Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding invitations are a special type of mail that often require extra care and attention. They are usually elaborate, with calligraphy, wax seals, ribbons, bows, and twine. These features, however, can get stuck in the postal service's machines, causing the envelopes to arrive battered. This is where hand-cancelling comes in. Hand-cancelling is when each stamp on your envelope is marked by hand instead of by a machine, to prevent stuffed envelopes from being torn. This service is offered by some post offices, and while it may be free at some locations, others may charge a small fee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is hand-cancelling? | Hand-cancelling is when each stamp on your envelope is marked (or "cancelled") using a hand stamp instead of by a machine. |
| Why hand-cancel? | To prevent stuffed envelopes from being torn by the post office's machine. |
| When to request hand-cancelling? | It's a good idea to request hand-cancelling at least two weeks before you plan to mail your wedding invitations. |
| How much does it cost? | Depending on the post office, there's often a small additional fee per envelope for hand-cancelling. |
| How to prepare? | Take a mock-up of your invitation to the post office to be weighed and checked by the postmaster or another USPS employee. They will be able to check if your envelope is too bulky to be cancelled by machine, as well as tell you how much postage you'll need. |
| What to do if the post office doesn't offer hand-cancelling? | Try another post office in your area, as not all locations offer this service. |
What You'll Learn
What is hand-cancelling?
Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker uses a hand stamp to mark or "cancel" each stamp on an envelope, instead of it being done by a machine. This prevents envelopes from being torn by the post office's machine, which can happen if the envelope is uneven or bulky. It also stops people from reusing postage stamps.
The process involves taking your envelopes to a post office and requesting hand-cancelling. Some post offices may charge a fee for this service, quote a waiting time, or let you hand-cancel your envelopes yourself. It's recommended to call or visit your chosen post office before bringing in your envelopes, as not all locations offer hand-cancelling.
Hand-cancelling is particularly useful for wedding invitations, as it ensures that the envelopes remain in pristine condition. This is especially important if the invitations have wax seals, ribbon, bows, twine, or calligraphy, as these details could be damaged or get stuck in a machine.
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Why hand-cancel wedding invitations?
Wedding invitations are a very special type of mail. They are often adorned with beautiful calligraphy, wax seals, ribbons, bows, twine, and other embellishments. They are also usually the first impression your guests will have of your big day. So, it's understandable that you'd want them to arrive in pristine condition.
However, the post office's mail-processing machines can be rough on delicate envelopes, bending, smudging, or even tearing them. This is where hand-cancelling comes in. Hand-cancelling is when each stamp on your envelope is marked (or "cancelled") using a hand stamp instead of by a machine. This prevents stuffed envelopes from being torn by the post office's machine and ensures that the envelopes don't get damaged or smudged during processing. It can also help prevent envelopes from being bent, which can ruin the appearance of the invitation.
- You've spent a lot on your invitations and want them to arrive in mint condition.
- You have beautiful calligraphy on your outer envelopes.
- Your invitations have ribbon, twine, or other embellishments that could get caught in the machine.
- You are sealing the envelopes with wax.
- Your envelopes are larger than standard sizes and may not fit in the machine.
- You purchased or designed custom stamps for your envelopes.
- You prefer the look of a hand stamp over the printer marks.
To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, take your fully assembled and stamped invitations to your local post office during non-busy hours. Be friendly and polite, and most postal workers will happily stamp your invites at no charge. There's a chance you may be charged if you make the request during busy times. It's also a good idea to call or visit your post office of choice before bringing in your invites, as not every location offers hand-cancelling.
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How to request hand-cancelling
Wedding invitations are often the first impression your guests will have of your big day, so it's understandable that you want them to arrive in pristine condition. Here are some tips on how to request hand-cancelling to ensure your invitations are handled with care:
Check with Your Postmaster :
Before applying any stamps, assemble a mock-up of your invitation, complete with all inserts and accoutrements. Bring it to the post office to be weighed and checked by the postmaster or a USPS employee. They will advise if your envelope is too bulky to be cancelled by machine and inform you of the required postage amount based on weight.
Purchase the Correct Postage :
Buy a combination of stamps or a single custom stamp that meets the required postage. For example, if an envelope weighs up to 1 oz. and requires hand-cancelling, you may need $0.76 of postage instead of a $0.63 first-class stamp. Remember to include the extra cost for hand-cancelling, which is currently $0.24.
Call or Visit Your Post Office in Advance:
Not all post offices offer hand-cancelling services, so it's essential to call or visit your chosen location ahead of time. This will ensure they can accommodate your request and help you avoid unnecessary trips.
