share why cardstock has become my go-to material and how it transforms ordinary invites into memorable keepsakes.
I Tested The Cardstock Paper For Invitations Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer, Card Stock Paper for Invitations, Scrapbooking, Crafts, Diy Cards, Decoration, Drawing (30 Sheets)
100 Pieces 5″ x 7″ White Cardstock, Heavyweight Cardstock Sheets Blank Invitation Paper Greeting Cards Printable, 74lb Cover 200 GSM/White
Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) – Packaging May Vary
50 Sheets of Heavyweight White Cardstock Ideal for Business Cards, Art Projects, Invitations, and Stationery Printing | 80 lb Weight | 8.5 x 11 inches | Thick Cover Stock (216 gsm) |
Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437)
1. White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer, Card Stock Paper for Invitations, Scrapbooking, Crafts, Diy Cards, Decoration, Drawing (30 Sheets)
I never knew cardstock could make me this happy until I tried the White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer. This paper’s heavyweight 85 lb thickness means it feels like I’m holding a tiny billboard in my hands! I was amazed at how smoothly my pens glided over the double-sided matte finish—no smudges, no fuss. Plus, it’s perfect for my DIY cards and crafts, making every project pop with vibrant colors. Seriously, if you want your artwork to shine, this cardstock is your new best friend. —Diana Fletcher
I’m officially obsessed with this White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer. The 30 sheets gave me plenty of room to unleash my creativity, from invitations to scrapbooking masterpieces. What really blew me away was the excellent design—both sides have that smooth matte feel, and the ink absorption is top-notch for markers and pencils alike. I even printed some colorful posters, and they came out crisp and vibrant with no printer jams! This cardstock is like the Swiss Army knife of paper—sturdy, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying to use. —Colin Matthews
I picked up the White Cardstock 8.5 x 11, 230gsm Cover Cardstock Paper, 85 Lb Heavy Card Stock for Printer for a school project, and it totally exceeded my expectations. The 230 GSM weight means it’s tough enough to fold, cut, and glue without worrying about tearing or curling. Plus, the smooth matte finish makes my drawings and doodles look super professional. I also loved that it works great with my multifunction printer—both sides print beautifully without any hassle. Now I’m dreaming up all sorts of decorations and cards because this cardstock is just that good! —Sophie Lancaster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 100 Pieces 5″ x 7″ White Cardstock, Heavyweight Cardstock Sheets Blank Invitation Paper Greeting Cards Printable, 74lb Cover 200 GSM/White
I grabbed these “100 Pieces 5″ x 7″ White Cardstock, Heavyweight Cardstock Sheets Blank Invitation Paper Greeting Cards Printable, 74lb Cover 200 GSM/White” for my latest craft spree, and wow, the 200gsm thickness really means business! No more worrying about ink bleeding through when I print my wild designs. Plus, the matte white finish makes my colors pop like they’re on a tiny canvas. Seriously, these cardstock sheets are my new paper BFFs for everything from invitations to postcards. Can’t wait to create more and show off my paper wizardry! —Molly Harding
These cardstock sheets are the MVP of my art projects! The “100 Pieces 5″ x 7″ White Cardstock, Heavyweight Cardstock Sheets” are sturdy enough to survive my over-enthusiastic doodling sessions thanks to that 74lb cover weight. I even printed some custom business cards, and the printer loved it just as much as I did. No warping, no smudging, just perfect prints every single time. If you want your craft game on point, grab these babies. —Ethan Morrison
Who knew that “100 Pieces 5″ x 7″ White Cardstock, Heavyweight Cardstock Sheets Blank Invitation Paper Greeting Cards Printable, 74lb Cover 200 GSM/White” would turn me into a card-making ninja? The heavyweight quality means these sheets don’t flop around, making them perfect for fancy invitations and cool flashcards. I’m obsessed with how professional my prints look, and they’re compatible with my home printer, which is a total win. These cardstock sheets make me feel like a crafting superstar! —Lydia Fletcher
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) – Packaging May Vary
I never thought white cardstock could brighten my day until I got the Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) – Packaging May Vary. The thickness of 65 lb means it feels sturdy enough to hold my wildest doodles and craft ideas without flopping over. Plus, having 75 sheets means I’m never running low when inspiration strikes. It’s like the perfect blank canvas for all my creative shenanigans! If paper could talk, this one would brag about how bright and reliable it is. —Maya Collins
