Greeting cards are a timeless classic. In a digital world where the meaning and thoughtfulness embodied by greeting cards has been all but lost, cards offer a tried-and-true way to connect with others and mark special occasions.
Announcements, events, birthdays, anniversaries, ‘thank yous’ and more are when greeting cards shine the brightest.
Be it for promotional purposes, client retention efforts, or a simple ‘thank you’, Greeting Cards are as versatile as they are memorable and impactful.
However, many customers struggle with choosing the right paper weight for their greeting cards, confused about what the numbers mean, and which might be best suited for their particular use case.
In this guide, we explore the meaning of paperweight, and offer insightful advice on which is the best for your needs.
What is Greeting Card Paper Weight?
Paper weight, in simple terms, is the basic way to understand a paper’s feel and suitability for a project. You can use paper weight as a proxy for sturdiness, thickness, and weight. As a rule, the higher the number, the thicker and sturdier the card.
Choosing the Right Paper Weight is Important
The paper weight of a card can impact several key aspects of the final product. You want to pick a paper that conveys quality and is sturdy enough to be folded, unfolded, and handled by the recipient. Papers that are too thin are usually not opaque enough for card use. You might be able to see the outside image or artwork when reading the message inside the card. Pick a heavy enough paper so the opacity is as high as possible.
Greeting Card Paper Weight
Tips for Choosing the Right Paperweight for Your Greeting Cards
- Want the ability to write on the card? Matte or dull surface papers work best.
- Want your card to have a soft or interesting look and feel? Consider a textured surface paper such as linen or 100% cotton stock.
Paperweight Recommendations for Your Greeting Cards:
There are several ways to measure paper weight. As we said above, you can usually use weight as a proxy for how thick and sturdy a paper will be.
Below are paper weight ranges we recommend for business card printing:
Bond Weight Cover Weight GSM Weight
47lb. - 96lb. 65lb. – 130lb. 180gsm – 330gsm
For more information, check out this paper weight guide.
Final Thoughts on Greeting Card Paper Weight
Who doesn’t like a greeting card? In the digital era, greeting cards stand out as a more personalized token of gratitude or to mark special occasions or events. Used for a broad variety of purposes, the greeting cards can make a great, long-lasting impression.
By choosing the right paper weight, you can make sure that your cards stand out for all the right reasons. If you have questions about what paper weight is best for your next print, let us know how we can help.
Last updated: May 27, 2022
