Extra Postage For Oversized Wedding Invites: How Much?

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to consider the cost of postage, which is determined by the weight and size of the invitation. A 6x9 wedding invitation is considered a large envelope by the USPS, and will likely require additional postage. To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a complete invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. This will help you determine the exact amount of postage needed and avoid any issues when mailing your invitations.

Weight and size requirements for standard letters

The weight and size requirements for standard letters are set by postal services such as USPS. These requirements vary depending on the type of mail, with different classifications based on how efficiently mailpieces can be processed by the Postal Service's equipment.

Weight Requirements

For First-Class Mail, the maximum weight for machinable letters and USPS Marketing Mail machinable letters is 3.5 ounces, while the maximum weight for Periodicals letters is also 3.5 ounces. Nonmachinable letters have a maximum weight of 3.5 ounces for First-Class Mail and Periodicals, and less than 16 ounces for USPS Marketing Mail.

Size Requirements

Letters must meet specific size standards to qualify as machinable. The minimum dimensions are 5 inches long, 3-1/2 inches high, and 0.007 inches thick. The maximum dimensions for First-Class Mail card prices are 9 inches long, 6 inches high, and 0.016 inches thick. For letters and other cards, the maximum dimensions are 11-1/2 inches long, 6-1/8 inches high, and 1/4 inch thick.

To be considered a standard letter, mailpieces must be rectangular, with four square corners and parallel opposite sides. The length is the dimension parallel to the address, and the height is the side perpendicular to the length.

Additional Considerations

It's important to note that square envelopes or mailpieces with non-standard shapes may be considered nonmachinable and may be subject to additional postage fees. The weight and size requirements provided above are for standard letters, and other types of mail, such as large envelopes or parcels, may have different requirements.

When creating wedding invitations or other types of mailings, it is recommended to check with your local post office to ensure that your mailpieces meet the weight and size requirements and to determine the accurate postage required.

Additional postage for large envelopes

When sending wedding invitations, it's important to consider the cost of postage, which is often not included in the wedding invitation budget. Basic wedding invitation suites (mailing envelope, flat single-layer invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope) can be mailed using just a regular First-Class Stamp. However, certain factors can affect the postage cost.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) considers envelopes larger than 6 1/8" x 11 1/2" x 1/4" to be "large envelopes" or "flats", requiring additional postage. Large envelopes are typically used for sending items such as marketing newsletters, product catalogs, and legal correspondence, as well as items like CDs, books, and magazines. These envelopes must be rectangular and uniform in thickness, bending easily without causing more than a quarter-inch variation in thickness.

The maximum dimensions for a "flat" are 15" long, 12" high, and 3/4" thick. Envelopes exceeding these measurements are considered packages or parcels and are subject to higher parcel prices. Large envelopes cannot weigh more than 13 ounces, and their postage cost depends on weight, with prices starting at $1.39 for the first ounce and increasing by $0.24 for each additional ounce.

To avoid unexpected costs, it is recommended to take a complete wedding invitation to the local post office to have it weighed and checked for thickness. They can provide accurate estimates on the required postage. Additionally, the USPS website offers a postage price calculator that considers size, weight, and destination to determine the exact amount of postage needed.

Irregular shapes and thickness

When it comes to mailing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding irregular shapes and thickness. Here are some important considerations:

• The USPS categorizes mail into four basic size categories: postcards, letters, flats (large envelopes), and parcels. The shape and size of your invitation will determine which category it falls under, and this will impact the postage rate.
• According to USPS guidelines, letters must be rectangular and have angular (90-degree) corners. Cardstock letters may have finished corners that do not exceed a radius of 0.125 inches (1/8 inch). Any other shape, such as squares or tubes, may be subject to higher prices and must be processed manually.
• 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 but may be subject to higher prices.
• First-Class Mail letters and USPS Marketing Mail letters that are square, rigid, or unusually shaped may be subject to higher prices.
• To ensure your invitation meets mailing standards, consult with a Mailpiece Design Analyst (MDA). They can advise you on making your mailpiece eligible for the lowest possible postage prices.
• The thickness of your invitation is also important. Wedding invitations that are more than 1/4" thick may require additional postage. Embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals can quickly add up and push your invitation into a higher thickness category.
• It is recommended to take a complete wedding invitation, including all enclosures and embellishments, to your local post office to have them weigh and measure your invitation. They can advise you on the accurate postage required based on weight and thickness.
• If your invitation is particularly unique in shape or thickness, it may be considered nonmailable. For example, a round postcard or an envelope with bulky items inside that cannot bend may not be accepted by the USPS.

Cost-saving envelope and invitation design tips

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's easy to get carried away and exceed your budget. Decorative elements, printing techniques, and paper choices can quickly add up. However, with some thoughtful considerations and strategic choices, you can design elegant and cost-effective invitations. Here are some tips to help you save costs on your envelope and invitation designs:

• Limit decorative elements: Choose one or two "must-have" decorative elements for your invitation. Simple touches like foil pressing or calligraphy can add elegance without breaking the bank. Avoid heavy additions like wax seals, as they increase the overall weight, leading to higher shipping costs.
• Use a simple envelope: Guests will likely discard the envelope after opening it. Opt for a simple, elegant envelope without decorative elements to save money. You can also zhuzh up plain envelopes with DIY liners and on-theme stamps, which are budget-friendly options.
• Select lightweight paper: Paper type significantly affects the cost of invitations. Cotton or linen are pricier choices. Opt for cardstock or cotton blends for a more affordable option. Additionally, consider the weight of your paper. Heavier stationery requires additional postage, so choose lighter paper to save on postage costs.
• Reduce invitation layers: Instead of including multiple enclosure cards with detailed information, provide a link to your wedding website, where guests can find all the necessary information. This saves on printing and shipping costs.
• Choose digital invitations: Online wedding invitations are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper invitations. They save money and offer convenience for you and your guests. You can find beautifully crafted digital invitations that match your wedding style.
• Make strategic design swaps: Luxe printing techniques like letterpress and foil stamping can be expensive. Digital printing is a great alternative, offering high-quality results at a lower cost. Consider designs with faux foil or bold typography to achieve a stylish look without the hefty price tag.
• Order extras: While it may seem counterintuitive, ordering a few extra invitations with your initial batch can save money in the long run. If you need to order more invitations later, you'll likely have to purchase a minimum quantity, which can be more expensive.
• Proofread carefully: Printing errors or typos can be costly, as you may need to reprint the entire batch. Take the time to proofread your invitations thoroughly, and ask others to do the same. This simple step can save you from the expense and hassle of reprinting.
• Take advantage of sales: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on wedding stationery, especially during big sale events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You can often find great deals and save money without compromising on the design.

Weighing and measuring mail at the post office

In general, the weight of your mailpiece is a significant factor in determining the postage price. The heavier the item, the more it will cost to mail. Postal rates are based on weight, shape, size, destination, speed, and special handling. For First-Class Mail, the shape and weight will determine the price. For Priority Mail, the price is a combination of weight, size, and distance travelled.

It is also worth noting that square envelopes are considered irregular and will require additional postage. Additionally, if your envelope is thicker than 1/4", it will also require extra postage.

To save time, you can weigh and measure your mail at home using a postal scale. This will allow you to determine the exact amount of postage required without making an extra trip to the post office. However, if you are unsure or have specific requirements, it is always best to consult with your local post office for accurate information.

Frequently asked questions