Extra Postage For Wedding Invites: When And Why?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little tricky to navigate. The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on a few factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. Most wedding invitations are 5 x 7 to avoid additional costs, as larger or differently-shaped envelopes can be more expensive to post. The weight of the invitation suite is determined by the number of pieces included, the weight of the paper, and any embellishments such as wax seals or ribbons. It's important to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to get an accurate postage cost, as this will vary depending on the weight and dimensions of the envelope and its contents.

Weight, size and thickness

The weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine the cost of postage. The USPS considers several factors when determining the cost of mailing a letter, and wedding invitations are often outside of the standard parameters.

Wedding invitations are typically printed on thicker cardstock, may include three-dimensional details like wax seals, and are sometimes designed in non-rectangular shapes like circles and squares. These factors can increase the weight and thickness of the invitation, which will impact the cost of postage.

The weight of a standard letter is up to one ounce, or roughly four sheets of regular 8.5" by 11" paper. A letter of this weight can be sent with a "forever" stamp, which currently costs $0.55. However, most wedding invitations are heavier and require additional postage.

If your invitation has multiple pieces, it will likely weigh between one and two ounces. In this case, you will need a $0.70 stamp. Invitations with wax seals or ribbons can cost $1.29 or more. The cost of postage increases with the weight of the invitation, so if your invitation is over three ounces, you will need to pay even more.

The size of your wedding invitation will also affect the cost of postage. Square invitations, for example, require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight because they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-sorted. Larger invitations may also require additional postage.

The thickness of your wedding invitation is another important factor. If the envelope is thinner than 1/4" at its thickest point, it can go through the sorting machine. However, if you include a ribbon tie or other embellishments that make the envelope thicker than 1/4", you will need to use additional postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and tell you how much postage is required. This will help you avoid the embarrassment of having your invitations returned due to insufficient postage.

Shape and weight

The shape and weight of your wedding invitations will determine the cost of postage. According to the USPS, a standard 73-cent stamp is sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce and sent in a rectangular paper envelope. The envelope must be at least 5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, and no larger than 11.5 inches by 6.125 inches. When sealed, the envelope can be no more than 0.25 inches thick.

However, wedding invitations are often printed on thicker cardstock and may include three-dimensional details like wax seals, which can increase the weight and thickness of the envelope. If your invitation exceeds the USPS size and weight limits, you will need to use additional postage.

Additionally, if your invitation is not rectangular, such as a circle or square shape, it will require extra postage. Square invitations, for example, automatically require a 70-cent stamp regardless of weight because they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, which incurs an additional cost.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and to determine the exact postage required. The weight and thickness of your invitation, as well as any embellishments, will impact the cost of postage. On average, wedding invitations weigh between one and two ounces, with each additional ounce costing an extra 28 cents.

It is also important to consider the distance your invitations will be travelling. The cost of postage may increase if your invitations are being sent to far-flung locations, so it is best to err on the side of caution and use extra postage to ensure your invitations arrive safely.

Wax seals and ribbons

Wax seals are a beautiful, traditional way to secure your wedding invitations, but they do require some extra care and attention when it comes to postage.

The addition of a wax seal will add a little extra weight to your envelope, and its bump or raised surface may mean it can't be processed by your postal service's standard machines. This means your invitations will likely need to be hand-sorted, which usually comes with an extra charge. In the US, this is known as a "nonmachinable surcharge" and currently costs an additional $0.20.

To ensure your wax seals remain intact, it's recommended that you hand-cancel your invitations. This means a postal worker will manually inspect and approve each one, and it will cost you extra. It's a good idea to take a fully assembled sample of your invitation to your local post office to get an accurate postage estimate.

If you're concerned about the extra cost, there are a few workarounds. You could place your wax-sealed envelope inside a larger, plain envelope, or use self-adhesive wax seals, which are less likely to require hand-sorting. Alternatively, you could place your wax seal on the inside of the envelope, though this may still incur additional charges.

If you're set on using wax seals, it's worth noting that they can be a little tricky to make. The wax heats up quickly and is ready for the next seal within seconds, so it's best to pre-assemble your invitations and have everything laid out before you start melting the wax. You'll also need to be careful not to get the wax too hot, as this can cause it to become runny and distort the impression.

Wax seals are a delightful way to add a personal touch to your wedding invitations, but they do require some extra consideration and planning. With a little extra care, your invitations will be sure to impress.

Hand-cancelling

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, you must purchase the correct amount of postage to cover the weight of your envelopes and the fee for hand-cancelling. You then take your sealed, stamped, and addressed invitations to your local post office and specifically request that they be hand-cancelled. It is recommended to confirm the correct amount of postage with the post office before purchasing.

Some post offices may tell you that they don't offer hand-cancelling anymore, but this service is still available at other locations. If you encounter resistance, you can politely ask to speak to the office manager or try visiting another post office.

It is also worth noting that there is no guarantee that all hand-cancelled suites will be pulled for hand processing, as mistakes can happen. However, hand-cancelling gives your invitations the best chance of arriving safely and in good condition.

Non-machinable elements

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few factors that can make them "non-machinable". This means that they cannot be processed through the machines at the post office and will need to be hand-cancelled, incurring an extra fee. Here are some elements that can make your wedding invitations non-machinable:

• Envelopes with wax seals: Wax seals add a touch of elegance to your invitations, but they can also make them non-machinable. The wax seal creates a bump on the envelope, making it thicker and uneven, which cannot be processed by the sorting machines.
• Thick envelopes: Envelopes that are thicker than 3/4 of an inch are considered non-machinable. This is because they may not fit through the sorting machines or may get stuck, causing delays and damage.
• Custom-sized envelopes: Square or unusually shaped envelopes might be aesthetically pleasing, but they are non-machinable. This is because the sorting machines are designed to process rectangular envelopes, and any deviation from this shape will need to be sorted manually.
• Enclosures or ribbons: If your invitation suite includes enclosures or ribbons that make it bulky or uneven, it may be considered non-machinable. This is because the machines are designed to handle flat, even envelopes, and anything that deviates from this may get stuck or damaged.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh and measure it. They will be able to tell you if your invitations are non-machinable and advise you on the correct postage and any additional fees.

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