Valentines And Wedding Invites: Extra Postage Required?

Sending Valentine's cards and wedding invitations can be a tricky business. The cost of postage depends on a few factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. In the US, a standard rectangular envelope (at least 5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, no larger than 11.5 inches long and 6 1/8 inches high) that is 0.25 inches thick or less and weighs an ounce or under only requires a forever stamp, which costs $0.55. However, if your envelope is square, over an ounce, or thicker than 0.25 inches, you will need to pay extra. Square envelopes and envelopes that are hand-cancelled (i.e. sorted by hand) require an additional $0.20 charge. Envelopes that are thicker than 0.25 inches at their thickest point will also need to be hand-cancelled, which costs an additional $0.21 per envelope.

Weight, size and thickness matter

The cost of postage for Valentine's cards and wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, size and thickness. In the US, the United States Postal Service (USPS) sets the rates for mailing items. For Valentine's cards and wedding invitations, the weight, size and thickness of the item will determine the cost of postage.

Weight

The weight of an item is a key factor in determining the cost of postage. In general, the heavier an item is, the more it will cost to mail. For example, a letter that weighs one ounce or less can be mailed with a "forever" stamp, which currently costs $0.55. However, if the letter weighs more than one ounce, it will require additional postage.

Size

The size of an item can also affect the cost of postage. Larger items may require additional postage, while smaller items may be able to be mailed at a lower rate. For example, postcards are typically smaller than letters and can be mailed at a lower rate.

Thickness

The thickness of an item can also impact the cost of postage. Items that are thicker may require additional postage, as they may not fit through standard mail slots or machines. For example, envelopes that are more than 0.25 inches thick may require additional postage.

It's important to note that the cost of postage can also vary depending on the shape of the item being mailed. For example, square envelopes may require additional postage compared to rectangular envelopes. Additionally, the distance between the origin and destination zip codes can also impact the cost of mailing an item.

When determining the cost of postage for Valentine's cards and wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight, size and thickness of the item. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you are applying the correct amount of postage and avoiding any delays or additional charges.

Irregular shapes cost more

When sending Valentine's Day or wedding invitations, the shape of your mailpiece can determine the price you pay. In some instances, certain shapes like squares and tubes are charged a higher price because those pieces must be processed manually. Generally, mailpieces that are 1/4-inch thick or less must be rectangular. Pieces more than 1/4-inch thick do not have to be rectangular.

First-Class Mail letters and USPS Marketing Mail letters that are square, rigid, or unusually shaped are subject to higher prices. This is because they cannot be processed by sorting machines and must be hand-sorted, which incurs an additional cost. Square envelopes will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

If you are adding any embellishments to your Valentine's Day or wedding invitations, such as a ribbon, twine, or a wax seal, these may also increase the thickness of your envelope and result in additional postage costs. It is recommended to use a paper bellyband or vellum instead of a ribbon tie to keep costs down.

To avoid any unexpected costs, it is always best to take a sample of your invitation to the post office to have them weigh it and test it through their thickness template. They can then advise you on the correct postage required.

Hand-cancelling and hand-processing

Hand-cancelling is the process of manually marking an envelope to invalidate the postage stamp and prevent its reuse. This is typically done by postal workers using a special stamp provided by the USPS. Hand-cancelling is important for delicate or irregularly-sized envelopes, such as those with wax seals, calligraphy, or ribbons, as these are more likely to be damaged by sorting machines.

To hand-cancel your envelopes, take them to your local post office and request the service. Not all post offices offer hand-cancelling, so it is advisable to call ahead or try multiple locations. Some post offices may charge a fee for this service, typically around $0.20 per envelope, but this is not always enforced. You may also be allowed to hand-cancel your own envelopes under the supervision of a postal worker.

Hand-processing, or manual processing, is the act of sorting and delivering mail by hand rather than by machine. This is often done for envelopes that are too thick or large to fit through the sorting machine. Square envelopes, for example, typically require hand-processing and incur an additional charge of about $0.20 per envelope.

When sending Valentine's Day cards or wedding invitations, it is important to consider the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes. These factors can affect the postage required and whether hand-cancelling or hand-processing is necessary. It is always a good idea to take a sample of your invitation to the post office to get an accurate estimate of the postage required.

Non-machinable elements

When sending Valentine's Day cards or wedding invitations, it is important to consider any non-machinable elements that may require additional postage. Non-machinable elements refer to features of an envelope or package that do not meet the automation or machinability standards set by the postal service. Here are some key points to consider:

• Weight and Size: Valentine's Day cards and wedding invitations that exceed a certain weight or size limit may be considered non-machinable. For example, if your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. Similarly, square-shaped envelopes are often considered irregular and may incur extra costs.
• Attachments: Attachments, such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals, can increase the thickness of your envelope and make it non-machinable. These attachments may require a "non-machinable surcharge" because they require hand-cancelling of the stamps.
• Paper thickness: The thickness of the paper used for your card or invitation can also impact its machinability. Pocket invitations or multi-layered invitations with multiple enclosure cards may weigh just over 1 ounce, requiring additional postage.
• Number of cards: If your Valentine's Day card or wedding invitation includes multiple cards or inserts, it can increase the weight and thickness, making it non-machinable.
• Enclosures: Any enclosures, such as a pocket-fold or other embellishments, can add to the weight and thickness of your envelope, potentially making it non-machinable.

It is always recommended to check with your local postal service to get accurate information about the specific weight, size, and thickness limits for machinable mail. Taking a sample of your Valentine's Day card or wedding invitation to the post office can help you determine the correct postage required.

Save the dates and RSVP cards

When it comes to sending out your save-the-date cards and RSVP cards, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your guests receive them without any issues and that you don't end up paying more than necessary in postage.

For save-the-date cards, it is recommended to use postcards, which cost less to mail than envelopes. These typically only require one stamp, as they usually weigh under the standard postage limit of one ounce. If you opt for a custom shape, it is best to send them from your local post office to avoid any issues with delivery.

RSVP cards should include postage when they are sent to your guests to ensure they can respond without any roadblocks. These also typically weigh under the standard amount of postage and will only require one stamp. It is considered poor etiquette to make your guests pay for postage to RSVP to your event.

If you are including response cards, it is recommended to tuck them under a pre-stamped RSVP envelope addressed to the host's residence. This makes the process easy for your guests and prevents anyone from dropping their RSVP cards in the mail without postage.

It is also worth noting that the weight of your save-the-date and RSVP cards will impact the cost of postage. If you are working with a stationer, they can help you calculate the exact weight. You can also take a fully assembled card to your local post office to get an accurate weight and recommended postage.

Frequently asked questions