Wedding Invitation Drop-Off: Convenient And Creative Places To Consider

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail. They are often bulky, delicate, and expensive. Brides and grooms want to make sure their invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition. But how do you ensure that happens? Many couples opt to hand-cancel their invitations and drop them off directly at the post office.

Weighing the invitations

Weighing your wedding invitations is an important step in the process of sending them out. Here are some tips to help you weigh your invitations accurately and ensure they reach your guests without any issues:

Assemble Your Invitations:

Before weighing, make sure you have assembled your invitations exactly as you will be sending them. This includes inserting all the necessary cards, enclosures, and any additional items like wax seals or ribbons. The weight of these enclosures can add up, so it's important to have an accurate representation of the final invitation.

Use a Scale:

Accurately weigh your assembled invitation using a precise scale. You can use a postal scale or a food scale to get the weight in ounces. This weight will determine the amount of postage you need to attach to the envelope.

Consider the Size and Thickness:

In addition to weight, the size and thickness of your invitations can impact the postage cost. Square invitations or envelopes thicker than 1/4" at their thickest point may require additional postage. Keep in mind that these non-standard dimensions may require "hand-cancelling," which is when the postage is manually cancelled to avoid machine processing.

Visit the Post Office:

Take your assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk. They will be able to accurately determine the exact amount of postage required. This step is crucial because insufficient postage can result in your invitations being returned or your guests being asked to pay the remaining postage cost.

Purchase Correct Postage:

After determining the weight and size requirements, purchase the correct amount and type of postage for your invitations. You can buy stamps at the post office or online, but be sure to calculate the correct amount needed per invitation and add a little extra for any last-minute additions.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are properly weighed and have the correct postage. This will help ensure a smooth delivery process and give you peace of mind that your invitations will reach your guests without any issues or delays.

Hand-cancelling

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, first, assemble a mock-up of your invitation, complete with all inserts and decorations, and take it to your local post office to be weighed. The postmaster will be able to tell you if your envelope is too bulky to be processed by machine and how much postage you will need. You will need to purchase a combination of stamps that covers the cost of postage and the hand-cancelling service (currently $0.24 extra).

Once you have your stamps, you can either hand-cancel the envelopes yourself at the post office, or a postal worker will be able to do it for you. To ensure a smooth process, try to visit the post office during off-peak hours and consider printing "Hand Cancel" in the upper left corner of your envelopes.

Choosing a drop-off location

When it comes to choosing a drop-off location for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is generally recommended to hand your invitations directly to a postal worker at the post office, rather than dropping them into a street-side mailbox. This ensures that your invitations are less likely to be damaged in transit and gives you the opportunity to confirm that you have done everything correctly, from the postage to the addressing.

However, if you choose to drop your invitations into a mailbox, it is advised to use a mailbox at the post office rather than a street corner mailbox. This is because mailboxes at the post office are typically checked more frequently and may be more secure. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and how comfortable you feel with the different options.

It is also worth noting that if your invitations are bulky or require additional postage, it is best to bring them to the post office counter and have them weighed and stamped by a postal worker. This will ensure that your invitations have the correct postage and will help avoid any issues with delivery.

Additionally, consider the time of day when dropping off your invitations. Early weekday mornings are generally recommended to avoid the lunchtime rush and potential delays. By choosing an off-peak time, you can also increase the chances of having your invitations "hand-cancelled". This means that the stamps will be marked or crossed out by hand to prevent reuse, and your invitations will be sorted manually rather than put through a machine, reducing the risk of damage.

Overall, the most important factor in choosing a drop-off location is ensuring that your wedding invitations are secure and will reach their intended recipients without any issues. By taking the time to weigh your options and consider the advantages of each drop-off location, you can feel confident that your invitations are in good hands.

Timing the drop-off

Start Early:

Begin the process early to avoid last-minute stress. Assemble your invitations and organise your guest list at least a month before your desired send-out date. This will give you enough time to address envelopes, proofread addresses, and weigh your invitations.

Opt for Weekdays:

When it comes to dropping off your invitations at the post office, weekdays are generally better than weekends. Aim for early weekday mornings to avoid the lunchtime rush. Postal services tend to be less busy during these times, and you're more likely to receive personalised attention from staff.

Avoid Peak Hours:

It's best to avoid visiting the post office during peak hours, which are typically before work, lunchtime, and after work. Instead, opt for mid-morning or mid-to-late afternoon slots, when the post office is likely to be less crowded, and you can receive quicker service.

Plan for International Invitations:

If you're sending invitations internationally, allow extra time for customs clearance and shipping delays. Send these invitations 8-10 weeks in advance to ensure they reach their destination on time. Consider providing a digital RSVP option for international guests, so they can respond promptly without incurring additional postage costs.

Consider Delivery Time:

Keep in mind that hand-cancelling your invitations may lengthen the delivery timeframe by about a week. This process ensures your invitations are handled with extra care, but it does add a little time to the overall delivery process.

Remember, giving yourself ample time to prepare and send your wedding invitations will help ensure a smooth process and reduce the chances of last-minute hiccups.

Ordering extra invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's always a good idea to order extras. While it may seem unnecessary, having a few spares can come in handy for several reasons. Here are some reasons why ordering extra invitations is a wise decision:

• Keep some as keepsakes: Your wedding invitations are a special part of your big day and can become cherished mementos. You may want to hold on to a few copies for yourself and perhaps give one to your photographer to capture in their shots. It's a lovely way to remember the anticipation and excitement of your wedding day.
• Accommodate last-minute guests: It's not uncommon for couples to add more people to their guest list at the last minute. Maybe your mom wants to invite a few more friends, or you suddenly decide to include some coworkers. Having extra invitations allows you to accommodate these additions without having to rush to reprint.
• Account for lost invitations: Unfortunately, invitations can sometimes get lost in the mail. By ordering extras, you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you can quickly send a replacement if needed. This helps ensure that all your intended guests receive their invitations without delay.
• Allow for addressing mistakes: If you're hiring a calligrapher or doing the addressing yourself, mistakes can happen. Extra invitations provide a buffer for any errors, so you don't have to worry about starting from scratch if an invitation is misspelled or smudged.
• Order efficiency: While it may seem cost-effective to order the exact number of invitations, keep in mind that printing small quantities of stationery tends to be more expensive per piece. Ordering a few extra can often result in a better price break and save you money in the long run.

When deciding how many extras to order, a good rule of thumb is to add 10-25% to your total. This buffer will ensure that you have enough invitations to cover any unforeseen circumstances. Remember to count by the number of households rather than individual guests when calculating your total.

Frequently asked questions