Junior Rasmussen
Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a tricky task. One of the most common questions couples have is whether they can use regular stamps for their wedding invitations. The answer is a little complicated and depends on several factors. Firstly, most wedding invitations are heavier than regular letters due to the use of thicker cardstock, multiple inserts, and embellishments. As a result, a higher value stamp, such as a 70-cent stamp, is often required to cover the additional weight. However, it is always recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed and measured, as the required postage can vary depending on the invitation's weight, size, and thickness.
Another factor to consider is the shape of the invitation. Square envelopes or those with non-machinable elements like wax seals or ribbon ties may be considered irregular and require additional postage. To avoid any issues, it is best to consult with a post office professional and consider hand-canceling, which involves manually stamping the envelope to prevent damage during processing.
In summary, while regular stamps can be used for wedding invitations, it is important to be mindful of the weight, size, and shape of the invitation to ensure sufficient postage is applied. Taking a sample invitation to the post office for weighing and measurement is the best way to determine the correct amount of postage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weight | Less than an ounce or more than an ounce |
| Cost | $0.55 for less than an ounce, $0.70 for more than an ounce |
| Size | 5"x7" |
| Thickness | Less than 1/4" |
| Shape | Rectangular |
What You'll Learn
Weight, size, and thickness of the invitation
The weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine the cost of mailing them. The USPS charges $0.73 for first-class postage for a letter weighing up to one ounce. This is the standard rate for mailing a rectangular lightweight letter. If your wedding invitation weighs more than one ounce, you will need to add $0.28 for each additional ounce.
The size of your wedding invitation also matters. Square envelopes, for example, are considered irregular and will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.
The thickness of your wedding invitation is another factor that can affect the cost of postage. If your invitation includes a ribbon, twine, or a wax seal, it may be thicker than 1/4" and require additional postage.
To be sure about the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and inspected. They will be able to tell you the exact postage required based on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation.
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Cost of postage
The cost of postage for wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including weight, size, thickness, and embellishments. Here is a breakdown of the costs to consider:
Weight
The weight of your wedding invitation suite will impact the cost of postage. Standard USPS postage rates are as follows:
- $0.73 for an envelope weighing one ounce or less
- $1.01 for an envelope weighing two ounces
- Additional $0.28 for each additional ounce
Most wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce due to multiple enclosure cards, so the cost will likely be higher than the base rate.
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of your wedding invitations can also affect postage costs. Square envelopes or envelopes that are thicker than 0.25 inches (¼ inch) may be considered "non-machinable," which means they cannot be processed through postal machines and will incur an additional fee.
Embellishments
Embellishments such as wax seals, ribbons, and twine can add weight and thickness to your invitations, increasing the cost of postage. These embellishments may also require hand-processing or hand-canceling, which costs an additional $0.44 per envelope.
RSVP Cards
Don't forget to include postage on your RSVP cards. These typically require one stamp, and it's important to include this so that your guests can easily respond without having to pay for postage themselves.
International Postage
If you're mailing invitations internationally, you don't need to include postage on the RSVP envelope, as most countries will not accept foreign postage. However, the cost of sending an invitation internationally is $1.55 with a "Global Forever" stamp.
To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. This will help you determine the exact cost of postage per invitation and avoid any issues with delivery.
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Hand-cancelling and hand-processing
Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker uses a rubber stamp to individually hand-stamp each envelope with the cancellation markings to prevent the reuse of postage stamps. This is usually done by running the piece of mail through a machine, but for oddly-sized or delicate items like wedding invitations, hand-cancelling is preferred to avoid ripping or smudging.
To hand-cancel your wedding invitation envelopes, take your envelopes to a post office. It is recommended to call ahead to different post offices in your town to find out if they offer this service and how much it will cost. As of 2020, hand-cancelling requires an extra $0.21 postage for each envelope, but this is not always enforced. If you are hand-cancelling a large number of envelopes, it is best to go at an off-peak hour.
Some postal workers may refuse to hand-cancel, in which case you can try talking to the branch manager or taking your invites to another branch. If you are allowed to hand-cancel the envelopes yourself while a postal worker oversees the process, it is polite to tip them.
