Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding invitations are often printed on thicker card stock, sometimes include three-dimensional details like wax seals, and are sometimes designed in non-rectangular shapes. These factors can increase the cost of postage. The weight of the invitation suite is the main factor influencing postage cost. A rectangular letter that weighs 0-1 ounces requires $0.55 worth of postage (one forever stamp). Anything over one ounce and under two ounces will require a $0.70 stamp. If your invitations are hand-calligraphed, it is recommended that you hand-cancel to protect the calligraphy and ensure it arrives correctly. Hand-cancelling can cost an additional $0.15 to $0.21 per letter. If your invitations are bulky or odd-shaped, you may need to pay an additional $0.15 per piece. If you are sending invitations internationally, you will need to pay $1.65 per stamp.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps | Depends on the weight and dimensions of the envelope. |
| Weight of the envelope | If under 1 oz, one Forever Stamp is enough. |
| Weight of the envelope | If over 1 oz, additional postage is required. |
| Shape of the envelope | Funky-shaped envelopes require extra postage. |
| Square envelopes | Considered irregular and require additional postage. |
| Wax seals | Require additional postage due to added weight and thickness. |
| Ribbons | May add a non-machinable charge if tied too bulky. |
| Hand-cancelling | Recommended for envelopes with embellishments to prevent tearing. Costs an extra $0.44 per envelope. |
| RSVP cards | It's polite to include a stamped envelope for guests to RSVP. |
| International invitations | Leave off postage on RSVP cards so guests can use their country's postage. |
| Postcard stamps | $0.56 each for stamps within the U.S. |
| Standard letter-sized envelope | $0.73 each for a First-Class stamp within the U.S. |
| Square or unusually-sized envelopes | $1.19 each for a First-Class stamp within the U.S. |
| First-Class International | $1.65 per stamp. |
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What You'll Learn
Weight and dimensions of the envelope
The weight and dimensions of your wedding invitation envelopes are crucial factors in determining the required postage. Here are some key points to consider:
Weight Considerations:
- Standard Weight Envelopes: Most standard wedding invitation envelopes, such as those made of standard thick paper and measuring 5" x 7", typically weigh under one ounce. In this case, a single Forever Stamp costing $0.50 to $0.55 is usually sufficient to cover the mailing cost.
- Over One Ounce: If your invitation suite exceeds one ounce, you'll need additional postage. For instance, a 71-cent stamp is required for an invitation weighing 1.1 to 2.0 ounces. The weight can increase with the addition of wax seals, ribbons, or thicker paper.
- Underweight Envelopes: On the other hand, some envelopes might be too light. For example, a postcard smaller than 6" x 4.25" only requires $0.35 in postage.
Envelope Dimensions:
- Standard Dimensions: Standard-sized envelopes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", generally do not require extra postage based on size alone.
- Square Envelopes: Square envelopes are considered irregular and will incur additional postage costs. They typically require hand sorting ("hand-cancelling"), which costs an extra $0.15 to $0.20 per invitation for the first ounce.
- Thickness: If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. This often occurs when ribbons, wax seals, or other embellishments are added.
Additional Considerations:
- Hand-Cancelling: To ensure your invitations are handled gently and aren't damaged by sorting machines, you can opt for hand-cancelling. This involves manually cancelling the postage with a stamp. However, some post offices may charge extra for this service.
- Post Office Verification: It's highly recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and to get advice on the correct postage. This will help you avoid unexpected costs or issues with delivery.
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Shape of the envelope
The shape of the envelope is an important consideration when it comes to postage costs for wedding invitations. Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7"" or 5.5" x 8.5", are considered regular USPS sizes and do not require additional postage based on their dimensions. However, square, circular, or unusually shaped envelopes are considered non-machinable and will incur extra costs. Square envelopes, in particular, are considered odd-sized and will cost more to mail. For example, in 2022, square invitations required a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight. Similarly, addressing envelopes vertically instead of horizontally is also considered irregular and may result in additional charges.
If you choose to use a thicker paper or include multiple enclosure cards, your envelope may become bulkier and exceed the standard thickness allowance of 1/4". This could lead to additional postage costs or the need for hand cancellation, where your local USPS representatives will manually process each invitation. Wax seals, ribbons, and other decorative elements can also contribute to the overall thickness and weight of the envelope, potentially increasing postage costs.
To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office for weight and size assessment. They can advise you on the required number and denominations of stamps to cover the postage costs. Additionally, if you are working with a professional stationery designer, they can also provide guidance on finalizing the postage for your wedding invitations.
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Thickness of the envelope
The thickness of the envelope is a crucial factor in determining the postage cost for wedding invitations. While the weight of the envelope is important, its thickness can also impact whether it can be processed by machine or requires hand cancelling.
