Wedding Invitation Mailing: A Guide To Getting It Right

Mailing wedding invitations can be a tricky process. It's important to know the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations, as these factors determine the postage cost. To avoid any issues, take a sample invitation to the post office and ask for the correct stamps. Square envelopes and those with wax seals or thick ribbons may require a nonmachinable surcharge because they have to be hand-cancelled. It's also a good idea to mail your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding and to order a few extras in case some go missing.

Weighing and postage

The size and shape of the envelope also influence postage costs. Square invitations, for instance, automatically require additional postage of $0.70 regardless of weight because they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. Similarly, if the envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it will require additional 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 provide the exact postage required, which may be more than the basic Forever stamp. It is also advisable to mail an invitation to yourself as a test to ensure it arrives without issue and within a reasonable timeframe.

When purchasing stamps, consider convenience and the availability of pretty stamp designs. Ordering stamps online through USPS offers convenience and a wider selection of designs, including vintage stamps, which can add a unique touch to your invitations. However, ordering online may take around a week for delivery, so plan accordingly.

In summary, determining the correct postage for your wedding invitations is crucial. Take a sample invitation to the post office to be weighed, and consider ordering stamps online for convenience and aesthetic appeal.

Envelope sealing

The traditional method of licking the adhesive liner on an envelope is not ideal when sending out wedding invitations. Licking that many envelopes is unhygienic, tiring, and hazardous (paper cuts!). Instead, moisten the envelope adhesive with a cotton swab or paintbrush. This makes it easier to cover the entire adhesive strip.

If your envelopes are not staying shut, try placing your invitations under a heavy book or paperweight to reinforce the seal. If this doesn't work, use an additional adhesive such as a glue stick or double-sided tape. However, this may make it more difficult for guests to open their invitations.

If you want to add a pretty touch to your envelopes, you can add a sticker or piece of washi tape. However, don't rely on these as the main closure method as they can fall off or catch on other items during delivery.

Post office drop-off

When it comes to mailing your wedding invitations, the best option is to hand them directly to a staff member at the post office. While it may be tempting to drop them into a street-side mailbox, taking them inside will give you extra peace of mind and help ensure they don't get damaged in transit.

Before you go, it's a good idea to add the correct postage to your invitations. If you arrive at the post office without stamps, you run the risk of not finding your desired stamps, compromising the aesthetic of your envelopes. It's also worth noting that adding sufficient postage before dropping off your invitations will make your interaction with the postal clerk quicker and easier.

To determine the correct amount of postage, take one fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk. The price for mailing one invitation should be the same for the others. The amount of postage required will depend on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. If your invitation is under 1 ounce, you can typically mail it with a single Forever stamp. However, if your invitation includes multiple pieces, it may weigh between 1 and 2 ounces and require additional postage.

Square envelopes and envelopes with a wax seal or thick ribbon may also require a "nonmachinable surcharge" because they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. This typically costs an additional $0.20 per envelope.

When you visit the post office, try to go during a slow time, such as early on a weekday morning, to avoid long waits. It's also a good idea to visit the specific location where you'll be mailing your invitations to ensure consistent information.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are mailed correctly and safely.

Hand-cancelling

If you plan to hand-cancel your wedding invitations, it is important to note that this service may cost extra per envelope, so be sure to inquire about hand-cancelling when you bring your stuffed envelopes in for weighing. As hand-cancelling is more time-intensive, it is best to go to the post office during off-peak hours to have this done.

Additionally, if your wedding invitations include wax seals or thick ribbons, they may require what is called a "non-machinable surcharge" because they will need to be hand-cancelled. This will cost extra, so be sure to remind your postal workers of any special features when you drop off your invitations.

Timing

When to Send

It is recommended that wedding invitations be mailed 6-8 weeks before the wedding. This timeline can be adjusted if you are having a destination wedding, have a lot of out-of-town guests, or are getting married on a holiday weekend. In these cases, it is advisable to send the invitations earlier, around the 8-12 week mark. For save-the-dates, it is suggested to send them at least 6-9 months in advance, especially if your wedding is a destination wedding. There is no such thing as too early for save-the-dates!

Order Extra Invitations

It is a good idea to order about 7 extra wedding invitations. These can be used for photographers, keepsakes, or last-minute guest additions. They can also serve as backups in case any invitations get lost in the mail, which unfortunately does happen occasionally.

Visit the Post Office

Before mailing your invitations, pay a visit to your local post office. Take a fully assembled invitation with you and have it weighed by a postal clerk. This will help you determine the correct postage amount, which can vary depending on the weight and size of your invitation suite. It is also recommended to hand your invitations to a staff member at the post office rather than using a street-side mailbox, to ensure they are securely dispatched.

International Invitations

If you are sending invitations internationally, it is important to allow for extra time. Send these invitations 8-10 weeks in advance to account for potential customs clearance and shipping delays. It is also a good idea to provide a digital RSVP option for international guests, so they can respond quickly without incurring additional postage costs.

Proofread and Test

Before sending your invitations, proofread all the addresses and double-check that you have the correct postage. Consider mailing one invitation to yourself as a test to ensure it arrives within a reasonable timeframe and without any issues. This will give you peace of mind that your invitations will reach your guests safely and on time.

Frequently asked questions