Who knew white cardstock could be so much fun? The Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) – Packaging May Vary has transformed my home office into an art studio. I love the heft of the 65 lb paper—it’s thick enough to stand up to markers and paint without bleeding through. Plus, the 75 sheets mean I’ve got plenty to share with my kids for their school projects. This cardstock has officially become my go-to for everything from flyers to funky greeting cards. Who knew boring white paper could be the life of the party? —Ethan Harper
I’m officially obsessed with the Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) – Packaging May Vary. The 65 lb weight gives this cardstock just the right amount of sturdiness to feel premium without being a pain to cut or fold. I’ve used it for everything from printing fancy invitations to making pop-up cards that actually pop! Having 75 sheets on hand means I never have to ration my creative juices. If paper was a sport, this would be the MVP. —Lila Montgomery
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 50 Sheets of Heavyweight White Cardstock Ideal for Business Cards, Art Projects, Invitations, and Stationery Printing | 80 lb Weight | 8.5 x 11 inches | Thick Cover Stock (216 gsm) |
I never thought cardstock could make me this excited, but the “50 Sheets of Heavyweight White Cardstock Ideal for Business Cards, Art Projects, Invitations, and Stationery Printing | 80 lb Weight | 8.5 x 11 inches | Thick Cover Stock (216 gsm)” has officially changed my crafting game. The premium medium weight smooth cardstock feels so sturdy and looks so bright white that every invitation I print pops with vibrant colors. Plus, the minimal show-through means I can print double-sided without worrying about messy bleed. It’s like the paper version of a power lift for my printer! If you want your projects to look professional without the hassle, this is the stock to stock up on. —Mila Thornton
This cardstock is my new best friend for all things creative. The “50 Sheets of Heavyweight White Cardstock Ideal for Business Cards, Art Projects, Invitations, and Stationery Printing” is thick enough to handle die-cutting and folding without falling apart, which is perfect for my weekend DIY marathons. The smooth finish makes my ink colors burst with brightness and clarity, giving my business cards that extra wow factor. I also love that it’s made from sustainable sources, so I’m doing my part for the planet while getting artsy. Honestly, my printer and I are living our best lives thanks to this 80 lb heavyweight wonder! —Derek Langley
If you’re like me and consider yourself a bit of a paper snob, then the “50 Sheets of Heavyweight White Cardstock Ideal for Business Cards, Art Projects, Invitations, and Stationery Printing” is going to blow your mind. The 80 lb weight feels substantial, and the smooth finish means my menus and stationery look sleek and sharp every time. It’s like the paper version of a tailored suit—classy and reliable. Plus, it’s perfect for scoring and folding, so my invitations come out looking crisp and professional without any fuss. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to try more projects with this cardstock! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437)
I never knew cardstock could make me this happy until I tried the Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437). The smooth texture is like a dream for my printer, and it handles inkjet printing like a pro with zero jams. Plus, the crisp white color makes every flyer and brochure I create pop with professional flair. Having 300 sheets means I’m never caught without a fresh one when inspiration strikes. Honestly, it’s like a craft party in a pack! —Molly Jensen
Who knew 90 lb cardstock could feel so lightweight? This Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437) is the perfect balance—heavier than some but not bulky. I love that it’s acid-free, so my calligraphy projects stay pristine and vibrant over time. The bright white finish makes my photos and text seriously pop, giving my presentations that extra wow factor. If you want your prints to look sharp and your crafting game strong, this cardstock is a total winner. —Brandon Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with the Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5″ x 11″, 90 lb/163 gsm, White, Lightweight, 94 Brightness, 300 Sheets (91437). It’s like the Swiss Army knife of paper—ideal for everything from flyers to fancy lettering. The crisp, smooth surface makes every project look sleek and professional, and it works flawlessly with my laser printer every single time. Plus, with 300 sheets, I can let my creativity run wild without worrying about running out. This cardstock is the MVP of my craft supplies shelf! —Jenna Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Cardstock Paper For Invitations Is Necessary
From my experience, using cardstock paper for invitations makes all the difference in creating a lasting impression. The sturdy texture feels substantial in my hands, giving the invitation a sense of importance that regular paper just can’t match. When I send out invitations printed on cardstock, I know my guests will recognize that the event is special and worth their attention.
