Choosing The Perfect Envelope Weight For Your Wedding Invitation

Wedding invitations are a key part of wedding planning. The weight of the envelope is an important consideration, as it can impact the cost of postage. Basic wedding invitation suites, including a mailing envelope, flat single-layer invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope, can usually be mailed using a regular First Class Stamp. However, there are several factors that can increase the weight of the invitation set, such as the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, the use of pocket-folds, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals. It is recommended to take a complete wedding invitation to the local post office to have it weighed and to check if it meets thickness requirements. Square envelopes, for instance, are considered irregular and will require additional postage. The weight of the envelope, along with its size and shape, can determine the overall cost of sending out wedding invitations.

Invitation weight and postage cost

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several factors that can affect postage costs. Firstly, let's look at weight. A basic rule to remember is that any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. The weight of your invitation will depend on the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, and any embellishments included, such as ribbons or wax seals. Most simple wedding invitations, including the mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope, will only require a regular First-Class Stamp. However, if your invitation weighs more than 1 ounce but less than 2 ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp, and a 3-ounce stamp for invitations over 2 ounces.

It's important to note that square envelopes are considered irregular and will require additional postage due to their unique shape. These can cost around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. Additionally, if your invitation is more than 1/4" thick, you may also need to pay extra for postage. This often happens when invitations include ribbons, twine, or wax seals.

To determine the exact postage required, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and checked for thickness. They can advise on the accurate postage required, taking into account any unusual features.

Now, let's discuss envelope sizes. The standard size for wedding invitation envelopes is A7 (5.25" x 7.25"), which fits a 5" x 7" invitation. However, there are various other sizes available depending on your needs. For example, a 6" square envelope will require a 5.5" square invitation, as enclosures for square envelopes must be at least 1/4" smaller than the envelope size.

When choosing an envelope, consider the size, theme, and aesthetic of your wedding. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, investing in good cardstock and envelopes can add an elegant touch. For larger weddings, consider oversized invitations and envelopes to make an impact. You can also add unique details such as wax seals, laser-cut designs, lace appliques, ribbons, or stamps to enhance the look of your envelopes.

Remember to include different-coloured envelopes for cards that require a response, such as RSVPs, song requests, or dinner choices. Your invitations should be the largest cards in your suite, followed by save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and thank-you cards. Overall, the weight and size of your wedding invitations, along with any embellishments, will determine the final postage cost.

Paper weight and thickness

The weight and thickness of your wedding invitation paper and envelope are important factors to consider when planning your big day. Not only do you want your invitations to look and feel luxurious, but you also need to ensure they meet postal requirements. Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding paper weight and thickness:

Printing Process

The printing process you choose will impact the type and weight of paper you can use. If you plan to print your invitations at home, you need to consider the paper weight capabilities of your printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock, but it's important to check your printer manual for specific information. On the other hand, if you plan to use a professional print shop, you should research different print shops to understand their equipment, processes, and capabilities. Offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing are some popular methods for printing wedding invitations.

Invitation Style

The style of your invitation will also dictate the weight of paper you should use. Flat invitation cards, which are a single sheet of cardstock, typically use heavier weight cardstock of 80lb cover or more. Folding invitation cards, on the other hand, use lighter stock since they are doubled in thickness after folding. A popular weight range for this style is between 65lb and 100lb cover. For layered invitations or those with pockets or wraps, you can vary the weights of each layer, with the top layer being lighter and the backer or pocket being as heavy as you like.

Postage

The weight of your invitation will affect the postage cost. Any invite weighing over 1 ounce will require additional postage. To keep costs down, consider using lighter weight cardstock. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to your local post office to determine the accurate postage required.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of paper weight and thickness is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer thick, heavy cardstock, while others opt for lighter, thinner stock. Choose the weight and thickness that align with your design vision and budget.

Envelope Weight and Thickness

When choosing envelopes for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and thickness of the paper they are made from. Envelopes are typically converted from text-weight paper, and the heavier the weight number, the heavier the envelope. Basic economy envelopes are usually made from 20/50# paper, while nicer invitation envelopes may be made from 80lb text-weight paper. Square envelopes will require additional postage due to their irregular shape.

Envelope weight and size

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many options to choose from, and the weight and size of the envelope will depend on several factors. Firstly, let's talk about weight. The weight of the envelope is determined by the weight of the paper used. A basic economy envelope is usually made from 20/50# paper, while a nicer invitation envelope might be made from 80lb text weight paper. The heavier the weight number, the heavier the envelope.

Now, let's discuss the size. The size of the envelope should match the largest element within the invitation bundle. As a rule of thumb, the dimensions of the envelope will increase by 1/4 inch for both height and width compared to the largest part of the invitation. For example, a classic 5" x 7" invitation will typically come with a 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" envelope. It's important to ensure that the invitation fits snugly in the envelope, so the envelope size will depend on the number of inserts and the thickness of the paper used.

