Wedding Invites: Package Or Letter?

Wedding invitations are traditionally mailed as letters, but there are a few things to consider to ensure they arrive safely and on time. Firstly, it's important to know the correct postage for your invitations based on their weight, size, and thickness. Square invitations, for example, require more postage than rectangular ones. It's also a good idea to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed and ensure you're using the correct amount of postage. To avoid any last-minute surprises, it's recommended to add sufficient postage before dropping off your invitations. Additionally, consider using a stronger adhesive to secure the envelopes and always hand them to a staff member at the post office rather than using a street-side mailbox. Taking these steps will help ensure your wedding invitations reach their destination without any issues.

Weighing and postage

Weighing and posting your wedding invitations can be a tricky process. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate it:

Weighing:

The weight of your wedding invitations will determine the postage required. It's important to note that the weight includes the envelope and any additional inserts or embellishments. The standard weight for a letter is one ounce or less, which typically requires a "forever" stamp costing around $0.55. However, most wedding invitations exceed this weight due to multiple inserts and thicker paper. As a result, they often fall into the one-to-two-ounce category, requiring a $0.70 stamp. To be certain, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk. That way, you'll know the exact postage needed for all your invitations.

Postage:

When it comes to postage, there are a few factors to consider:

• Size and Shape: Square envelopes, for instance, cannot go through the sorting machine and require hand cancellation, resulting in additional costs.
• Thickness: If the envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require extra postage. This is often the case when ribbons or thick embellishments are added.
• International Shipping: Mailing invitations internationally incurs higher costs than domestic shipping. Be sure to check the USPS website for country-specific guidelines and restrictions.
• Return Address: Including a return address is crucial. It ensures that if an invitation is undelivered or lost, it can be returned to the sender.
• Hand Cancellation: If your invitations are bulky or have outer envelope embellishments, consider requesting hand cancellation. This means the invitations will be sorted by hand, reducing the risk of damage. However, this service may come with a small additional fee and longer processing time.
• Stamps: Using Forever stamps is a convenient option, as they always cover up to one ounce. For heavier invitations, additional stamps may be needed. It's best to inquire at your local post office about the correct combination of stamps to use.
• Digital RSVPs: Offering a digital RSVP option, especially for international guests, can be more cost-effective and convenient for both you and your guests.

In conclusion, weighing and posting your wedding invitations correctly is essential to ensure they reach your guests without issue. Taking a sample invitation to the post office for weighing and advice on postage is always a good idea.

Tissue paper inserts

Wedding invitations can be mailed as a letter or a package, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they arrive safely and on time. Firstly, it's important to consider the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" to minimise postage costs, as larger or differently-shaped envelopes can result in additional charges. If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require hand sorting, which will also incur extra costs.

Now, onto tissue paper inserts. These thin, delicate, slightly translucent papers are placed over the invitation card and sometimes between each card in the ensemble. They are usually white or cream, cut to standard sizes, and serve three main purposes: tradition, aesthetics, and practicality.

Tradition

The use of tissue paper in wedding invitations dates back to when invitations were handwritten. Tissue paper was placed over the wording to blot excess ink and prevent smudging. Although modern printing methods have made this less necessary, the tradition has endured for its aesthetic appeal.

Aesthetics

Practicality and Protection

If you're concerned about ink smudging, tissue paper is a better option than vellum, which is a contemporary alternative. While vellum offers more colour and size options and can be printed on, it doesn't absorb ink as effectively as tissue paper.

When arranging your invitations with tissue paper inserts, stack your invitation ensemble from largest to smallest, typically with the invitation card at the bottom and the reply card and envelope on top.

Overall, tissue paper inserts add a delicate and protective touch to your wedding invitations, ensuring they arrive in pristine condition and impress your guests from the moment they open the envelope.

Envelope sealing

• Moisten the envelope adhesive with a cotton swab or paintbrush. This ensures the entire adhesive strip is covered, and is more hygienic than licking.
• Place a heavy book or paperweight on top of the envelopes to reinforce the seal.
• Use an additional adhesive such as a glue stick or double-sided tape as a last resort. This may be messier and make it harder for guests to open, however.
• Avoid using a mailbox and hand your invitations directly to a postal worker to reduce the risk of damage.
• Ask the post office to hand-cancel your invitations, which means they will be sorted by hand and less likely to be damaged by machines.
• Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed so you can determine the exact amount of postage required.
• Double-check all the details, including addresses, before taking your invitations to the post office.
• Add sufficient postage before dropping off your invitations to ensure you get your desired stamps and to make the process quicker and easier.
• Include a return address on your wedding invitations so that you can be notified if an invite is not delivered and to avoid losing it completely.

Hand-cancelling

There is typically a small additional fee per envelope for hand-cancelling, and it may take longer for this service to be carried out manually. It is recommended to visit the post office during slow times, such as early weekday mornings, to avoid longer wait times.

While some post offices may refuse to hand-cancel, most are flexible if you visit during slower periods. It is essential to inquire about hand-cancelling when sending out wedding invitations to ensure the best chances of your invitations remaining undamaged.

Timing

The timing of sending out your wedding invitations is crucial. Send them too early, and your guests won't have made travel plans yet, so they won't be able to RSVP immediately and may forget. Send them too late, and your guests may not have enough time to clear their schedules and make travel arrangements. The general rule of thumb is to mail your wedding invitations 8-12 weeks before your wedding. If you're having a destination wedding, mail them on the earlier side, around 3 months in advance. This is because your guests will need more time to plan their travel and accommodations.

If you're sending out Save the Dates, these can be mailed much earlier. It's generally recommended to send these out 6-9 months in advance, or even a year early if you've already finalized the details. This gives your guests plenty of time to prepare, especially if they need to request time off work or save up for the trip.

It's also important to consider the timing of your RSVP deadline. You'll want to set this date for at least 2-3 weeks before your wedding, to allow enough time to finalize the headcount for the caterer and create your seating chart. Some couples prefer to give themselves a little extra wiggle room and request RSVPs 3-6 weeks in advance.

If you're sending out wedding invitations internationally, allow for a little extra time. It's recommended to send these 8-10 weeks in advance to account for potential shipping delays and customs clearance. You may also want to provide a digital RSVP option for international guests to make it easier for them to respond without having to worry about international postage.

When it comes to the time of day to drop off your invitations at the post office, early weekday mornings are ideal. Avoid the lunchtime rush, as this is typically the busiest time for post offices.

Frequently asked questions