Using Stamps For Wedding Invitations: Is One Enough?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. While it may seem straightforward, there are a few things to consider when it comes to postage. The weight, size, and thickness of the invitation will determine the cost of postage. Most wedding invitations are 5 x 7 to avoid additional costs, as larger sizes or non-standard shapes can result in higher postage fees. Square envelopes, for example, will cost around $0.20 extra per invitation. The thickness of the envelope is also important, as anything over 1/4 thick may require additional postage. It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed and measured to determine the exact postage required. The type of stamps used is also a consideration, with vintage or custom stamps being more expensive and harder to find. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the invitations reach their destination without issues, so taking the time to understand the postage requirements is crucial.

Weight, size, and thickness all affect postage costs

When it comes to wedding invitations, weight, size, and thickness all play a role in determining the postage costs. These factors can significantly impact the overall cost of sending out your invitations, so it's important to consider them carefully.

Firstly, let's talk about weight. The weight of your wedding invitation will depend on the type of paper you choose, the number of inserts, and any additional embellishments. Most standard wedding invitations weigh less than an ounce or between one and two ounces. However, if you opt for heavier cardstock, multiple inserts, or add-ons like ribbons or wax seals, the weight can increase significantly. The heavier your mailpiece, the more it costs to mail.

Size is another important consideration. Standard wedding invitations are typically 5" x 7" as this size fits within the dimensions that can be processed by sorting machines at the post office. Deviating from this standard size, such as choosing a square shape or a larger envelope, can result in additional costs. Non-standard sizes may require hand cancellation, which means they have to be sorted manually, incurring a higher postage fee.

Thickness is a crucial factor that often gets overlooked. If your invitation is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may not be able to go through the sorting machine and will require hand cancellation. This is especially relevant if you're considering adding a ribbon tie or other bulky embellishments to your envelope. The thicker your invitation, the higher the postage cost is likely to be.

To ensure you're using the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office. They can weigh and measure your invitation and advise you on the exact postage required. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs or delays in delivering your invitations to your guests.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the shape and rigidity of your invitation can also impact postage costs. Unusual shapes, such as hexagons, may require additional postage. Similarly, if your invitation is too rigid or doesn't bend easily, you may be charged a non-machinable surcharge.

The number of stamps depends on the value of each stamp

The number of stamps you need for your wedding invitations depends on the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes. Generally, the heavier and bulkier your envelopes are, the more postage you will need to pay.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the ultimate authority on mailing wedding invitations. According to the USPS, a standard 73-cent stamp is sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce sent in a rectangular paper envelope. The envelope must be at least 5 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide and can be no larger than 11.5 inches long by 6 ⅛ inches high. When sealed, the envelope can be no more than 0.25 inches thick.

However, wedding invitations are often printed on thicker cardstock and may include three-dimensional details such as wax seals, which can increase the weight and thickness of the envelope. Additionally, some couples may prefer non-rectangular envelope shapes such as circles and squares. These factors can affect the cost of postage and may require additional stamps.

To determine the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. The post office staff will then be able to advise you on the correct amount of postage required, including any additional stamps needed.

It is important to note that the value of stamps can vary, and USPS offers stamps in denominations under and over the standard 73-cent value. The number of stamps you will need will depend on the value of the stamps you choose. For example, if your invitation exceeds the weight or size limits and requires additional postage, you may need to use multiple stamps to make up the difference.

In summary, the number of stamps you will need for your wedding invitations depends on the value of each stamp. By taking a sample invitation to the post office and consulting with the staff, you can determine the correct amount of postage and select stamps that fit your design and budget.

Hand-cancelling may be required for non-standard envelopes

Wedding invitations are often more than just a standard letter. They are usually thicker, larger, or irregularly shaped, and may include multiple inserts, embellishments, or wax seals. These factors can affect the cost of postage and the method of processing.

Non-standard envelopes, such as those that are square, rigid, unusually shaped, or thicker than 1/4" may be considered non-machinable by the USPS. This means that they cannot be processed by the standard sorting machines and must be hand-cancelled. Hand-cancelling involves a postal employee manually marking each postage stamp with a rubber stamp to note the date and postal location, instead of it being processed by a machine. This helps to ensure that the address is read correctly and prevents damage to the envelope and its contents, such as tearing or smearing.

To request hand-cancelling, bring your sealed, stamped, and addressed invitations to the post office and ask a postal employee to hand-cancel them. There may be an additional fee for this service, and it may take longer for the invitations to be processed and delivered. It is important to confirm that you have affixed the correct amount of postage before requesting hand-cancelling.

By hand-cancelling your wedding invitations, you can help ensure that they arrive safely and intact to your guests.

Vintage stamps are a great option for a romantic look

While you don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, vintage stamps are a great option for a romantic look. Vintage stamps are those that were printed decades or even a century ago, often on antique printing presses no longer in use. They offer a unique aesthetic and tactile feel compared to modern stamps.

Vintage stamps can be more expensive than regular stamps, as they are carefully preserved, maintained, and unused. For example, a stamp may cost $5, but only have a postage value of 50 cents.

If you're looking for vintage stamps, Etsy is a great option, with many sellers offering a wide range of rare and specially collected stamps. Treasure Fox on Etsy, in particular, has a large selection of unused vintage stamps and provides excellent customer service.

Another option is Edelweiss Post, which offers carefully curated vintage and discontinued stamps, including many with floral, lacy heart, cherub, and dove designs.

For a more personalised experience, you can try Little Postage House, a full-service design studio that specialises in curated vintage postage collections. They can work with you to design a postage set that meets your specific requirements and tells your story.

When choosing vintage stamps, it's important to consider the weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invitations. Standard wedding invitations are usually 5" x 7", and if they weigh under one ounce, you'll typically need a "forever" stamp, which costs around .$.55 each. If your invitations have multiple pieces or weigh more than one ounce, you'll need additional postage, such as a $.70 stamp.

Remember to take into account any embellishments you plan to include, such as ribbons or wax seals, as these can increase the weight and thickness of your envelopes, requiring additional postage. It's always a good idea to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to get an accurate recommendation on the required postage.

The cost of postage should be considered in your budget

The cost of postage for wedding invitations is often overlooked, but it is an important consideration when planning your wedding. Postage costs can add up quickly, especially if you have a large number of invitations to send out. The weight, size, and thickness of your invitations will all impact the cost of postage. If your invitations are heavier or larger than standard letter size, you will need to pay extra postage.

It is important to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. This will ensure that you purchase the correct amount of postage. The post office can also advise you on any additional costs, such as hand-canceling or non-machineable surcharges.

There are a few things you can do to minimize the cost of postage. Choosing a standard size and shape for your invitations, such as 5" x 7", can help keep costs down. Using thinner paper and avoiding bulky embellishments can also reduce the weight and thickness of your invitations, resulting in lower postage costs.

Another way to save money on postage is to choose your stamps wisely. Forever stamps, which are valid for first-class postage regardless of when they were purchased, can be a cost-effective option. You can also look for stamps that fit your wedding theme or color palette, but be aware that specialty stamps may be more expensive.

By considering the cost of postage in your budget and taking steps to minimize expenses, you can ensure that your wedding invitations reach your guests without breaking the bank.

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