Hand-Canceling Wedding Invites: Is It Necessary?

Wedding invitations are often embellished with details such as ribbons, wax seals, and calligraphy, making them bulky and uneven. This can cause the envelopes to rip when processed by the post office's machine. To avoid this, couples can opt for hand-canceling, where each stamp on the envelope is marked by hand instead of by a machine. This prevents stuffed envelopes from being torn and ensures that the envelopes don't get smudged, stained, or bent during processing. While some post offices offer hand-canceling for free, others charge a fee, and it's recommended to call ahead to confirm the service is available at your local branch.

What is hand-cancelling?

Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker uses a hand stamp to mark or "cancel" each stamp on an envelope, instead of using a machine. This process is often used for wedding invitations, as it prevents stuffed envelopes from being torn by the post office machine. It also ensures that the envelopes don't get smudged, stained, or bent during processing.

The process of hand-cancelling typically involves taking your envelopes to a post office and requesting the service. Some post offices may charge a fee for hand-cancelling, while others may offer it for free. In some cases, you may be allowed to hand-cancel your envelopes yourself under the supervision of a postal worker.

It is recommended to assemble a mock-up of your invitation, complete with all inserts and embellishments, and bring it to the post office to be weighed and checked. This will help determine if your envelope is too bulky or uneven for machine processing and if it requires hand-cancelling.

Hand-cancelling is an important step to consider when sending out wedding invitations, especially if you have added embellishments such as wax seals, ribbon, or thick paper. By hand-cancelling your invitations, you can ensure that they arrive at their destination in one piece and create a good first impression.

Why hand-cancel wedding invitations?

Wedding invitations are often embellished with intricate details, such as wax seals, ribbons, bows, twine, and satin ribbons. These adornments can make the envelope uneven or bulky, increasing the risk of tearing when processed by the post office's machine. Hand-cancelling is a service offered by some post offices where each stamp on the envelope is marked or "cancelled" using a hand stamp instead of a machine. This prevents the envelope and its contents from being damaged during processing.

The process of hand-cancelling wedding invitations involves several steps. Firstly, it is recommended to assemble a mock-up of the invitation, complete with all inserts and embellishments, and bring it to the post office to be weighed and checked. This allows the postmaster to determine if the envelope is too bulky for machine processing and advise on the required postage. The weight of the invitation and the need for hand-cancelling influence the amount of postage needed.

Secondly, purchase the correct postage for your invitations, taking into account any additional fees for hand-cancelling. The cost of hand-cancelling varies and some post offices may allow you to do it yourself under their supervision.

Thirdly, request hand-cancelling for your invitations at your local post office. Not all post offices offer this service, so it is advisable to call ahead to find a location that does. There may be a limit to the number of free hand-cancelled invitations, after which a fee may be charged. It is recommended to hand over the invitations to the teller in person and consider printing "Hand Cancel" on the envelopes to ensure the process is not overlooked.

Finally, it is essential to plan ahead and request hand-cancelling in advance. This allows sufficient time for processing and addresses any issues that may arise.

By following these steps, couples can ensure that their carefully crafted wedding invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition to their guests.

How to request hand-cancelling

Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker stamps your envelope by hand instead of running it through a machine. It is important for wedding invitations because it helps ensure that the envelopes don't get damaged or smudged during processing. Here is how to request hand-cancelling:

Check with your postmaster

Before you apply any stamps to your invitations, assemble a mock-up, complete with all the inserts and accoutrements, and bring it to the post office to be weighed and checked by the postmaster or another USPS employee. They will be able to check if your envelope is too bulky to be cancelled by machine, as well as tell you how much postage you'll need based on the weight of your invitations.

Purchase the correct postage

Now that you know how much your invitation weighs and if it requires hand-cancelling, purchase a combination of stamps (or a single custom stamp) that reaches your necessary postage. For example, an envelope that is light enough to be mailed using a $0.63 first-class stamp (up to 1 oz.) would require $0.76 of postage if it needs to be cancelled manually. Remember that the service requires an extra cost (currently $0.24), so if your envelopes need to be cancelled by hand, that amount needs to be included in the postage.

