Invitation Services: Postage Paid Or Unpaid?

Wedding invitations require careful planning and preparation to ensure they reach their destination without a hitch. One of the most overlooked aspects of ordering wedding invitations is postage. The cost of postage depends on various factors, such as the weight, size, thickness, and shape of the invitation suite. Most wedding invitations exceed the standard weight of one ounce, requiring additional postage. To avoid mishaps, it is recommended to take a sample invitation to the post office for weighing and to determine the exact postage required. This guide will explore the ins and outs of wedding invitation postage, including special considerations for decorative elements and international mailing, helping couples navigate the process with ease.

The cost of postage is determined by the weight, size, and thickness of the invitation

The cost of postage for wedding invitations is determined by a few factors, primarily the weight, size, and thickness of the invitation. These elements influence the postage cost, and it's important to ensure you have the correct postage to avoid any delivery issues. Here are some key points to consider:

Weight

The weight of the invitation plays a significant role in determining the postage cost. Most wedding invitations fall into two categories: less than an ounce or more than an ounce. "Forever" stamps, costing $0.55 each, are typically used for invitations weighing less than an ounce. Invitations with multiple pieces, such as those with additional inserts or embellishments, often weigh between one and two ounces, requiring a $0.70 stamp. The weight of your invitation will depend on the number of inserts, the thickness of the cardstock, and any decorative elements included.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of the invitation also impact the postage cost. Standard rectangular envelopes measuring 5" x 7" typically fall within the standard postage rate. However, square invitations or those with non-standard shapes may require additional postage, such as a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight. This is because non-standard shapes cannot be processed through sorting machines and require hand sorting, resulting in a higher cost. The thickness of the envelope is also crucial. If the envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. This is often the case when invitations include ribbon ties, wax seals, or other bulky embellishments.

Shape and Dimensions

The shape and dimensions of the invitation can also affect postage costs. Unusual shapes, such as circles or hexagons, may require additional postage. The USPS has specific size requirements for standard postage rates. For example, a rectangular envelope must be at least 5 inches long and 3.5 inches wide, with a maximum size of 11.5 inches by 6.125 inches. If your invitation exceeds these dimensions, you may need to pay extra.

Domestic vs. International Rates

It's important to consider whether you are mailing your invitations domestically or internationally. Domestic postage rates within the United States start at $0.73 for standard-sized, rectangular envelopes. International rates, on the other hand, vary by country and can be significantly higher. For example, sending a standard-sized envelope to another country using Global Forever International rates starts at $1.65.

Additional Services

When calculating the cost of postage, don't forget to consider any additional services you may require from the postal service. For example, hand-canceling, which involves manually marking the postage stamp to prevent its reuse, often incurs an extra charge. This service is recommended for bulky or delicate invitations to avoid damage during processing.

In conclusion, the cost of postage for wedding invitations is influenced by a combination of factors, including weight, size, thickness, shape, and destination. It's important to accurately determine the required postage to ensure your invitations reach their intended recipients without issue. Taking the time to understand these factors and consulting with your local post office will help you make the right choices for your wedding invitations.

The type of stamp used will depend on the weight of the invitation

The weight of a wedding invitation can depend on a few factors, such as the number of pieces included, the thickness of the paper, and any additional embellishments such as wax seals or ribbons. Generally, the weight of a wedding invitation can fall into two categories: less than an ounce or more than an ounce.

If your invitation weighs less than an ounce, you will need a "forever" stamp, which typically costs around $0.55 each. Forever stamps are a great option as they have no expiration date or denomination and can be used to mail an envelope anywhere within the country.

However, if your invitation weighs more than an ounce, you will need additional postage. Invitations with multiple pieces or added embellishments will likely fall into this category and require a $0.70 stamp or more. The exact cost will depend on the total weight of the invitation suite.

It's important to note that square-shaped invitations or those with non-standard dimensions may also require additional postage, regardless of weight. These invitations cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-sorted, incurring an extra cost.

To ensure you use the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing. They will be able to advise you on the correct amount and type of stamps needed.

The shape of the envelope can affect the cost of postage

The shape of your wedding invitation envelopes can indeed affect the cost of postage. In general, the larger the envelope, the more it will cost to mail. For example, in First-Class Mail, postcards cost less than letters, and letters cost less than large envelopes (flats).

However, it's not just the size that matters. The shape of your envelope can also impact the price. Unusual shapes, such as squares and tubes, are often charged a higher price because they cannot be processed by the sorting machine and must be sorted manually. For example, square envelopes cannot go through the sorting machine and have to be hand-cancelled, which means they are sorted by hand and incur an additional cost.

To avoid unexpected costs, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation sample to the post office to determine the exact weight and dimensions and thus the correct postage required. They can also advise on any potential issues with the shape or thickness of the envelope.

The number of stamps required is determined by the value of each stamp

When it comes to wedding invitation postage, it's important to remember that the number of stamps you'll need is determined by the weight, size, thickness, and shape of your invitations. Most standard wedding invitations weigh either less than an ounce or more than an ounce. If your invitation weighs one ounce or less, you'll need a "forever" stamp, which costs $0.55. For invitations with multiple pieces that weigh just over an ounce, you'll need a $0.70 stamp.

Now, the number of stamps you'll need is determined by the value of each stamp. If you're using the standard 73-cent stamp, you'll need one stamp for every ounce of weight. So, for invitations weighing more than two ounces, you'll need two stamps, and so on. It's important to note that square-shaped invitations will require additional postage, typically a $0.70 stamp, regardless of weight.

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. They will tell you the exact postage required, and you can then calculate the number of stamps needed based on their value.

Hand-cancelling is a service that can be requested to prevent wear and tear on the invitations

Wedding invitations are often printed on thicker cardstock, include three-dimensional details such as wax seals, and are sometimes designed in non-rectangular shapes such as circles and squares. These features make them prone to wear and tear when sent through the mail. To prevent this, you can request a service called hand-cancelling.

Hand-cancelling is a service that involves marking postage stamps by hand to prevent their reuse. This is usually done by a postal worker using a rubber stamp with cancellation markings. This process ensures that your invitations arrive unblemished and in one piece. It can also add to the overall aesthetics, as a hand-cancel stamp includes the city and state the envelope was mailed from, giving it a classic look.

To request hand-cancelling, bring your fully assembled and stuffed wedding invitations to your local post office. Ask a postal employee to weigh the invitations and confirm the required postage. Be sure to specifically request hand-cancelling and inquire about any additional costs or restrictions. Some post offices may charge extra for this service, while others may offer it for free.

It's recommended to visit the post office during off-peak hours to avoid long waits. Additionally, consider calling ahead to different post offices in your area to compare prices and availability, as not all locations offer hand-cancelling.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your wedding invitations are delivered safely and in pristine condition to your guests.

Frequently asked questions