Wedding Invite Weight: How Much Is Too Much?

Wedding invitations and RSVP cards are usually made from paper or cardstock. The weight of the paper or cardstock will depend on several factors, including the couple's budget, the desired look and feel of the invitations, and the number of inserts included in the invitation suite. Heavier paper or cardstock will generally be more expensive and may require additional postage. The weight of the paper or cardstock can also affect the overall size of the invitation, as thicker papers may not be available in larger sizes.

Standard wedding invites are 5 x 7 but can vary in scale

Wedding invitations are more than just normal letters. The standard size of a wedding invitation is 5"x7", but they can vary in scale depending on the amount of information you need to include and your design preferences.

The 5"x7" size is considered the "traditional" size and is perfect for classic, upscale affairs. It is the most common option and offers the widest range of designs, shapes, and styles. This size is also convenient because it allows you to include standard-size detail and RSVP cards.

If you have a lot of information to convey, you might consider choosing a larger size, such as 6"x8" or 7"x9". These larger sizes can accommodate bolder designs and ensure legibility, especially if you have a lot of text.

On the other hand, if you want a more compact and modern look, you could opt for a petite invitation size of 4.25" x 6". This size is great for modern brides who want a differentiation from the classic invitation while still retaining some classic elements.

Another option is a tall invitation, also known as a thin or skim invitation, measuring 4"x9". This style is useful if you have a lot of logistics to include and want to avoid creating additional inserts.

Square wedding cards are also an option, with the standard size being 5"x5". This size conveys a contemporary vibe and allows for chic borders, cool edges, and symmetric phrasing.

The weight of your wedding invitation and RSVP card will depend on the paper type and thickness you choose. Heavier-weight paper will require additional postage to accommodate the weight.

RSVP cards are typically 3 x 5 but can be larger for destination weddings

When it comes to wedding invites, there are endless possibilities, from the shape, size, and colour to the weight of the paper. The weight of the paper is an important consideration as heavier paper will require additional postage. If you are including RSVP cards with your invitations, you will need to account for the added weight.

RSVP cards are typically 3 x 5 inches, which is a compact size that can be slipped into an envelope inside the invitation. This standard size is perfect for non-destination weddings as it provides enough space for guests to respond without being too bulky.

However, for destination weddings, larger RSVP cards may be more suitable. When planning a destination wedding, it is essential to gather additional information from your guests, such as travel and accommodation details. In this case, a larger RSVP card, measuring 4.25 x 5.5 inches, can be a perfect option. This size allows you to include the necessary travel and room and board queries while still fitting neatly inside your invitation suite.

Ultimately, the size of your RSVP card depends on the amount of information you need to collect from your guests. If you require additional details beyond a simple attendance confirmation, opting for a larger card ensures you have sufficient space for all the necessary queries.

Wedding invites can be square, usually 5 x 5, but will require extra postage

Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes, and couples can get creative with their designs. Square wedding cards can be large or small, with 5 x 5 inches considered the standard. This size and shape give off a contemporary vibe and can feature chic borders, cool edges, and symmetric phrasing. If you like a clean and modern aesthetic, this could be the right invitation style for you.

However, it's important to note that square wedding invitations will require extra postage. The USPS considers square envelopes "odd-sized" or "nonmachineable", resulting in a higher price for postage. This is because square envelopes don't fit through the automated letter-sorting machines at the post office. The extra postage cost is to cover the manual labour required to process these envelopes.

Square envelopes will cost an extra $0.46 per letter, in addition to the postage required for weight and dimensions. For 1-ounce letters, you'll need a $1.19 stamp instead of a $0.73 stamp, and for 2-ounce wedding invitations, you'll need a $1.47 stamp instead of a $1.01 stamp. It's always a good idea to take one of your full wedding invitations, including the envelope, invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope, to your local post office to have them weigh it and advise on the correct postage.

When budgeting for your wedding invitations, don't forget to account for the number of invites, any additional pieces such as RSVP cards, maps, and details cards, as well as postage. The cost of postage can add up, especially if your invitations are heavier or require extra postage due to their shape or size.

Larger and more complex invitations are more costly and may require extra postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are endless possibilities in terms of shape, size, and colour. The standard invitation size is a 5" x 7" rectangular card, which is perfect for a traditional or classic wedding invitation style. However, larger and more complex invitations are also an option and can include additional pieces such as RSVP cards, maps, and details cards. These larger invitations may require extra postage due to increased weight and size.

The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. Most wedding invitations are less than or equal to one ounce and require a "forever" stamp, which costs $0.55 each. Invitations with multiple pieces, such as those with RSVP cards and envelopes, will typically weigh between one and two ounces and require a $0.70 stamp. Square invitations, regardless of weight, require a $0.70 stamp because they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

If you want to include embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals, these additions may increase the thickness of your invitation, resulting in additional postage costs. It's important to consider the overall budget for your invitations, as larger invitations or those with more detailed cards can be more expensive and may require extra postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a sample invitation to the post office for weighing and thickness testing. They will advise you on the appropriate stamps to use, taking into account any unique features of your invitations.

Wedding invites should be sent 6-8 weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline 4 weeks before

The weight of a wedding invite and RSVP card depends on the type of paper, the size of the card, and any additional inserts or embellishments. Heavier paper and larger sizes will increase the weight.

Now, let's talk about timing. Sending your wedding invitations on time is crucial, and it's recommended to mail them 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This gives your guests enough time to plan their attendance, especially if they need to make travel arrangements. It's also a good idea to send out ""save-the-date" cards 6-8 months in advance, or even earlier for destination weddings.

When it comes to the RSVP deadline, setting it 4 weeks before the wedding is a common practice. This allows you to finalize numbers with your caterer, venue, and other vendors. It also gives you time to create a seating chart and make any necessary adjustments. To ensure a timely response from your guests, provide pre-addressed and pre-stamped envelopes, and consider offering digital RSVP options through your wedding website.

Frequently asked questions