Postage Price For Wedding Invites: How Much To Budget?

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and postage is often an afterthought. However, it is an important aspect that can impact the overall cost of sending out wedding invitations. The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on various factors, such as weight, size, thickness, and shape. Standard rectangular letters weighing 0-1 ounces typically require a $0.55 stamp, while heavier invitations may cost up to $0.85. Square envelopes and non-machinable factors like wax seals or ribbons can also increase the cost. It is recommended to consult with the post office to ensure accurate postage and avoid additional charges or delivery issues.

Weight, size and thickness of the invitation

The weight, size and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine how much postage you need to send them.

A standard "Forever Stamp" costs $0.55 and each additional ounce costs $0.15. If your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two, you will need a two-ounce stamp, which costs $0.70. If your invitation weighs more than two ounces but less than three, you will need a three-ounce stamp, which costs $0.85.

Most wedding invitations are 5"x7" as this is a standard USPS size and does not require additional postage. Square invitations, however, will require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight as their shape means they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-sorted.

If your envelope is thinner than 1/4" thick at its thickest point, it can go through the sorting machine. However, if you want to include a ribbon tie for the envelope liner, you will need to use additional postage as the knot will usually be thicker than 1/4".

The weight of your invitation will be determined by the number of pieces in it, the weight of the paper you use, and any embellishments you include. Invitations with wax seals or ribbons tend to cost $1.29 and up.

Cost of postage for RSVP cards

When it comes to postage for RSVP cards, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you have the correct amount. These typically weigh under the standard amount of postage and will only require one stamp. It is recommended to include postage on RSVP cards to prevent any delays in responses from your guests. This also ensures good etiquette, as it is not polite to make someone pay postage to RSVP to your event.

The cost of a standard postage stamp, or "Forever Stamp", is 55 cents in the US, with each additional ounce costing 15 cents. If you are sending RSVP cards internationally, you don't need to include postage, as most countries will refuse to mail an envelope with a foreign country's postage. In this case, your guests will need to purchase their own stamps.

If your RSVP cards include any decorative elements, such as wax seals, ribbons, or custom sizes, they may be considered "non-machinable" and will need to be hand-cancelled or hand-processed. This means that the postmaster will sort and stamp your mail by hand, rather than using a machine. This service incurs an additional fee of 21 cents per item in the US.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your RSVP cards, it is recommended to take a complete, assembled sample to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They will be able to advise you on the correct amount of postage required.

Cost of postage for international guests

When it comes to wedding invitation postage for international guests, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your invitations reach their destination without any issues.

First, it's important to know the current international postage rates. As of July 2023, the USPS offers a "Global Forever" stamp, which is valued at $1.55 and covers the cost of mailing an envelope weighing one ounce or less to any international destination. This is a convenient option if your wedding invitations are on the lighter side.

If your wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce, you'll need to consider the additional costs. For invitations weighing between one and two ounces, the postage rate is $1.01. Each additional ounce after that, up to three and a half ounces, will cost an extra $0.28. So, for heavier invitations, you can expect to pay more in postage.

It's worth noting that the weight of your wedding invitation suite will depend on several factors, including the number of pieces included, the weight of the paper used, and any embellishments such as wax seals or ribbons. These embellishments can also affect the cost of postage. For example, invitations with wax seals or ribbons often cost $1.29 or more in postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your international guests, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office and have it weighed. That way, you can determine the exact postage required for each invitation, regardless of its weight or destination.

Additionally, when sending wedding invitations internationally, you don't need to include postage on the RSVP response envelopes. Since most countries will not accept mail with a foreign country's postage, it's best to let your international guests purchase their own postage for the response envelopes.

By considering the weight of your invitations and the specific rates for international postage, you can ensure that your wedding invitations reach your guests worldwide without any postal delays or complications.

Cost of postage for non-machinable elements

The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on a few factors, such as weight, size, and thickness. The weight of the invitation is particularly important, as heavier invitations will require more postage. For example, a single first-class stamp costs $1.01 for stationery weighing between one and two ounces, and $1.29 for stationery over three ounces.

If you're sending wedding invitations, it's likely that they will be larger or differently shaped to a standard letter, which can also increase the cost of postage. Square invitations, for instance, are unable to go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, which incurs an additional cost.

Non-machinable stamps are a special type of postage stamp used for letters that cannot be processed by postal machines. These letters may be irregular in size or shape, or they may be too thick, rigid, or have unusual contents. As of August 2024, the cost of the non-machinable surcharge is 46 cents. So, for a one-ounce letter, which would usually require 73 cents of postage, you would need to pay $1.19 in total.

The USPS reviews and changes postage rates periodically, so it's always best to check the current rates before sending your mail.

Cost of postage for different paper types

The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on a few factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. The type of paper you choose for your wedding invitations will impact each of these factors, which will in turn affect the overall cost of postage. Here is a breakdown of how different paper types can influence postage costs:

• Weight: The weight of your wedding invitation will depend on the type and thickness of the paper you choose. Heavier invitations will typically require additional postage. For example, if your invitation exceeds one ounce, you may need a $0.70 stamp instead of a $0.55 "forever" stamp.
• Size: Standard-sized rectangular envelopes are typically the most cost-effective option for postage. Square envelopes or envelopes that are larger than the standard size may require additional postage, such as a $1.19 stamp.
• Thickness: If your wedding invitation includes multiple inserts, ribbons, or other embellishments, it may exceed the maximum thickness allowed for standard postage rates. In such cases, you may need to pay a "non-machinable surcharge" or additional postage.
• Shape: Unusual shapes, such as square or hexagon invitations, can also increase postage costs. Square invitations, for example, typically require hand sorting and therefore have a higher postage rate of $0.70 or more.

To ensure you apply the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They can advise you on the exact postage required, which may vary depending on the specific paper type and dimensions of your wedding invitations.

Frequently asked questions