Wedding Invitation Weight And Postage: One Stamp Enough?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little scary. The cost of postage is often forgotten about in the wedding invitation budget, and it can be tricky to work out how much postage you'll need. The amount of postage required depends on the weight, size, and thickness of the invitation. Most wedding invitations weigh more than one ounce, and each additional ounce will cost more. Non-standard shapes, such as squares, will also cost more to send. It's important to get your invitations weighed at the post office to ensure you're using the correct amount of postage, otherwise, they might not be delivered.

Weight and size

The weight and size of your wedding invitations will determine the cost of postage. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73. This covers the cost of mailing a rectangular envelope that is at least 5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, no larger than 11.5 inches long by 6 1/8 inches high, and no thicker than 0.25 inches. This rate also applies to envelopes weighing up to one ounce. Each additional ounce will cost an extra $0.28.

If your wedding invitations exceed the standard size and weight limits, you will need to pay additional postage. For example, square envelopes will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. Invitations that are more than 0.25 inches thick may also require extra postage. This could be due to the use of ribbons, twine, or wax seals, which can increase the thickness of the envelope.

To ensure that you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. They can advise you on the correct amount of postage required. It is also suggested to get your invitations weighed at multiple post offices to be sure.

Shape

The shape of your wedding invitations can have a significant impact on the cost of postage. Square envelopes, for instance, are considered irregular and will require additional postage. They will cost around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

Similarly, if your wedding invitation is more than 1/4" thick, you will need to pay extra. This is because envelopes thicker than 1/4" cannot be processed by a sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, which means they are hand-sorted.

If you want to avoid these additional costs, it is best to stick to standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5". These sizes are considered standard by the USPS and do not require extra postage.

Thickness

The thickness of a wedding invitation can play a big role in how much postage it will require. In the United States, for example, the United States Postal Service (USPS) specifies that a standard letter envelope can be no more than 0.25 inches thick when sealed. If a wedding invitation exceeds this thickness, it may be subject to additional postage costs.

The thickness of a wedding invitation can be affected by various factors, such as the number of inserts, the thickness of the paper, and any embellishments included. For instance, adding a ribbon tie, a wax seal, or a pocket-fold can increase the thickness of the invitation.

To ensure that your wedding invitations meet the thickness requirements, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office for weighing and measurement. This will help you determine the exact postage required and avoid any issues with delivery.

In some cases, if a wedding invitation is too thick to go through the standard mail processing machines, it may need to be hand-cancelled, which means it will be manually sorted and may incur an additional fee.

It's important to consider the thickness of your wedding invitations when planning your stationery budget and selecting your envelopes and embellishments. By being mindful of the thickness restrictions, you can avoid unexpected costs and ensure your invitations reach your guests without any issues.

Cost

The cost of wedding invitation postage is determined by the shape, weight, thickness, and embellishments of the invitation. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73. This rate is for rectangular, lightweight letters no larger than 11.5 inches by 6 1/8 inches and no thicker than 0.25 inches. Wedding invitations often exceed these standard parameters, requiring additional postage.

Invitations that weigh more than one ounce will require additional postage. Each additional ounce incurs a $0.28 charge on top of the base rate. Invitations with a square envelope or certain embellishments, such as a wax seal or thick ribbon, are considered "non-machinable" and incur an additional charge of $0.46.

To ensure your invitations are mailed successfully, it is recommended to take a complete, finished invitation to the post office to be weighed and measured. The weight and thickness of the invitation, as well as the distance between the origin and destination zip codes, can impact the cost of postage. It is better to use a little extra postage than needed to avoid having your invitations returned or having your guests pay the difference.

The number and value of stamps required will depend on the total cost of mailing the invitation. The standard 73-cent stamp is the most common, but the USPS also offers stamps with denominations below and above this value. You can mix and match stamps to reach the required total value.

Vintage stamps are another option but can be more expensive and time-consuming to source and apply. They often have lower values, requiring more stamps to reach the desired postage amount.

To save money on postage, consider using single-ply paper, avoiding wax seals or thick ribbons, and limiting inserts to the invitation, details card, and RSVP envelope. This can reduce the cost of mailing each invitation to as little as 90 cents.

Where to buy stamps

When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invitations, there are several options available to you.

Firstly, you can buy stamps at your local post office. This option is ideal if you are short on time or want to avoid potential shipping problems. It is recommended to call ahead and check if they have the type of stamps you are looking for and if they have enough in stock.

Alternatively, you can purchase stamps online, which will give you access to a wider range of designs and unique options that may not be available at your local post office. Some websites to consider include:

• USPS.com: The official website of the United States Postal Service offers a range of stamp designs, including those featuring famous works of art, flowers, and seasonal motifs. They also have a “Love/Weddings” section with wedding-themed stamps.
• Etsy: Etsy offers a variety of vintage Forever Stamps, single-style stamps, complete sheets of discontinued collections, and custom-curated groupings of stamps to match your wedding theme.
• Edelweiss Post: This website specialises in vintage and discontinued stamps, including many with floral, lacy heart, cherub, and dove designs that would be perfect for wedding invitations.
• Little Postage House: A 2023 award-winning website that offers specially packaged stamp collections for wedding invitations, grouped by colour or theme. They also have an extensive inventory of state, city, and landmark stamps.
• Magnolia Postage: A great source for vintage, small-denomination stamps, ranging from one cent to over 30 cents. They can also source specific stamps or styles to match your preferences.
• Amazon: Amazon offers modern stamp options and is ideal for buying stamps in bulk, especially if you have an Amazon Prime membership for fast shipping.

In addition to the above options, you can also purchase stamps at various retail stores, including grocery stores, pharmacies, office supply stores, and even ATMs. Some popular retailers mentioned include Costco, Kroger, CVS, Walgreens, and Staples.

Frequently asked questions