It is important to note that hand-cancelling does not mean that your invitations will not go through a machine. They will still be sorted and distributed by belt-fed machines, but the hand-cancelling process ensures that your envelopes remain undamaged and unbent during processing.
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Custom, vintage, and themed stamps
Custom Stamps
Custom stamps allow you to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations. You can work with a designer or a stamp specialist to create a stamp that reflects your style and theme. This could include anything from a monogram to a custom illustration. Custom stamps can be designed to match your wedding colours or incorporate specific elements that are meaningful to you.
Vintage Stamps
Vintage stamps add a touch of charm and elegance to your wedding invitations. They are a unique way to dress up your envelopes and create a memorable first impression. Vintage stamps can be found through specialty dealers, online shops, or even at local post offices. It's important to ensure that any vintage stamps you purchase are still valid for current postage rates. Some popular options include floral themes, nature themes, or even famous artwork.
Themed Stamps
Themed stamps are a fun way to tie your wedding invitations to your overall wedding theme. For example, if you're having a garden wedding, you could use stamps featuring flowers or butterflies. Or, if you're having a destination wedding, you could use stamps that represent the location. The possibilities are endless!
When choosing custom, vintage, or themed stamps, it's important to keep in mind that these options may be more expensive than regular stamps. Additionally, you'll want to ensure that you have the correct postage for the weight and size of your invitations. It's always a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and to confirm the correct postage.
By incorporating custom, vintage, or themed stamps, you can add a special touch to your wedding invitations that your guests are sure to notice and appreciate.
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RSVP cards and save-the-date postcards
When it comes to sending out wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes to ensure you use the correct postage. While most standard letters can be sent with a "forever" stamp, wedding invitations often require additional postage due to their larger size, thicker cardstock, and extra enclosures.
Now, let's focus on RSVP cards and save-the-date postcards:
RSVP Cards:
RSVP cards are typically included with the wedding invitation suite, which usually comprises the mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope. This basic suite typically requires a regular First-Class Stamp or a "forever" stamp, which is currently $0.55 each. However, if your RSVP card and envelope are thicker or heavier due to embellishments or additional inserts, you may need to use a higher-value stamp or additional postage. It's always a good idea to take a fully assembled sample to your local post office to have them weigh it and advise on the correct postage.
Save-the-Date Postcards:
Save-the-date postcards are typically sent out 10-11 months before the wedding and serve as a courtesy alert to let potential guests know about your upcoming nuptials. These are usually simpler and often only include a single cardstock piece, which falls under the one-ounce weight limit. Therefore, a "forever" stamp should suffice for each save-the-date postcard. However, if you plan to include multiple inserts or embellishments, the weight may increase, and you may need additional postage. As with the RSVP cards, it's best to check with your local post office to be sure.
Design and Customization:
When designing your RSVP cards and save-the-date postcards, you can explore various options on platforms like Etsy, which offers customizable templates, including modern, minimalist, and elegant designs. You can also find unique options like acrylic save-the-date invitations or tri-folding invitations that serve as both save-the-dates and RSVPs. Zazzle is another website that offers a wide range of designs for RSVP cards and save-the-date postcards, with discounts and deals available.
In summary, when preparing your RSVP cards and save-the-date postcards for mailing, remember to consider the weight and thickness of your envelopes and always double-check with your local post office to ensure you're using the correct postage. Happy planning!
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need special stamps. However, you might need to pick up stamps that cover extra postage costs, or choose to invest in fancier stamps for the occasion.
The number of stamps depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If they're standard size and weigh under one ounce, you'll need one Forever Stamp. If you have a funky-shaped envelope or are sending an envelope with lots of details cards and embellishments, you'll need additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to make up the difference.
Hand-canceling is the process of "canceling," or postmarking, an envelope with a hand stamp instead of using sorting machines. It's vital to request this service if you want your invitations to arrive in one piece. This costs an additional $0.21 per envelope but also reassures you that your wedding invite envelopes won't be damaged in delivery.
The cost depends on the weight, shape, and size of your mail. If your invitation is heavier or larger than standard, you'll need to pay for extra postage. The cost of a standard Forever Stamp is $0.73, and each additional ounce costs $0.15.