Another factor to consider is the shape of the envelope. Square envelopes are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage. The cost of postage will also depend on the weight of the envelope and its contents, with heavier invitations requiring more postage. It's always a good idea to bring a finished invitation to the post office to determine the accurate postage required.

When choosing an envelope, you can also consider the design and theme of your wedding. For a rustic or minimalist wedding, standard sizes like a 5" x 7" invitation and a 3" x 5" RSVP card might be a good choice. For a more elaborate or unique theme, you could opt for embellished and large envelopes, which come in various finishes like opaque, glitter, and metallic.

In conclusion, the weight and size of the envelope for your wedding invitations will depend on factors such as the number of inserts, the thickness of the paper, the shape of the envelope, and the overall design and theme of your wedding. It's important to consider all these factors to ensure your invitations fit snugly and arrive safely to your guests.

Printing options

Printing your wedding invitations at home or with a professional printing service are both options to consider.

Home Printing

When printing your invitations at home, it is important to consider the paper weight capabilities of your home printer. Most consumer-grade home printers can handle 80lb (216gsm) to 100lb (270gsm) cardstock. However, not all printers are the same, so be sure to consult your printer manual for card stock printing information and recommendations.

Professional Printing Services

If you decide to use a professional printing service, there are several methods available, including offset printing, thermography, letterpress printing, and digital printing. Each method has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the weight of the paper they can accommodate varies. For example, offset printing can handle weights up to 120lb cover (325gsm), while letterpress printing is commonly used on thicker cardstock ranging from 111lb (300gsm) to 222lb (600gsm).

When choosing a printing option, consider the style and composition of your invitations. If you are creating a flat invitation card, a heavier weight cardstock is typically used, usually 80lb cover and up. On the other hand, folding invitation cards are made with lighter stock, typically ranging from 65lb to 100lb cover. Layered invitation cards can be made with a variety of weights, but it is recommended to keep the top layer light (80lb cover and under) and attach it to a heavier card.

In addition to the weight of the cardstock, the printing process and invitation style will also impact the overall cost of your invitations. Heavier cardstock will require additional postage, so it is important to consider your budget and printing options carefully.

There are many professional printing services available, such as CatPrint, Vistaprint, Staples, and Canva, that offer a range of paper weights, colours, and finishes to choose from. Be sure to compare prices and read reviews before selecting a printing service.

Invitation design and embellishments

When it comes to wedding invitation design and embellishments, there are endless possibilities to choose from. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create elegant and personalised invitations for your big day:

Choose a Theme or Style

Decide on a theme or style that reflects your wedding's overall aesthetic. Are you going for a rustic, modern, classic, or minimalist look? You can incorporate this theme into your invitations through colour schemes, fonts, and paper choices. For example, a rustic wedding might feature invitations printed on recycled brown paper, while a minimalist wedding could opt for simple designs with clean lines and neutral colours.

Embellishments and Add-ons

To make your invitations stand out, consider adding embellishments such as:

• Belly bands or ribbons to hold the invitation suite together.
• Wax seals for a traditional and elegant touch.
• Envelope liners in complementary colours or patterns.
• Calligraphy or custom fonts for the addresses and invitation wording.
• Monograms or watermarks for a personalised touch.
• Photos of the happy couple, either printed on the invitation or included as a separate insert.

Printing and Paper Options

The printing method you choose will impact the overall look and feel of your invitations. Here are some popular options:

• Offset printing: Offers consistent quality and the ability to print on a variety of paper weights and surfaces.
• Thermography: Creates raised prints with a unique tactile and visual appeal, often used for elegant and traditional invitations.
• Letterpress: Uses plates and ink to press designs onto paper, resulting in a unique textured look.
• Digital printing: A fast and economical option that allows for multiple colours and works well with various paper weights.

When selecting paper for your invitations, consider the weight and thickness. Cardstock weight for wedding invitations typically ranges from 65lb to 222lb or higher. Heavier weights are often used for flat invitation cards, while folding invitation cards usually use lighter stock. Don't forget to consider postage costs when choosing paper weight, as invitations over 1 ounce will require additional postage.

Invitation Suites

A typical wedding invitation suite includes the invitation, RSVP card, envelope, and return postage. However, you can also include additional inserts such as:

• Direction or information cards with details about the wedding location, website, or accommodations.
• Reception cards if the reception venue is different from the ceremony site.
• Save-the-date cards sent out several months in advance to give guests a heads-up about the wedding date.
• Engagement announcements, bridal shower invitations, and thank-you cards to complement the main invitation.

Frequently asked questions