Stamping Your Wedding Invites To The Czech Republic

Wedding invitations are a very special type of correspondence. They are often bursting with details cards, fancy embellishments, and other unique features. This means that they are usually heavier than a standard letter and may require additional postage. The number of stamps needed depends on the weight and dimensions of the fully stuffed envelope. If you are sending your invitations from the USA to the Czech Republic, you will need to pay close attention to the weight and size of your envelopes to ensure they arrive safely and on time.

Weighing your wedding invitation

Understanding Weight Requirements:

The weight of your wedding invitation plays a significant role in determining the postage cost. Most postal services, like USPS, offer different rates based on weight tiers. For example, a single first-class Forever Stamp is typically sufficient for an envelope weighing one ounce or less. However, if your invitation exceeds this weight, you'll need to purchase additional postage in smaller denominations to make up the difference.

Weighing Your Invitation:

To accurately determine the weight of your wedding invitation, use a kitchen food scale. Round up the weight to the nearest ounce, as postal services often charge based on weight tiers. For instance, if your invitation weighs 1.21 ounces, you will need to pay the postage rate for the 2-ounce tier.

Considering Dimensions:

In addition to weight, the dimensions of your invitation can impact the postage cost. Non-standard sizes, such as square or hexagon envelopes, may require additional postage. Similarly, if your invitation includes embellishments like wax seals, clasps, or buttons, it may be considered a "non-machinable" envelope, resulting in a higher postage rate.

Calculating Total Postage:

To calculate the total postage required for your wedding invitation, consider both weight and dimensions. If your invitation is standard in size and weight (under one ounce), a single Forever Stamp should suffice. However, for heavier or non-standard invitations, you'll need to add additional stamps in smaller denominations.

Purchasing Stamps:

You can purchase stamps for your wedding invitations at your local post office or online. When buying stamps, consider the theme or colour scheme of your wedding. Some retailers, like Etsy and Edelweiss Post, offer vintage or specially curated stamps that can enhance the aesthetic of your invitation.

Remember, it's always a good idea to bring a fully stuffed envelope to the post office and have them weigh it to determine the exact postage required. This will ensure that your invitations reach their destination without any delays or additional charges.

Choosing the right number of stamps

Weight and Dimensions: The number of stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitation is standard size and weighs under one ounce, one Forever Stamp is enough. However, if your envelope is bursting with details cards and fancy embellishments, you'll need additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to make up the difference.

Shape and Size: Unusual shapes and sizes may require extra postage. For example, square envelopes are considered non-machinable and may require extra postage. Similarly, if your envelope has attachments like string, buttons, wax seals, or clasps, it will likely cost more to mail.

Destination: Sending your invitations outside the country will also influence the number of stamps you need. International Forever Stamps or Global Forever Stamps are ideal for sending correspondence internationally.

Speed of Delivery: If you want to send your invitations first-class to ensure timely delivery, you'll need to factor in the slightly higher cost of first-class postage.

Extra Items: Don't forget to account for other pieces of your stationery suite, such as save-the-dates and RSVP cards. You'll need to purchase additional stamps for these items as well, so plan to have at least three stamps per invitation suite.

Local Post Office: If you're unsure about the exact number or denomination of stamps required, your local post office can help. Bring a ready-to-mail envelope with all the inserts, and they can advise you on the correct postage.

By following these guidelines and consulting with your local post office, you can ensure you choose the right number of stamps for your wedding invitations.

Using Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps are non-denominational First-Class postage stamps that were introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 2007. They allow you to mail a one-ounce letter at the First-Class rate, regardless of when the stamps are purchased or used, and despite any future price changes. Forever Stamps are always sold at the same price as regular First-Class Mail stamps.

When sending wedding invitations internationally to the Czech Republic, you can use Global Forever Stamps, which currently cost $1.65 each and never expire, even if the postage price increases. Alternatively, you can use regular domestic Forever Stamps as long as they add up to the required amount for the destination country. For the Czech Republic, you will need $1.65 worth of postage for a standard-sized letter weighing up to 1 oz. Therefore, you can use one Global Forever Stamp or a combination of domestic Forever Stamps to reach the equivalent value.

If your wedding invitation exceeds the standard weight or size requirements, you will need to attach additional postage. For example, if your envelope is thicker or contains inserts that make it non-machinable, you may need to add $0.40 in extra postage. It is always a good idea to take one complete invitation to the post office to have it weighed and measured, so you can determine the exact postage required.

To purchase Forever Stamps, you can visit your local post office, buy them online at usps.com, or order them by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724). They are typically sold in sheets or booklets of 20. Remember that Forever Stamps are only valid for domestic mail within the United States. When sending mail internationally, you will need to attach additional postage, as international prices are higher than domestic rates.

Sending invitations to the Czech Republic

When sending wedding invitations to the Czech Republic, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they arrive safely and on time. Here is a guide to help you through the process:

Weight and Dimensions:

The number of stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. Wedding invitations often include multiple inserts and embellishments, which can make the envelope heavier and thicker than a standard letter. It is important to weigh your invitation and round up to the nearest ounce. If your invitation exceeds the standard size and weight limits, you will need to purchase additional postage.

Type of Stamps:

You can use Global Forever Stamps, which cost $1.55 each, or regular domestic forever stamps that add up to $1.55. If your invitation weighs more than one ounce, you will need extra postage. You can use smaller denomination stamps, such as a 20-cent stamp, in addition to your Forever Stamp to make up the difference. Alternatively, you can use two Global Forever Stamps ($3.10) or three Domestic Forever Stamps ($2.19) to overpay slightly.

International Priority:

When sending invitations internationally, you can use stamps identified with a letter for priority delivery. For invitations sent to European countries, use an E-stamp (CZK 39) instead of a stamp with a face value. For non-European countries, use a Z-stamp (CZK 45).

Delivery Speed:

Keep in mind that delivery times to the Czech Republic can vary from 7 to 21 days. If you want to ensure your invitations arrive on time, consider sending them first-class, which may incur additional costs.

Other Considerations:

If your invitations have decorative elements such as strings, buttons, wax seals, or clasps, they may require hand-cancelling. This service ensures that your postage stamp is marked with a black ink stamp to prevent reuse, but it will cost an extra $0.44 per envelope. Additionally, square envelopes are considered non-machinable and will require an additional $0.40 in postage.

It is recommended to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and sized accurately. They can advise you on the correct postage and any additional services you may need.

Avoiding common mistakes

To ensure your wedding invitations arrive safely in the Czech Republic, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.

Firstly, it's important to remember that the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope will determine the number and type of postage stamps you need. If your invitations are standard size and weigh under one ounce, one Forever Stamp or Global Forever Stamp is enough. However, if your invitations are heavier or have additional embellishments, you'll need to add smaller denomination stamps to cover the extra postage.

Another mistake to avoid is forgetting to include stamps with your RSVP cards. It's important to include stamped and addressed RSVP envelopes for your guests' convenience and to guarantee a faster response time. If you're looking to cut costs, you can request guests to RSVP on your wedding website or send RSVP postcards instead, which cost less in postage.

It's also a good idea to take one fully assembled invitation to your local post office to be weighed and measured. This will ensure you have the correct postage, as short-paid invitations may be returned to you or your guests may have to pay additional postage. If your invitations have any unusual features, such as square envelopes or wax seals, they may be considered "non-machinable" and require additional postage.

Finally, don't forget to consider the location and speed of delivery. Sending invitations internationally or via first-class mail will increase the cost of postage. Planning ahead and allowing enough time for delivery will help you avoid last-minute stress.

Frequently asked questions