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

Acrylic wedding invitations are a unique and stylish way to invite guests to your wedding. Acrylic is a transparent plastic material that is stiff in texture, clear, and lightweight. It can be dressed up or down to fit the aesthetic of any wedding. However, shipping acrylic invitations can be a little tricky and expensive. Here are some tips on how to ship acrylic wedding invitations to ensure they arrive intact and in style.

Choose the right envelope

Choosing the right envelope for your acrylic wedding invitations is crucial. The corners of the acrylic invitations can tear through standard thin envelopes, and the acrylic can crack. Thicker envelopes are highly recommended for this reason. These envelopes should have a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb. and measure 0.5mm (0.02 inches) to 2mm (0.08 inches) in thickness.

If you are unable to source thicker envelopes, you can use an outer and an inner envelope. For a standard 5"x7" acrylic wedding invitation, you can use one A7 envelope (5.25"x7.25") with a weight of at least 80 lb., or nestle it inside a slightly larger A7.5 envelope (5.5"x7.5"). Using box mailers or bubble mailers will provide even more protection and ensure your invitations arrive in pristine condition.

It is important to note that the cost of mailing acrylic wedding invitations can be higher due to the need for protective packaging. The size, thickness, and number of invitation suite pieces will impact the overall mailing cost.

Use protective packaging

Using protective packaging is essential when mailing acrylic wedding invitations to ensure their safe arrival. Acrylic invitations can easily shatter in transit, so it is crucial to take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips to help you package your invitations securely:

• Opt for thicker envelopes: Choose envelopes with a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb. Thicker envelopes provide more protection and reduce the risk of the acrylic invitation tearing through the envelope.
• Consider double enveloping: If you cannot source thicker envelopes, you can use an outer and an inner envelope. For a 5"x7" acrylic wedding invitation, use one A7 envelope (5.25"x7.25") with a weight of at least 80 lb., or place it inside a slightly larger A7.5 envelope (5.5"x7.5").
• Box mailers or bubble mailers: For added protection, consider using box mailers or bubble mailers. These options provide a higher level of security and ensure that your invitations arrive in pristine condition.
• Padding and cushioning: When placing the invitations in boxes or envelopes, use padding or cushioning materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or tissue paper to prevent movement and absorb any shocks during transit.
• Custom packaging: You can also design custom packaging for your acrylic invitations, such as a designed sleeve or a custom suede envelope, adding a touch of elegance to your invitations while providing protection.

By following these guidelines and choosing the appropriate protective packaging, you can have peace of mind knowing that your acrylic wedding invitations will reach your guests safely and in perfect condition.

Weigh the invitation set

Weighing your acrylic wedding invitation set is an important step in the process of sending them out. The weight of the package will determine the shipping rate, so it's crucial to get an accurate measurement. Here are some tips to help you weigh your invitations properly:

Take One Complete Invitation Set to the Post Office:

It is recommended that you take a complete invitation set, including the envelope and any additional inserts or materials, to your local post office to be weighed. This will ensure the most accurate measurement and help you determine the exact cost of shipping.

Use a Postal Scale:

Investing in a postal scale can be helpful if you plan on shipping multiple invitation sets. Postal scales are typically affordable and can provide accurate measurements for weights up to 15-25 lbs. This option is more convenient than having to make multiple trips to the post office.

Estimate the Combined Weight:

If you want to estimate the weight yourself, you can find the individual weight of each item in the set through a simple web search. Add the weight of all the items, including the invitation, envelope, and any other inserts or materials. Remember to round up if you're unsure, as carriers may charge additional costs if your estimate is too low.

Use a Bathroom or Kitchen Scale:

If you don't have a postal scale, you can use a bathroom or kitchen scale to weigh your invitations. For lighter packages, place them directly on the scale. For heavier sets, weigh yourself holding the package and then without it. Subtract the two measurements, and you'll get the package weight.