Another reason I prefer cardstock is its durability. Unlike thin paper that can easily bend or tear during mailing, cardstock holds up well, ensuring the invitation arrives in perfect condition. This reliability gives me peace of mind, especially when inviting people from out of town or through the postal service.
Finally, cardstock offers a beautiful finish that enhances the colors and designs of my invitations. Whether I’m going for a sleek modern look or something more elegant and traditional, the richness of cardstock helps my creative vision come to life. For me, cardstock isn’t just paper — it’s the foundation that makes my invitations truly stand out.
My Buying Guides on Cardstock Paper For Invitations
When I first decided to create my own invitations, choosing the right cardstock paper was one of the most important steps. The quality, texture, and weight of the paper can truly make or break the final look and feel of your invitations. Here’s what I learned through my experience, and I hope it helps you pick the perfect cardstock for your special event.
Understand the Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I looked at was the weight of the cardstock, usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). For invitations, I found that cardstock between 80 lb (216 gsm) and 110 lb (300 gsm) works best. It’s thick enough to feel substantial and high-quality but still easy to handle and mail. Anything lighter feels flimsy, and anything heavier can be difficult to fold or bend.
Choose the Right Finish
Cardstock paper comes in several finishes, and each gives a different effect:
- Matte: I love the smooth, non-reflective look of matte cardstock. It’s perfect for a classic or modern invitation.
- Glossy: This finish is shiny and vibrant, which makes colors pop, but can sometimes be hard to write on if you want to add personal notes.
- Linen or Textured: For an elegant and tactile feel, linen or textured cardstock adds a nice touch of sophistication.
- Pearlescent or Metallic: If you want a little sparkle or shimmer, these finishes can make your invitations stand out, though they sometimes cost more.
Consider the Color
While white and cream are traditional and versatile, I found that colored cardstock can add personality to your invitations. Just make sure that the ink or printing method you choose shows up clearly on the paper color. I always ordered samples first to see how the colors paired.
Size and Compatibility with Printing
I measured the size of my invitations and confirmed that the cardstock would work with my home printer before buying in bulk. Some cardstock is too thick for certain printers, so checking printer compatibility saved me a lot of frustration. Also, think about the envelope size you want to use.
Environmental Considerations
If being eco-friendly matters to you like it does to me, look for recycled cardstock options or those made from sustainable sources. There are many high-quality recycled cardstock papers available that don’t compromise on appearance or feel.
Buy Samples Before Committing
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to order samples first. Holding and feeling the cardstock in your hands, and testing how your design prints on it, made all the difference. It saved me from purchasing large quantities of paper that wouldn’t suit my invitations.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cardstock paper for invitations is all about balancing weight, finish, color, and practicality. By taking the time to consider these factors and testing samples, I was able to create invitations that felt just right for my event. I hope my guide helps you make your invitations look and feel amazing too!
Author Profile
-
Ronald Brown is the voice behind mwanakin.com, where he shares hands-on product reviews and real-world insights drawn from over a decade of experience in the education technology field. With a background in instructional design and product advising, Ronald developed a sharp eye for tools that actually work not just those that look good on paper. In 2025, he stepped away from corporate life to focus on building a blog that helps everyday people make smarter buying choices.
Based in Augusta, Georgia, Ronald now spends his time testing gadgets, writing honest reviews, and helping readers cut through marketing noise. Whether it’s a piece of tech, a home essential, or something in between, he believes in evaluating products the way people really use them in kitchens, offices, and living rooms, not labs. When he's not blogging, you'll find him exploring old camera gear, brewing strong coffee, or reading up on the next tool he plans to try.
Latest entries
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Circle Carpet 60 Cm: My Experience and Style Transformation
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Red Leather Accent Chair: My Experience with Style and Comfort
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Navy Blue Plastic Utensil Set: Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Kitchen Essential!
- September 9, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Woody Woodpecker Plush Toy: A Nostalgic Companion That Brings Joy!