Mailing Acrylic Wedding Invites: A Step-By-Step Guide

Acrylic wedding invitations are a rising trend, but they can be costly to mail. Acrylic is a stiff, transparent plastic material that looks like glass but weighs less. It is adaptable and can be dressed up for a luxe design or dressed down for a minimalist approach. Acrylic invitations are unique and can be customised with different colours, textures, and designs. However, they are not eco-friendly and can be wasteful. When mailing acrylic invitations, it is important to choose the right envelopes to prevent damage and additional costs. Thicker envelopes or box mailers are recommended to protect the invitations. The cost of mailing acrylic invitations will depend on the size, thickness, and number of pieces included. It is also important to consider hand-cancelling or non-machinable options to avoid potential damage during processing.

Choose the right envelopes

Choosing the right envelope for your acrylic wedding invitations is crucial. The wrong envelope could result in cracked invitations or invitations with torn corners. To avoid this, do not mail your acrylic invitations in standard thin envelopes. Instead, opt for thicker stock envelopes with a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb. Alternatively, you can use an outer and an inner envelope. For example, for a standard 5"x7" acrylic wedding invitation, use one A7 envelope (5.25"x7.25") with a weight of at least 80 lb., or use an A7 envelope inside a larger A7.5 envelope (5.5"x7.5"). If you want to be extra cautious, you can also use box mailers or bubble mailers to ensure your invitations arrive in perfect condition.

When selecting envelopes, keep in mind that the cost of mailing acrylic invitations can be high. The cost will depend on the size, thickness, and weight of the invitation, as well as the number of pieces in the invitation suite. To avoid unexpected expenses, consider mailing costs in your budget. Special boxes or padded envelopes are typically required for acrylic invitations, which can increase the overall cost.

Additionally, the weight of your invitation suite will impact the mailing cost. Anything over 1 oz will be more expensive to mail. It is recommended to take a complete invitation set to your local post office to be weighed, as the cost will depend on the weight and the mailing zone.

To further protect your invitations, consider hand-cancelling them. This will ensure they are not processed through the USPS machines, which can bend or damage your invitations. Hand-cancelling involves rubber-stamping the postage to "cancel" it, preventing it from being used again. This typically costs around $0.20 extra per invitation but can save you from potential damage during the mailing process.

In summary, when choosing envelopes for your acrylic wedding invitations, opt for thicker stock envelopes or use an inner and outer envelope. Consider the mailing costs and weight of your invitations, and don't forget to explore options like hand-cancelling to ensure your invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition.

Hand-cancelling

To hand-cancel your acrylic wedding invitations, follow these steps:

• Prepare your invitations: Assemble and address your invitations, ensuring they are placed in appropriate envelopes or packaging. Acrylic invitations should be mailed in thicker stock envelopes, preferably with a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb., to prevent tearing or cracking. You can also use an outer and inner envelope for added protection. If you want to be extremely cautious, consider using box mailers or bubble mailers.
• Take your invitations to the post office: Bring your invitations to your local post office and specifically request hand-cancelling. Show them an example of your invitation and envelope/packaging to ensure they understand your requirements.
• Pay the additional fee: Hand-cancelling will incur an extra charge, typically around $0.20 per invitation. This small fee is worth paying to avoid the risk of damage to your invitations.
• Confirm the process: Before leaving the post office, confirm with the postal workers that your invitations will be hand-cancelled and not processed through the machines. This extra step will give you peace of mind.

By opting for hand-cancelling, you can rest assured that your acrylic wedding invitations will be handled with care and arrive safely to your guests. This process may also expedite delivery, as hand-cancelled mail is often processed separately and given priority. Remember to include proper labelling such as "Fragile" or "Do Not Bend" on your envelopes or packaging for added caution.

Timing

The timing of sending out your wedding invitations is important, and this should be factored in when considering the method of postage. It is recommended that invitations are sent to guests six to eight weeks in advance of the wedding. For destination weddings, it is advised to give guests three months' notice. If your delivery time is relatively late and it is very close to the receipt date, consider adding a QR code to the invitation so that guests can reply swiftly.

It is also worth noting that the timing of your visit to the post office is important. Try to avoid busy periods, and be mindful of the level of care your packages will need. If you are sending your invitations during a busy period, such as the holidays, it may be worth paying for additional services to ensure your invitations are handled with care.

Before posting your invitations, it is highly recommended that you take a complete invitation set to your local post office to be weighed. This will allow you to purchase the correct postage and avoid any delays or returns. The cost of mailing acrylic invitations will depend on the size, thickness, and weight of the package, as well as the number of items included in the suite.

