Save the Date Paper Types: Cardstock & Magnets

The paper you choose is part of what brings your save the date design to life. From the weight of the cardstock to the finish on the surface, these details shape how your card looks and feels when it arrives in your guests’ hands. Shutterfly offers several save the date paper types, including smooth matte cardstock, subtle shimmer, and extra-thick options, so you can choose the one that feels right for your design and celebration.

And if you’re considering something beyond paper, many save the date designs are also available as magnets. Below, we’ll break down the different cardstock choices, what sets each one apart, and what to know about choosing a save the date magnet instead.

Standard Smooth Cardstock

Standard Smooth Cardstock is Shutterfly’s most budget-friendly paper option. At 110 lb. and 14 pt., it has a smooth matte finish for a classic paper feel and is available with square and round trim options.

Key features:

110 lb., 14 pt.
Smooth matte finish
Shutterfly’s most budget-friendly cardstock
Square and round trim options
Available with tri-fold, gatefold, and large format cards

Standard Smooth is a practical choice when you want to keep the paper simple or when your favorite save the date comes in a tri-fold, gatefold, or large format.

Signature Smooth Cardstock

Signature Smooth Cardstock is Shutterfly’s most popular cardstock option. At 140 lb. and 17.5 pt., it’s thicker than Standard Smooth while keeping the same smooth matte finish.

Key features:

140 lb., 17.5 pt.
Smooth matte finish
Shutterfly’s most popular cardstock
Square, round, bracket, scallop, and ticket trims
Supports foil stamping and glitter accents

If you like a classic matte look but want your save the date to feel a little heavier in hand, Signature Smooth gives you that added weight.

100% Recycled Cardstock

Shutterfly’s 100% Recycled Cardstock is made from 100% post-consumer waste and has a smooth, bright finish. At 127 lb. and 17.5 pt., it’s the same thickness as Signature Smooth, with a slightly lighter paper weight.

Key features:

127 lb., 17.5 pt.
Made from 100% post-consumer waste
Smooth finish
Square and round trim options

Recycled Cardstock gives you a way to make the paper itself a more thoughtful choice, especially if using recycled materials is something you value for your wedding.

Pearl Shimmer Cardstock

Pearl Shimmer Cardstock stands apart from the smooth matte options with a subtle shimmer and semi-shine finish. At 110 lb. and 14.3 pt., it’s similar in weight and thickness to Standard Smooth but gives the surface of your save the date a different finish.

Key features:

110 lb., 14.3 pt.
Shimmer, semi-shine finish
Square, round, bracket, scallop, and ticket trims
Supports foil stamping

Pearl Shimmer works especially well when you want a little shine built into the paper itself rather than added as a separate design detail.

Luxe Double-Thick Cardstock

Luxe Double-Thick is Shutterfly’s thickest cardstock option. At 280 lb. and 35 pt., it’s twice as thick as Signature Smooth and 100% Recycled Cardstock, with a smooth matte finish and square trim.

Key features:

280 lb., 35 pt.
Shutterfly’s thickest cardstock
Smooth matte finish
Square trim
Supports foil stamping

Luxe Double-Thick makes the most sense when you want the weight of the paper to be noticeable as soon as guests pick up your save the date.

Save the Date Magnets: An Alternative to Cardstock

Save the date magnets put your wedding date somewhere guests can keep it in view as the big day gets closer. Select save the date designs can be made with a magnetic back instead of cardstock, so your favorite photo and wedding details can become a keepsake for the fridge or another magnetic surface.

You don’t need to start your search over, either. If the save the date design you love is available as a magnet, you can simply choose the magnetic option instead of paper.

Cardstock vs. Magnet Save the Dates

Cardstock and magnets give you two different ways to share the date with the people you love.

Choose cardstock if you want a traditional paper save the date, with options for different weights and finishes to make it feel just right. From smooth matte cardstock to subtle shimmer and extra-thick paper, there are plenty of ways to make the design your own.

Choose a magnet if you want your save the date to double as a keepsake guests can put right on the fridge. It’s an easy way to keep your photo and wedding date in view as everyone counts down to the celebration.

Whichever you choose, start with a design you love and pick the option that feels most like you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Save the Date Paper

What type of paper is best for save the dates?

The best paper is the one that gives your save the dates the look and feel you want. Smooth matte cardstock offers a more classic finish, Pearl Shimmer adds a subtle shine, and Luxe Double-Thick gives you a noticeably thicker card. If using recycled materials matters to you, 100% Recycled Cardstock gives you another option to consider.

Should save the dates be matte or shiny?

They can be either. A matte finish keeps the paper smooth and simple, while a shimmer finish adds a soft shine that catches the light. Shutterfly offers both, so you can choose the finish that works best with your save the date design.

Can save the dates be magnets?

Yes. Many Shutterfly save the date designs can be made with a magnetic back instead of cardstock. Your guests can put them on the fridge or another magnetic surface and keep your wedding date in view as the celebration gets closer.

Are save the date magnets better than cards?

One isn’t better than the other. Cardstock lets you choose the paper weight and finish you prefer, while a magnet gives guests an easy way to keep your save the date on display. If you already have a design you love, check whether it’s available in both formats and choose the one that feels right for you.

Make Your Save the Dates Feel Like You

Your save the date may be one of the first wedding details your guests get to experience, so even a small choice like paper or format can help make it feel more personal. Go classic with smooth cardstock, add a little light with Pearl Shimmer, choose a substantial Luxe Double-Thick card, or turn a favorite design into a magnet guests can keep on display. The right choice is simply the one that suits your design and the way you want to share your date.

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