The Weight Of Wedding Invitations: Standard Measurements

Wedding invitations come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the weight of a wedding invite depends on its design and the number of inserts. The standard invitation size is 5x7, which typically weighs less than an ounce and requires a forever stamp worth $55. Invitations with multiple inserts or design elements, such as ribbons, wax seals, or thicker paper, can weigh more than an ounce and may require additional postage. The weight of a wedding invitation is an important consideration, as it determines the cost of postage. It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the correct postage.

Weight, size, and thickness determine postage

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes will determine the cost of postage.

In the US, the standard "forever" stamp costs $0.55 and covers the cost of sending a 1-ounce letter. Wedding invitations that include multiple pieces, such as RSVP and details cards, will likely weigh more than 1 ounce and require additional postage. Each additional ounce incurs a cost of $0.15.

Square-shaped envelopes require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight as they cannot be processed through the standard sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. Similarly, envelopes with features such as ribbon ties, wax seals, or bulky decorations may also require additional postage due to their non-machinable nature.

To ensure you apply the correct postage, it is recommended to assemble a complete invitation, including all inserts and decorations, and take it to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They will advise you on the correct amount of postage required.

It is also worth noting that larger and more complex invitations will generally be more costly to produce and send, so it is essential to consider your budget when designing your wedding invitations.

Forever stamps for under 1oz, 70c stamps for 1-2oz

The weight of a wedding invitation can vary depending on its design and the number of inserts included. The standard invitation size is 5" x 7", which typically weighs under an ounce and requires a Forever stamp (currently priced at $0.55). However, if your invitation includes multiple inserts, such as an RSVP card, details card, or envelope liner, it may weigh between one and two ounces. In this case, you will need a $0.70 stamp.

It's important to note that weight is not the only factor affecting postage cost. The size, thickness, and shape of the invitation can also impact the price. For example, square invitations require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight because they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. Similarly, invitations with ribbon ties or wax seals may require additional postage due to their thickness or non-machinable characteristics.

To ensure you use the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to assemble a complete invitation, including all inserts and envelopes, and take it to the post office for weighing and inspection. This will help you determine the exact postage required and avoid any issues with mailing your invitations.

While Forever stamps are suitable for most wedding invitations weighing under an ounce, for those weighing between one and two ounces, 70c stamps are necessary. It is always a good idea to double-check with your local post office to ensure you have the correct postage for your specific invitation design.

Square invites require 70c stamps

When it comes to wedding invitations, weight isn't the only factor that determines postage cost. The size and thickness of your invites can also affect how much you'll need to spend to mail them out. Square wedding invites, in particular, often require additional postage because their shape means they can't go through the postal sorting machine and have to be hand-sorted or "hand-cancelled". This is why square invitations automatically require a 70-cent stamp, regardless of their weight.

To avoid any issues, it's recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation (including the envelope and any inserts) to your local post office to be weighed and inspected. This way, you can ensure you're applying the correct amount of postage and avoid having your invitations bounced back or your guests being asked to pay the remaining postage cost.

It's also worth noting that the cost of postage should be considered when choosing the size and style of your wedding invitations. Larger or more complex invitations will typically require more stamps, so it's important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your wedding.

Additionally, if you're planning to use vintage stamps or a mix of different stamps, be sure to check their value and that they add up to the correct amount of postage to avoid any issues.

Belly bands, ribbons, and wax seals increase weight

When it comes to wedding invites, it's important to consider the weight of any additional embellishments you plan to include, such as belly bands, ribbons, and wax seals. These extra touches can elevate the look and feel of your invitations, but they also add to the overall weight, which can impact postage costs.

Belly bands, in particular, can add a significant amount of weight, especially if you choose a sturdy material like velvet or glitter lace. While they serve the practical purpose of holding together the various components of your invitation suite, they also contribute to a more luxurious and polished presentation. If you're concerned about weight, consider lightweight options like vellum, which can be customised with names, dates, or other designs.

Ribbons are another way to add a touch of elegance to your wedding invites. They can be used to securely tie together the invitation and any accompanying cards, or simply as a decorative accent. The weight of ribbons can vary depending on the material and width, with options ranging from delicate sheer ribbons to more substantial silk or cotton varieties. When factoring in the weight of ribbons, consider not only the length used to wrap the invitation but also any additional length that may drape or hang from the suite.

Wax seals are a timeless way to add a touch of romance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. Whether you choose a classic monogram or a more whimsical design, these seals will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. The weight of wax seals can vary depending on their size and thickness, and they may require additional postage if they add bulk or change the shape of your envelopes.

When planning your wedding invitations, it's important to be mindful of the overall weight, especially if you're including multiple inserts, thick cardstock, or any of the aforementioned embellishments. It's always a good idea to assemble a complete invitation suite and have it weighed at the post office to ensure you're applying the correct amount of postage. This will help you avoid any unexpected costs or delays in delivering your special announcements to your loved ones.

Take invites to the post office to be weighed

When it comes to wedding invites, weight isn't the only factor that determines postage costs. Size, thickness, and shape can also affect the price. For example, square invitations are unable to go through the sorting machine and must be hand-sorted, resulting in additional costs. Similarly, if your invite has a wax seal, it may be considered non-machinable and incur a surcharge.

To ensure you use the correct postage for your wedding invites, it's recommended that you take a fully assembled invite, complete with all enclosures and the envelope, to your local post office to be weighed and inspected. This way, you can determine the exact postage required and avoid any potential issues with your invites being returned to you or your guests having to pay additional postage to receive them.

By taking a sample invite to the post office, you can confirm the weight and dimensions of your invite and receive guidance on the appropriate stamps to purchase. This is especially important if your invites include multiple enclosures, unique shapes or sizes, or any special features like ribbons, wax seals, or thick paper.

Taking your wedding invites to the post office for weighing and inspection is a crucial step in the planning process. It ensures that your invites reach their intended recipients without any postal delays or complications. It's also an opportunity to clarify any questions or concerns you may have about postage rates and requirements.

Frequently asked questions