USPS processes letters using machines, which scan the postage and sort the envelopes. However, if your invitations exceed the machine's thickness limit, they will need to be hand-cancelled. This means that a postal worker will manually stamp each invitation before sorting. The standard thickness limit for machine processing is 0.25 inches. If your envelopes are thicker than this, you will need to request hand cancelling, which may incur an additional charge of up to $0.21 per letter.
Some decorative elements can increase the thickness of your envelopes and require hand processing. For example, using a wax seal or ribbon can add bulk and make your envelopes non-machinable. Similarly, square envelopes are considered an odd size and will require additional postage of around $0.15 per piece. Upgrading to thicker paper or including multiple enclosure cards can also increase the thickness and weight, pushing your invitations into a higher postage bracket.
To avoid unexpected costs, it is recommended to take a fully assembled, ready-to-mail invitation to your local post office to be weighed and measured. They can advise you on the correct postage and any potential surcharges for thickness or weight. This is especially important if your invitations include non-standard features, such as custom stamps, vintage stamps, or unusual shapes and sizes.
Overall, the thickness of your wedding invitation envelopes can significantly impact the postage cost. By considering the thickness limits, potential surcharges for hand cancelling, and the impact of decorative elements, you can ensure your invitations reach your guests without issue.
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Lumps, bumps, or wax seals
Wedding invitations with lumps, bumps, or wax seals are considered "non-machinable" and may require hand sorting, which can increase postage costs. The bump or lump created by a wax seal or other embellishment can cause envelopes to rip as they go through the machine, so many couples opt for hand sorting to ensure their invitations remain intact. This typically incurs a "non-machinable surcharge", which is a small additional fee per envelope. In the United States, this surcharge is currently $0.15 per envelope.
Some couples choose to include wax seals inside the envelope to avoid the extra cost. Others opt for pre-made self-adhesive wax seals, which can be purchased with custom or standard designs. These are ideal for flat surfaces and can be used on the outside of envelopes. When using adhesive wax seals, it is important to consider the adhesive type. Heavy-duty adhesive is recommended for the outside of envelopes, while lighter or resealable adhesive can be used for the inside.
To determine the exact postage cost for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to bring a sample invitation to your local post office to be weighed and measured. This will allow the postal workers to advise you on the correct postage amount and any potential surcharges.
While lumps, bumps, and wax seals can increase postage costs, many couples feel that the extra expense is worth it for the aesthetic value and personal touch it adds to their wedding invitations.
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Domestic or international postage
When sending wedding invitations, the type and amount of stamps you include are crucial to ensure their safe arrival. The location you're mailing to and the speed of delivery are important factors to consider. Domestic postage rates differ from international rates, and the weight and dimensions of your mail can also affect the amount of postage required.
For domestic postage within the US, the cost of a First-Class Mail Forever Stamp as of 2023 is $0.63 for a standard letter-sized envelope weighing less than 1 ounce. This rate increased to $0.73 in July 2024. If your envelope exceeds the standard size or weight, you will need to pay additional postage. For example, square envelopes are considered "non-machinable" and will cost an extra $0.21. If your envelope weighs more than 1 ounce, you will need to pay an additional $0.20 to $0.24 per extra ounce.
If you're sending invitations internationally, the cost will be significantly higher. Global Forever Stamps are required for international postage and cost $1.45 for letters up to 1 ounce. Each additional ounce will require extra stamps based on current international rates. As of July 2024, the cost of sending a standard-sized envelope weighing less than 1 ounce internationally is $1.65.
To ensure you use the correct postage, it is recommended to have your invitations weighed at the post office. They can advise you on the best mail class and confirm the correct postage for your items. It is also important to consider the speed of delivery, as sending invitations first-class is recommended to ensure your guests have enough time to respond and prepare.
Additionally, if you're sending a large number of invitations internationally, your budget will need to accommodate the higher cost of international stamps. It may be wise to leave off postage on the RSVP cards so that guests can use their country's postage instead or provide an option to RSVP online.
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Frequently asked questions
In July 2024, a standard letter-sized envelope weighing less than 1 oz sent via First Class mail will cost $0.73. Square or unusually sized envelopes will cost $1.19 each. Postcard stamps are $0.56 each.
The cost of sending wedding invitations may increase due to the weight, shape, thickness, or size of the envelope. The addition of lumps, wax seals, ribbons, or other decorative elements can also increase the cost. If the invitation is too thick, bulky, rigid, heavy, small, large, or irregularly shaped to go through the machine, it will have to be hand-canceled, which may cost extra.
Take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and see if it needs to be hand-canceled. A staff member at your local post office will be able to help you determine the correct postage.
