
To mail wedding invitations at the post office, you'll want to start by gathering all the necessary materials, including the invitations, envelopes, and stamps.
The post office typically offers a variety of stamp options, including Forever Stamps, which can be used for any domestic mail.
First, you'll need to affix the correct postage to your wedding invitations, which can be determined by the weight and size of the invitation.
The post office recommends using a postage scale to ensure accurate postage.
Wedding Invitation Postage
Wedding invitation postage can be a bit tricky to figure out, but don't worry, I've got the scoop.
Standard USPS postage is currently valued at $0.73 to mail an envelope that weighs one ounce or less. This is the cost for a domestic first-class stamp.
The weight of your invitation suite is determined by the number of pieces in it, the weight of the paper you use, and any embellishments you include. Invitations with wax seals or ribbon tend to cost approximately $1.47 and up.
To estimate how much postage you'll need, you can use the following breakdown: Save the Dates usually require one postage stamp, wedding invitations often require 1-2 stamps each, and RSVP cards should include postage, which typically weighs under the standard amount and will only require one stamp.
Here's a rough estimate of the postage you'll need to send out wedding invitations:
It's always best to bring a completed invitation to the post office to have it weighed, as the weight of your invitation suite will determine the cost of postage.
Wedding Invitation Postage Cost
Wedding invitation postage cost can be a bit of a mystery, but it's actually quite straightforward once you know the factors that affect it. Standard USPS postage is currently valued at $0.73 to mail an envelope that weighs one ounce or less.
The weight of your invitation suite is determined by the number of pieces in it, the weight of the paper you use, and any embellishments you include. Invitations with wax seals or ribbon tend to cost approximately $1.47 and up.
If you have an enclosure holding all of your pieces together, the weight will usually be pushed to over three ounces, increasing the price. It's always best to have your full suite weighed at the post office before you purchase postage.
To give you a better idea of how much postage you'll need, here's a rough estimate of the number of stamps you'll need per household: Mail CorrespondenceNumber of StampsSave the Dates1Wedding Invitations1-2RSVP cards1
The international rate for a one ounce stamp is $1.55 and is called a “Global Forever” stamp.
Postage Needed
To determine how much postage you'll need for your wedding invitations, it's essential to consider the different mail correspondences involved.
Save the Dates usually require only one postage stamp as they weigh under the standard amount of postage limits.
Wedding invitations, on the other hand, often include more materials, which can impact the cost of postage. This means they typically require 1-2 stamps each, depending on the weight and additional materials included.
RSVP cards should also include postage to prevent any roadblocks in your guests' responses, and they usually require just one stamp.
A standard weight stamp, or "Forever Stamp", costs 55 cents, and each additional ounce costs 15 cents. This can add up quickly, especially if you include multiple inserts, heavier envelope and paper stock, and other accessories in your invitation suite.
Here's a rough estimate of the postage you may need per household:
- Save the Dates: 1 stamp
- Wedding Invitations: 1-2 stamps
- RSVP cards: 1 stamp
Keep in mind that the actual postage needed may vary depending on the specific materials and weight of your invitations. It's always best to take your completed suite to the post office and have them advise on how much postage you need before buying and assembling all of your stamps.
Envelope and Insertion
The weight of your wedding invitation suite is a crucial factor in determining the cost of mailing.
A standard weight stamp, or "Forever Stamp", costs 55 cents.
Each additional ounce of weight adds 15 cents to the cost of postage.
As you add more materials to your invitation suite, the weight will increase, requiring extra postage.
We recommend including the essentials in your invitation suite and making other information available on a wedding website.
Take your invitation suite to the post office to get an accurate weight and calculate the postage needed.
This will ensure you have the correct amount of postage for each invitation.
Special Postmark
If your invitation suite contains a wax seal or is thick, it will be deemed "Non-machinable" and will require hand-cancelling.
There is an extra fee for hand-cancelling of $0.46 per envelope, which can be a worthwhile investment if you want to prevent your invitations from being soiled or bent.
You can ask your postmaster to hand-cancel your invitations to ensure they arrive at their destination in pristine condition.
Design and Materials
The design and materials you choose for your wedding invitations can make a big impact on the overall aesthetic and feel of your special day. You can choose from a variety of paper types, such as cotton, linen, or recycled paper.
For a more rustic or vintage look, consider using a paper with a textured finish. This can add an extra layer of depth and interest to your design.
Custom Wedding Invitations
Custom wedding invitations can be a beautiful way to set the tone for your special day. The weight of your invitations alone can be a concern, as most will weigh more than 1 oz, the maximum weight for a letter with a Forever stamp.
You'll want to check the weight carefully to avoid any issues at the post office. If your invitation weighs closer to 2 oz due to multiple inserts, a heavier envelope, and paper stock, you're better off increasing the postage amount to avoid any problems.
A square envelope or one that's larger in size can also require extra postage. Similarly, if your envelope is lumpy or rigid, it may need more postage as well.
Heavy, Thick Paper
Heavy, thick paper can be a problem for invitations, especially if it's made of heavy card stock like the type used in letterpress.
Using this type of paper may cause your invitations to be over weight or too thick to be put through the USPS's automated machines.
The USPS considers these types of letters "non-machinable" and charges additional postage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I drop off invitations at the post office?
You can take invitations to the post office for them to count, stamp, and charge you for postage. Alternatively, you can also drop them off in a mailbox with pre-purchased stamps.
What is the cheapest way to mail wedding invitations?
The cheapest way to mail wedding invitations is with a USPS Forever Stamp, which is a cost-effective option released by the US Postal Service annually. Using a Forever Stamp can save you money on wedding invitation postage.
Sources
- https://turnageandwatts.com/what-to-know-about-wedding-invitation-postage/
- https://www.marthastewart.com/7942708/addressing-and-mailing-your-wedding-invitations
- https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/wedding-invitation-postage
- https://finedaypress.com/invitation-101-mailing-your-invites/
- https://cottonandbow.com/5-things-you-shouldnt-do-when-mailing-out-your-wedding-invitations/
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