Timing is Key :
Try to visit the post office during non-busy hours, such as lunchtime or right before opening or closing. Postal workers are more likely to have the time and flexibility to accommodate your request during these slower periods.
Be Friendly and Polite :
A little courtesy goes a long way. Most postal workers will be happy to help you if you approach them politely and explain that you're sending out wedding invitations.
Offer to DIY:
If the post office tries to quote a price for hand-cancelling, you can offer to do it yourself to save costs. Some locations will allow you to use a hand stamp under their supervision, ensuring that your envelopes are handled carefully.
Print "Hand Cancel" on the Envelopes :
To ensure nothing is missed, consider printing "Hand Cancel" in the upper left corner of your envelopes, opposite the stamps. This clear instruction will help postal workers identify your request at a glance.
Be Prepared for Potential Fees:
While some post offices offer hand-cancelling for free, others may charge a small additional fee per envelope. Be prepared for this possibility, especially if you're requesting the service during busy times.
Allow Enough Time :
It's recommended to request hand-cancelling at least two weeks before you plan to mail your invitations. This buffer will give you time to address any issues and ensure your invitations are processed and ready to be sent out on time.
By following these steps, you can confidently request hand-cancelling for your wedding invitations, ensuring they receive the special handling they deserve.
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Cost and time considerations
Hand-cancelling is a service offered by some post offices to ensure that your wedding invitations are not damaged by the usual mail processing machines. It involves a postal worker stamping your envelopes by hand, instead of using a machine, to prevent people from reusing postage. This is particularly useful if your invitations are bulky or have embellishments such as ribbon, twine, or wax seals, which could get caught in the machine.
The cost of hand-cancelling can vary depending on your location and the specific post office you visit. Some post offices may offer this service for free, while others may charge a small fee per envelope. It is always a good idea to call ahead or visit your local post office to enquire about their hand-cancelling services and any associated costs. This will help you determine the total cost of sending your wedding invitations.
In addition to the hand-cancelling fee, you will also need to purchase the correct postage for your invitations. The cost of postage will depend on the weight and size of your invitations. It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to have it weighed and to determine the exact amount of postage required. This may be more than the cost of a basic Forever stamp, so it is important to factor this into your budget.
When considering hand-cancelling, it is important to keep in mind that it may take additional time for this service to be carried out manually. Therefore, it is advisable to visit the post office during slow times, such as early weekday mornings, to avoid long waits. Additionally, it is recommended to request hand-cancelling at least two weeks in advance. This will allow enough time for any potential issues to be addressed and for the invitations to be processed and sent out.
Overall, the cost and time considerations of hand-cancelling your wedding invitations will depend on the specific services offered by your local post office and the number of invitations you need to send. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure that your invitations arrive safely and on time, creating a great first impression for your guests.
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Is hand-cancelling still done?
Hand-cancelling is still done, but it's not as common as it once was. It involves a postal worker using a hand stamp to mark each stamp on an envelope, rather than putting the envelope through a machine. This service is often requested by couples sending out wedding invitations, as it prevents the envelopes from being torn or damaged by machines. It also ensures that any embellishments on the envelope, such as wax seals, ribbon, or twine, remain intact.
While some post offices still offer hand-cancelling, others may claim that it is no longer available. It's worth calling ahead to different post offices in your area to find out if they offer the service. Some postal workers may even let you hand-cancel your envelopes yourself, although this will still need to be done at the post office.
Even if your envelopes are hand-cancelled, they will still go through a machine for sorting and distribution. However, they are less likely to be damaged by going through a flat belt for processing, rather than the older loop-style machines.
If you want to hand-cancel your envelopes, it's best to visit the post office during non-busy hours and be friendly and polite. There may be a small additional fee for this service, and it will take extra time to process your request.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand-cancelling is when each stamp on your envelope is marked (or "cancelled") using a hand stamp instead of by a machine. This prevents stuffed envelopes from being torn by the post office's machine.
Check with your postmaster before you apply any stamps to your invitations. Bring a mock-up complete with all the inserts and accoutrements to the post office to be weighed and checked by the postmaster or another USPS employee. They will be able to tell you if your envelope is too bulky to be cancelled by machine, as well as how much postage you'll need.
If you have spent a lot on your invitations and want them to arrive in mint condition, or if you have gorgeous calligraphy, ribbon, twine, or wax seals on your outer envelopes, it is recommended that you get them hand-cancelled.
Ask the post office clerk if they can hand-cancel your invites. There is often a small additional fee per envelope for this service, and it takes more time, so prepare for a longer wait.
