When it comes to wedding invitations, paper is never just paper. Paper is the foundation of your entire stationery suite. The way it feels in your guests’ hands, how it photographs, and how it sets expectations for the celebration to come. For couples planning elevated weddings in Tampa, South Tampa, Orlando, and throughout Florida, paper choice plays a powerful role in both style and budget.

As a custom letterpress wedding invitation studio in South Tampa, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“What paper should we choose and how does it affect the cost?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each paper option elevates a suite in a different way and impacts pricing differently. My role is to guide couples through these choices thoughtfully—helping them invest in the details that matter most to their wedding.

Below, I’m breaking down four popular paper types I work with regularly:

Cotton Paper
Handmade Cotton Paper
Colored Paper
Die Cut Paper

For each, I’ll explain how it affects the look and feel of a suite and how it influences overall investment, whether you’re choosing letterpress printing, digital printing, or a hybrid approach.

White—on—White Letterpress Wedding Invitation with white florals and wax seal

1. Cotton Paper: The Timeless Standard for Luxury Invitations

Cotton paper is the gold standard for luxury wedding invitations, especially for couples drawn to classic, black-tie, or refined celebrations.

How Cotton Paper Elevates a Suite

Cotton paper is soft, substantial, and naturally elegant. Because it’s made from cotton fibers rather than wood pulp, it has a luxurious weight and accepts ink beautifully (especially for letterpress wedding invitations). When pressed, the ink creates a deep, tactile impression that guests can see and feel.

Cotton paper is ideal for:

Black-tie or formal weddings
Timeless, classic typography
Minimal or editorial design styles
Couples who want invitations that feel heirloom-worthy

This paper photographs beautifully and immediately communicates quality, making it a favorite among South Tampa and Orlando brides planning elevated celebrations.

How Cotton Paper Affects Cost

Cotton paper is more expensive than standard cardstock, but it offers excellent value for couples prioritizing print quality. It’s compatible with both letterpress and digital printing, making it a flexible option.

For many couples, cotton paper is the smartest place to invest, it elevates the entire suite without requiring additional embellishments.

2. Handmade Cotton Paper: Organic, Textural, and One-of-a-Kind

Handmade cotton paper offers a completely different aesthetic: organic, romantic, and beautifully imperfect.

How Handmade Cotton Paper Elevates a Suite

Each sheet of handmade paper is formed individually, resulting in natural deckled edges, subtle texture, and variation from piece to piece. No two invitations are exactly alike, which makes this paper especially appealing for:

Garden weddings
European-inspired celebrations
Romantic, editorial styles
Couples seeking a bespoke, artisan feel

When paired with letterpress printing, handmade cotton paper creates an understated, artful look. With digital printing, it offers a softer, more organic finish.

How Handmade Cotton Paper Affects Cost

Because it’s produced by hand, this paper is more labor-intensive and typically more costly than machine-made cotton paper. The natural variation also requires careful handling during printing and assembly.

For couples working within a specific budget, I often recommend using handmade paper strategically—perhaps for the main invitation while keeping inserts on a simpler stock. This approach preserves the luxury feel while managing overall investment.

Sage Green Paper with Digital Printing. Tied off with a and custom die cut letterpress monogram.

3. Colored Paper: Intentional Tone and Modern Elegance

Colored paper has become increasingly popular for couples looking to add depth and personality without overwhelming the design.

How Colored Paper Elevates a Suite

Soft neutrals, muted pastels, and rich, moody tones can dramatically influence the mood of your invitation suite. Colored paper allows couples to:

Reinforce their wedding color palette
Create contrast with ink and typography
Add visual interest without extra embellishments

For brides planning modern or elevated weddings, colored paper often becomes a defining design element, especially when paired with blind letterpress, tonal ink, or minimal layouts. I love to play with paper color and have loads of samples in house to share and geek out over with you.

How Colored Paper Affects Cost

The cost impact depends on the paper type and color. Some shades are readily available, while others may be specialty-dyed or limited in supply.

Colored paper can sometimes reduce the need for additional details like foil, ribbon, or liners—making it a smart choice for couples who want impact without layering multiple upgrades.

Die cut custom shapes with a two-color letterpress print on the Weekend details insert.

4. Die Cut Paper: Architectural and Statement-Making

Die cut invitations are for couples who want their stationery to make an immediate impression.

How Die Cut Paper Elevates a Suite

Die cutting allows paper to be cut into custom shapes, like arches, ovals, scallops, or entirely bespoke silhouettes. This approach adds:

Architectural interest
A couture, editorial feel
A strong sense of intentional design

Die cut invitations pair beautifully with both letterpress and digital printing, depending on the complexity of the shape and design.

How Die Cut Paper Affects Cost

Because die cutting requires custom tooling and additional production steps, it does increase cost. However, it can often replace other embellishments, serving as the primary design feature of the suite.

For some couples, investing in a die cut main invitation while keeping the rest of the suite simple is the perfect balance of statement and restraint.

Owner and Master Printer at Mon Petit Paper Co.

How I Help Brides Navigate Paper, Print, and Budget

One of the most important parts of my work is helping couples understand where their investment will have the most impact. For some, that means prioritizing letterpress printing. For others, it’s selecting a paper that carries the design on its own. And for many, it’s choosing a few meaningful embellishments—such as ribbon, wax seals, or vintage postage—rather than upgrading every element.

There is no “right” way to design a suite—only what best supports your vision, priorities, and budget.

As a master printer and custom wedding stationer in South Tampa, I guide my clients through these decisions with clarity and care, ensuring every choice feels intentional and aligned.

Final Thoughts: Investing in the Details That Matter Most

Your wedding invitations are more than an announcement—they’re an experience. The right paper, paired with the right print technique, can elevate your stationery in a way that feels effortless, meaningful, and unmistakably you.

Whether you’re planning a black-tie wedding in South Tampa, a garden celebration in Orlando, or an elevated destination wedding, thoughtful paper selection ensures your invitations set the tone beautifully—without unnecessary overwhelm.

Ready to Begin Your Stationery Experience?

If you’re planning an elevated wedding and want guidance on paper, print technique, and thoughtful details, I invite you to schedule a complimentary 30-minute design consultation.

Together, we’ll explore custom paper options, letterpress and digital printing, and the design details that matter most, so your wedding invitations feel refined, intentional, perfectly aligned with your vision, and your budget.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation Today

Choosing the Right Paper for Your Wedding Invitations: Style, Cost, and What Truly Matters