Request hand-cancelling

While it varies from place to place, some post offices will allow you to hand-cancel envelopes yourself. You'll have to stamp all the envelopes in the post office, but you'll be able to see that everything was handled carefully. If you can't hand-cancel the envelopes yourself, the postmaster or another post office employee will be able to do it for you. Try to head to the post office at an off-hour so you can talk with the post office employee about what you'll need, and consider printing "Hand Cancel" in the upper left corner of your envelopes (opposite the stamps) so nothing gets missed.

Weighing and checking invitations

Weighing and checking your wedding invitations is a crucial step in the process of sending them out. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Weighing the Invitations:

Firstly, you need to determine the weight of your invitations. Assemble a complete invitation suite, including all inserts and enclosures, and weigh it on a scale. The weight will determine the postage required. Most wedding invitations fall into the 1-ounce or 2-ounce category, with the former requiring a "forever" stamp (usually around $0.50-$0.55) and the latter requiring a $0.70 stamp.

Checking the Size and Thickness:

The size and thickness of your invitations also play a role in postage costs. Standard wedding invitation envelopes are typically 5" x 7" as this size fits within the standard postage rate. Square invitations or envelopes thicker than ¼" at their thickest point will likely require additional postage as they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

Checking for Embellishments:

If your invitations include embellishments like wax seals, ribbon ties, belly bands, or thick cardstock, they may require additional postage. These items can get caught in the sorting machine, leading to potential damage. Consider the overall bulk and three-dimensional aspects of your invitations when determining postage.

Checking with the Postmaster:

Before purchasing postage, it is highly recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office. They will be able to weigh it accurately and advise you on the correct postage. They can also inform you if your invitations require hand-cancelling due to bulkiness, which will incur an extra cost (usually around $0.24).

Purchasing Correct Postage:

After receiving the weight and size information from the post office, purchase the appropriate combination of stamps to reach the required postage. For example, if your invitation weighs 1 ounce and requires hand-cancelling, you would need $0.76 worth of postage instead of the standard $0.50-$0.55 forever stamp.

Remember, it is always better to slightly overestimate the postage than to risk having your invitations returned due to insufficient postage. Taking the time to weigh and check your invitations thoroughly will ensure a smoother process and a better impression on your guests.

Cost of hand-cancelling

The cost of hand-cancelling wedding invitations can vary depending on the weight of the envelope and the policies of the local post office. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:

Weight of the Envelope

The weight of the envelope plays a crucial role in determining the postage required. For envelopes weighing less than 1 ounce, a single stamp (typically costing $0.55) is sufficient. However, if hand-cancelling is requested, an additional $0.21 to $0.24 is required for each envelope, bringing the total postage to $0.76.

For envelopes weighing between 1 and 2 ounces, the postage increases to $0.91. It is important to consider the weight of the invitation, especially if multiple inserts and embellishments are included.

Post Office Policies

Different post offices have different policies regarding hand-cancelling. Some may offer the service for free, while others may charge a fee. It is recommended to call ahead to multiple post offices and inquire about their policies and charges.

Some post offices may offer complimentary hand-cancelling for the first 25 to 50 envelopes, with a nominal charge of 5 to 25 cents per envelope thereafter. Others may quote a price per letter, which could range from 5 to 20 cents.

Self-Stamping

If the post office quotes a price, it is worth offering to do the hand-stamping yourself to avoid the additional cost. Many post offices will allow customers to use a nearby counter to hand-cancel their own invitations under the supervision of a postal worker. This option ensures that the invitations are handled carefully and avoids any extra charges.

Timing

It is advisable to visit the post office during off-hours or mid-morning, when they are less busy. This allows for a more peaceful experience and the opportunity to discuss the process with the postal worker.

In conclusion, the cost of hand-cancelling wedding invitations can range from no additional charge to a few cents per envelope, depending on the weight and the policies of the local post office. It is always a good idea to confirm the total postage required and any applicable fees before sending out your invitations.

Frequently asked questions