Ounces In Wedding Invitations: How Much Is Too Much?

Wedding invitations can vary in weight, but most weigh between one and two ounces. The weight of a wedding invitation is important because it determines the cost of postage. The weight is affected by the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, the use of a pocket-fold, and any embellishments included, such as ribbons or wax seals. Most standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5 x 7 or 5.5 x 8.5, do not require additional postage based on size alone. However, square wedding invitations are considered irregular and will require extra postage. To ensure that you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed and inspected.

Weight: Most wedding invites are under 1 oz or over 1 oz

The weight of wedding invitations is a crucial factor in determining the required postage. Most wedding invitations fall into two categories: those weighing less than 1 ounce and those exceeding 1 ounce.

For wedding invitations that weigh 1 ounce or less, a "forever" stamp costing $0.50 to $0.55 is typically sufficient. This type of stamp is suitable for standard-weight invitations, such as a single-layer invitation card with an RSVP card and envelope. However, it's important to note that adding additional cards or enclosures may increase the weight, pushing it just over the 1-ounce mark.

On the other hand, wedding invitations that weigh more than 1 ounce will require additional postage. For invitations weighing between 1 and 2 ounces, a $0.70 or $0.71 stamp is usually needed. This situation often arises when couples include multiple enclosure cards, pocketfolds, or thicker paper stocks. In some cases, embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals can also contribute to the overall weight, pushing it beyond the 1-ounce threshold.

It's worth noting that square-shaped wedding invitations are considered irregular by postal services and may require additional postage, regardless of weight. The non-standard dimensions of square envelopes make them incompatible with USPS sorting machines, resulting in a "non-machinable" surcharge. This surcharge can add $0.20 or more to the cost of postage per invitation.

To ensure that you apply the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office for weighing. This will help you determine the exact postage required and avoid any issues with insufficient postage, which could result in your invitations being returned or your guests being charged for additional postage.

Size: Square invites cost more to send

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few factors that can affect the cost of postage. The main factor is the weight of the invitation suite. Basic wedding invitation suites, which include a mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope, typically weigh about 1 ounce and can be mailed using a regular First Class Stamp. However, if your invitation suite weighs more than 1 ounce, you will need additional postage. For example, if your invitation weighs between 1 and 2 ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp, which costs more than a regular stamp.

Another factor that affects postage cost is the shape of the invitation. Square wedding invitations are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage, regardless of their weight. Square envelopes typically cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. This is because square envelopes are considered non-machinable and have to be sorted by hand, which requires more time and effort.

Other details that can increase the postage cost of wedding invitations include wax seals, ribbons, and custom or vintage stamps. Wax seals and silk ribbons can make the envelope thicker and more difficult to process through the machine, resulting in an additional "non-machinable" charge. Custom stamps usually cost double the normal postage rates, while vintage stamps can cost three times as much.

To ensure you have the correct amount of postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and inspected. This will help you determine the exact amount of postage required and avoid any issues when mailing your invitations.

Thickness: Over 0.25 inches thick, costs increase

The thickness of a wedding invitation can greatly impact the cost of postage. If your invitation is over 1/4" thick, you may need to pay extra postage. This is because thicker invitations can be difficult for the USPS to process through their machines, and so they may need to be sorted by hand.

There are many factors that can contribute to the thickness of a wedding invitation, including the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, the use of a pocket-fold, and any embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals. Even the type of ribbon used can make a difference, as silk ribbons can sometimes add a non-machinable charge if they are tied too bulky.

If you are concerned about the thickness of your invitations affecting the cost of postage, it is recommended that you take one fully assembled invitation to your local post office to be weighed and inspected. They can advise you on the accurate postage required and let you know if there are any issues with thickness.

Additionally, it's important to note that the weight of your invitation is not the only factor that determines the cost of postage. The shape of the invitation can also play a role. For example, square invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage.

To save on postage costs, it's recommended to use standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5". You can also opt for thinner paper, fewer enclosure cards, and avoid bulky embellishments. However, if you have your heart set on thicker invitations, be prepared to pay a little extra in postage to ensure they reach your guests without any issues.

Wax seals: These add weight and bulk

Wax seals are a great way to add a personal and classic touch to your wedding invitations. However, it's important to note that they do add weight and bulk to your envelopes. The extra thickness from the wax seal can make it difficult for the envelope to go through the slot in the machine that the USPS uses, so they have to be sorted by hand. This makes the envelope "non-machinable", which requires additional postage.

In addition to the weight of the wax seal itself, the method of application can also affect the overall weight of your invitation suite. If you're using a glue gun, the wax heats up quickly and is ready for the next seal within seconds. This means you'll need to have all your envelopes stuffed, sealed, and laid out before starting to apply the wax seals. On the other hand, if you're using wax beads, you'll have some downtime between each seal, allowing you to assemble your invitations as the wax melts.

When adding wax seals to your wedding invitations, it's crucial to consider the weight and bulk they add. This will help you determine the correct postage and ensure your invitations reach their destination without any issues. It's always a good idea to take a fully assembled, ready-to-mail invitation suite to your local post office to have it weighed and ensure you're using the correct amount of postage.

Ribbons: Can increase thickness and weight

When it comes to wedding invitations, every ounce matters. The weight of your invitation will determine the cost of postage, so it's important to keep that in mind when designing your invites. One way to increase the thickness and weight of your invitations is to add ribbons.

Ribbons can be a beautiful addition to your wedding invitations, but they can also increase the thickness and weight, which can impact your postage costs. It's important to consider the type of ribbon you use and how it will affect the overall dimensions of your invitation suite. Wide ribbons or those with bulky knots or bows can add significant bulk, pushing your invitation into a higher weight category and increasing your postage costs.

To avoid unexpected costs, it's recommended to use thinner ribbons and to tie them as flat as possible. You can also consider using alternative materials such as twine or string, which can add a delicate touch without the bulk. Another option is to use ribbons solely for decorative purposes and place them inside a separate envelope, ensuring they don't affect the weight of your invitation suite.

Additionally, if you're concerned about weight, consider the placement of your ribbon. Instead of wrapping it around the entire invitation suite, you can use it as a belly band or tie it around a single card. This will help reduce the overall thickness and weight, keeping your postage costs down.

While ribbons can enhance the aesthetics of your wedding invitations, it's important to strike a balance between beauty and practicality. By choosing thinner ribbons and tying them flat, you can minimize the impact on weight and thickness, ensuring your invitations are both elegant and cost-effective.

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