Use a Weighing App:

For small invitation sets, you can use a weighing app on your phone. These apps use your device's accelerometer or touchscreen pressure sensor to provide an approximate weight. However, be cautious and choose an app that provides relatively accurate measurements.

By following these tips, you can accurately weigh your acrylic wedding invitation sets and determine the appropriate shipping costs. Remember, it's always better to round up your weight estimate to avoid unexpected additional charges.

Hand-cancel the postage

Hand-cancelling your wedding invitations is a great way to ensure they arrive in pristine condition. This process involves having a postal worker stamp your envelope by hand, rather than using a machine, to "cancel" the postage so it can't be reused. Here are some detailed steps and tips to guide you through the process of hand-cancelling the postage for your acrylic wedding invitations:

• Understanding the Benefits: Hand-cancelling is particularly useful for acrylic invitations as they are prone to cracking or tearing through standard thin envelopes. By hand-cancelling, you can avoid the risk of your invitations being damaged by mail sorting machines.
• Timing and Planning: Request hand-cancelling at least two weeks before you plan to mail your invitations. This will give you enough time for any potential processing and corrections. Mid-morning is usually a good time to visit the post office as they tend to be less busy during this period.
• Finding a Participating Post Office: Not all post offices offer hand-cancelling services. It is recommended to call ahead to different branches in your area to find one that provides this service. Be prepared for some postal workers to refuse to hand-cancel. In such cases, you can try talking to the branch manager or taking your invitations to another branch.
• Cost and Payment: As of 2020, hand-cancelling requires an extra $0.21 postage for each envelope. However, this fee is not always enforced, and you may find variations in pricing or even complimentary services at some post offices. Be prepared to pay the required amount, but don't hesitate to ask about potential alternatives.
• Doing it Yourself: Some post offices may allow you to hand-cancel your own invitations to avoid the extra charge. They might provide you with a stamp and let you apply it while they oversee the process. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have a large number of invitations.
• Return Envelopes: It is not necessary to hand-cancel your return envelopes. Sending them through the regular sorting machines will save you money and avoid confusing your guests when they send back their RSVP cards.
• Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping the postal workers who assist you with hand-cancelling can be a nice gesture, especially if they go out of their way to help.

Budget for mailing costs

Budgeting for mailing costs is an important consideration when opting for acrylic wedding invitations. The cost of mailing acrylic invitations will depend on several factors, including the size, thickness, and weight of the invitation, as well as the number of accompanying suite pieces.

Firstly, it is crucial to select the appropriate envelopes for your acrylic invitations. Standard thin envelopes are not suitable, as the corners of the invitations can tear through the envelope, or worse, the acrylic can crack. Thicker envelopes with a text weight of 80 lb. to 110 lb. are recommended. Alternatively, you can use an outer and an inner envelope for added protection. For a standard 5"x7" acrylic wedding invitation, you can use one A7 envelope (5.25"x7.25") with a weight of at least 80 lb., or nestle it inside a larger A7.5 envelope (5.5"x7.5"). If you want to be extra cautious, box mailers or bubble mailers can ensure your invitations arrive in pristine condition.

The weight of your invitation suite will also impact the mailing costs. 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 where the package is mailed. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has different price points and postal zones, so the cost can vary.

Additionally, consider the option of hand-cancelling your invitations, especially if they are 1 mm thick. This means that the postage will be rubber-stamped to "cancel" it, making it non-machinable and preventing it from being processed through the USPS machines, which could bend your invitation. Hand-cancelling typically costs around $0.20 extra per invitation but can save you from potential damage during mailing.

The cost of mailing acrylic invitations can range from $0.70 to $2 per invitation, depending on weight and size. It is important to include this expense in your original budget to avoid unexpected costs when it's time to mail your invitations.

To save on mailing costs, you can also consider ordering samples of acrylic invitations to check their quality before placing a bulk order. This way, you can ensure that your invitations meet your expectations and won't require re-ordering due to damage during mailing.

Frequently asked questions