Choosing The Right Postage For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. But what about the postage? It's one of the most forgotten aspects of wedding planning, and it can be tricky to get right. The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on various factors, including the weight, shape, size, and thickness of the invitation suite, as well as any embellishments included. Most wedding invitations weigh between one and two ounces, and the cost of postage increases with weight. Non-standard shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, may also incur additional costs. It's important to have your invitations weighed at the post office to determine the correct postage, as insufficient postage can result in invitations being returned or guests having to pay the difference. Choosing the right postage for your wedding invitations ensures they arrive safely and create a good first impression.

Weight, size and thickness matter

When it comes to wedding invitations, weight, size and thickness all play a role in determining the postage required. The weight of an invitation suite is influenced by the number of pieces included, the weight of the paper used, and any embellishments such as wax seals or ribbons. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73 for an envelope weighing one ounce or less. Each additional ounce typically incurs a $0.28 fee.

The size and shape of your invitations also matter. Square invitations, for example, cannot be processed through sorting machines and must be hand-sorted, resulting in a higher postage cost of $0.70. Similarly, envelopes thicker than 0.25 inches or with non-machinable elements like wax seals or ribbons tied in a certain way will also incur additional costs. These non-machinable features add $0.46 to the total postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed. This will help you determine the exact postage required, which may vary depending on the weight and dimensions of your invitation suite.

Non-standard envelopes cost more

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many factors that determine the cost of postage, such as weight, size, thickness, and shape. While standard rectangular envelopes that weigh an ounce or less typically require a "forever" stamp costing $0.55, non-standard envelopes can cost more to mail.

Square envelopes, for example, cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-sorted or "hand-cancelled," resulting in additional charges. Similarly, envelopes with non-machinable elements such as wax seals, thickness exceeding 0.75 inches, or custom sizes will also incur extra fees. These non-machinable elements will require hand-cancelling, which involves a postmaster stamping each envelope individually instead of using a machine.

The weight of the invitation suite, including the number of pieces, the weight of the paper, and any embellishments like ribbons or belly bands, also contributes to the overall postage cost. Invitations with multiple pieces or heavier paper can quickly exceed the one-ounce threshold, requiring additional stamps.

To ensure you apply the correct postage to your wedding invitations, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office for weighing and inspection. This will help you determine the exact postage required and avoid any potential issues with delivery.

Wax seals and ribbons add weight

Wax seals and ribbons can add weight to your wedding invitations, which is an important consideration when it comes to postage. The weight of your invitation suite will determine the cost of postage, so it's essential to keep this in mind when designing your invitations.

Wax seals are a popular way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding invitations. However, they can also increase the weight of your invitations, especially if you're using a larger seal or a thicker wax. If your invitations include a wax seal, it's likely that they will be deemed non-machinable by the post office, which means they will have to be hand-cancelled. This will incur an extra fee of $0.44 per envelope.

Ribbons are another popular embellishment for wedding invitations, but they too can add weight. If you're using a thick or luxurious ribbon, or if you're including multiple ribbons in your invitation suite, this can increase the overall weight. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're already close to the weight limit for a certain postage price.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it's best to have your full suite weighed at the post office before purchasing postage. This way, you can avoid any unexpected costs or delays in delivering your invitations.

It's also important to consider the thickness and dimensions of your invitations when adding wax seals and ribbons. These elements can affect whether your invitations can be processed through standard postal machines or if they will require hand-cancelling. So, while wax seals and ribbons can add a beautiful touch to your wedding invitations, it's crucial to be mindful of the weight and size they contribute to ensure you have the correct postage.

Overall, when designing your wedding invitations and choosing embellishments like wax seals and ribbons, be sure to keep weight and size in mind to avoid any issues with postage. A little planning and consideration can ensure your invitations arrive safely and on time without any unexpected costs.

Multiple stamps are needed for higher weights

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is often one of the most overlooked aspects. The cost of postage for wedding invitations is determined by a variety of factors, including the weight, shape, size, thickness, and embellishments of the suite. While most save-the-date cards only require standard postage ($0.55 to $0.73), wedding invitations typically weigh more than one ounce and may include additional inserts or embellishments, increasing the postage cost.

If your invitation suite exceeds one ounce, you will need to use multiple stamps to make up the difference in postage cost. For example, if your invitation weighs between one and two ounces, you will need a $0.70 stamp in addition to the standard $0.55 "forever" stamp. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.28. It's important to note that square envelopes, wax seals, and certain ribbons may also incur a "non-machinable" surcharge of $0.44 to $0.46, as they cannot be processed through standard postal machines.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office to be weighed and inspected. This will help you determine the exact postage cost and avoid any surprises. Additionally, consider the distance between the origin and destination zip codes, as this can also impact the cost of postage. It is always better to use slightly more postage than necessary to ensure your invitations reach their destination without issue.

Vintage stamps are an option

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is often one of the most overlooked aspects. While it may not be the most thrilling part of the process, it is undoubtedly important. The amount of postage required for a wedding invitation is determined by a few factors, including weight, size, and thickness. The cost of postage will be influenced by the number of pieces in the invitation, the weight of the paper, and any embellishments such as ribbons or wax seals.

When considering vintage stamps, it's important to keep in mind that they may cost more than the standard postage stamps. This is because vintage stamps have been carefully preserved and maintained, and their value may exceed the postage amount indicated on the stamp. For example, a stamp may be purchased for $5, but if the postage denomination on the stamp is only 50 cents, it will only cover 50 cents worth of postage.

If you're interested in using vintage stamps for your wedding invitations, there are a few sources you can explore. Etsy shops like Treasure Fox offer a wide selection of unused vintage stamps, ensuring that your invitations will be both beautiful and functional. Flourish Fine Writing is another option, offering custom postage sets that meet specific postage requirements while also telling your story. Little Postage House, a full-service design studio, also curates vintage postage collections and designs invitations, providing a one-stop solution for your wedding stationery needs.

When selecting vintage stamps, it's advisable to choose a theme or colour scheme that complements your wedding invitations. You can opt for a cohesive look by choosing stamps in similar colours or going for a more eclectic mix of designs. Remember to calculate the correct postage required for your invitations, taking into account the weight and size, and consider including extra stamps for any additional weight or embellishments.

Frequently asked questions