To ensure your invitations arrive on time and in pristine condition, it is advisable to hand-cancel them. This means paying a small extra fee to have the postage hand-stamped, preventing the invitations from being processed through sorting machines that could damage them. While this may not completely guarantee that your invitations won't go through a machine, it significantly reduces the risk.

To save time and stress, it is also suggested to hand-deliver as many invitations as possible, especially to those living nearby. This eliminates the risk of damage during postage and ensures your carefully crafted invitations reach your guests safely.

Packaging

When it comes to mailing acrylic wedding invitations, packaging is key to ensuring your invitations arrive intact and in pristine condition. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for packaging your acrylic invitations:

Choose the Right Envelopes

Selecting the appropriate envelopes for your acrylic invitations is crucial. Avoid standard thin envelopes, as the corners of the acrylic invitations can tear through them, and the acrylic can crack. Instead, opt for thicker stock envelopes with a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb. For added protection, you can use an outer and an inner envelope. For a 5" x 7" acrylic invitation, use one A7 envelope (5.25" x 7.25") weighing at least 80 lb., or place it inside a slightly larger outer envelope.

Protective Packaging

To ensure your acrylic invitations arrive safely, consider using box mailers or bubble mailers. These provide extra protection and assure your invitations will arrive in perfect condition. The added cushioning of bubble wrap or a box helps prevent breakage during transit.

Hand-Cancelling

While it costs extra (around $0.20 each), hand-cancelling your invitations is highly recommended. This process involves rubber-stamping the postage to "cancel" it, making the invitations non-machinable and less likely to be bent or damaged by USPS processing machines.

Timing

Mail your invitations six to eight weeks in advance for local weddings. For destination weddings, extend this timeframe to three months in advance. If your delivery time is close to the wedding date, consider adding a QR code to the invitation for quicker responses.

Weight and Postage

The weight of your acrylic invitations will impact the postage cost. Take a complete invitation set to your local post office to get an accurate weight and determine the cost. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has different price points based on weight and mailing zone.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

If you're concerned about the environmental impact of acrylic invitations, consider vellum paper wedding invitations. Vellum is a type of transparent paper made from the same fibres as regular paper and is easily recyclable, providing a unique and eco-friendly alternative.

By following these packaging instructions and tips, you can ensure that your acrylic wedding invitations arrive safely and make a lasting impression on your guests.

Eco-friendly alternatives

If you're looking for an eco-friendly alternative to acrylic wedding invitations, there are several options to consider. Acrylic is a type of plastic that is not only harmful to the environment but also costly to produce and mail. Here are some eco-conscious choices that will help reduce your carbon footprint:

Recycled Paper Invitations

Recycled paper is an excellent option for eco-friendly wedding invitations. By choosing this material, you contribute to reducing deforestation, energy consumption, and waste associated with paper production. Recycled paper invitations offer a rustic and textured look, adding a unique charm to your wedding stationery. They are also usually more affordable than acrylic invitations.

Digital or Paperless Invitations

Digital wedding invitations are a modern and sustainable alternative. By opting for email invitations, you eliminate the need for physical materials, transportation, and paper waste. This option is not only environmentally conscious but also offers creative possibilities with animations, RSVP links, and personalized multimedia elements. You can even include QR codes that guests can scan for easy access to event details.

Plantable Seed Paper Invitations

Plantable seed paper invitations are a unique and environmentally friendly approach. They incorporate seeds into biodegradable paper, so your guests receive not just an invitation but also a gift of growth. Once planted, the paper decomposes, allowing the seeds to germinate and bloom into flowers, herbs, or plants. It's a memorable way to celebrate your love while contributing to sustainable practices.

Botanical Elements and Natural Fibers

Incorporate botanical elements such as pressed flowers, leaves, or botanical illustrations into your invitations. You can also opt for natural fibers like organic cotton or linen to create fabric invitations. These options add a touch of nature and elegance to your stationery while minimizing waste.

Vellum Paper

If you're drawn to the idea of clear invitations, vellum paper is a more environmentally friendly choice than acrylic. Vellum is made from the same fibers as regular paper and can be easily recycled. It offers a unique and elegant look while still being kind to the planet.

Wooden Invitations

Wooden invitations provide a timeless and eco-friendly option. They can be intricately engraved or etched, creating stylish and distinctive designs. Wooden invitations can also be repurposed or kept as keepsakes, making them a sustainable and memorable choice.

When considering eco-friendly alternatives, remember to think about the overall style and tone of your wedding. Opt for options that reflect your values and the environmental message you want to convey to your guests.

Frequently asked questions