Don't Panic Design

The question I get asked the most is: What paper do you recommend? The short answer is card stock. After that there is really is no wrong answer. But there are few factors to consider: 1. The look you want. 2. How you are printing (the next post will be all about printing methods). 3. How you are going to present your invitations. About Paper • Even if you are printing at home, check with your local printer for paper. They will have single sheets of paper you can see and touch to judge the weight and finish, and they sell it be sheet and the ream, so you can purchase samples and do some test prints.• If you still want to purchase paper on your own, but want a shop to print onto it, consult with the printer first about what sizes they can print onto and other restrictions they may have about what papers they can and cannot use. • Any design in color is going to look great on a smooth, matte, white card stock, especially if there are large areas of color being printed...

My sister is getting married in June, and we  started assembling the invitations last week.  Just before, we went out shopping for paper to use as a backing, she says to me, "Oh my gosh, I don't know what I'm doing.  Why am I doing this?"  I just kept looking at the paper and said, "You have to practice to be good at something.  Everyone is an amateur when planning a wedding, because you only do it once." So, when you decide to DIY your wedding, or any party, (and I applaud you if you do) make a list of what needs to be done, and then decide what you need help with.  When it comes to invitations, the hardest part is the design.  Do your research and find a template you love; if you can't, solicit the help of a designer who can help bring your ideas to life.  If possible, find someone who has experience with print as well as design.  You should be able to have a dialogue about what you want and some back and forth with tweaking details....