Wedding Invitation Postage: The Complete Guide to Dos and Don'ts
Your beautiful invitations deserve to arrive at their destination in perfect condition—and that means understanding the ins and outs of wedding invitation postage. From weighing your assembled suite to choosing the right stamps, proper postage planning ensures your invitations reach guests safely and on time.
The Golden Rule: Take a Complete Sample to Your Post Office
Before ordering postage for your entire guest list, assemble one complete invitation exactly as your guests will receive it. This includes:
The invitation itself
All enclosure cards (RSVP, details, reception cards)
Inner envelope (if using)
Outer envelope
Any belly bands, ribbons, or wax seals
Take this assembled sample to your local post office and ask them to weigh it and determine the exact postage required. This step is crucial because wedding invitations are often thicker and heavier than standard invitations.
Understanding Postal Requirements
The United States Postal Service has specific guidelines that affect wedding invitation postage:
Size Requirements
Standard Size: 5" x 3.5" to 6.125" x 11.5"
Oversized: Anything larger than standard size requires additional postage
Square Invitations: Always require additional postage, regardless of weight
Weight Classifications
1 oz or less: Standard first-class stamp
Over 1 oz: Additional postage required for each additional ounce
Over 3.5 oz: Package rates may apply
Thickness Considerations
Over 1/4" thick: May require hand-canceling or package rates
Rigid elements: Wax seals, ribbons, or dimensional elements may require extra postage
Common Postage Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Guess at Postage
Never estimate postage based on how many pieces are in your suite. Weight distribution varies significantly between different paper stocks and printing methods.
Don't Forget the RSVP Card
Your RSVP envelope needs its own postage. Consider the weight of your RSVP card and envelope when calculating this cost.
Don't Overlook International Guests
International postage rates are significantly higher than domestic rates. Research requirements for each country on your guest list.
Don't Use Online Calculators as Final Authority
While online postage calculators provide estimates, they can't account for the thickness and rigidity of letterpress invitations.
The Measuring and Weighing Process
What You'll Need
Postal scale (available at office supply stores), or food scale
Ruler or measuring tape
Sample invitation assembled exactly as guests will receive it
Step-by-Step Process
Assemble your complete suite including all enclosures and envelopes and suite enhancements
Measure the dimensions of your outer envelope
Weigh the complete assembly on a postal scale
Check thickness using a ruler or caliper
Note any rigid elements like wax seals or dimensional embellishments
Working with Your Postmaster
When you visit your post office, come prepared with:
Your complete sample invitation
A count of how many invitations you'll be mailing
Questions about hand-canceling if needed
Information about your desired mailing date
Ask specifically about:
Exact postage requirements for your invitation size and weight
Hand-canceling availability to protect delicate invitations
Bulk mailing options if you have a large guest list
Delivery timeframes for your area
Consider requesting hand-canceling for your invitations, if your local postal office offers this. This service may cost extra but prevents your beautiful invitations from being damaged by postal machinery.
Postage Options and Aesthetics
Standard Stamps
Most economical option
Available in various designs
May require multiple stamps for proper postage
Vintage or Specialty Stamps
Can complement your invitation design
Requires purchasing from reputable collectors
We prefer: Edelweiss Post or Little Postage House to guarantee authentic vintage stamps.
Ensure they're valid for current postal rates
Understand that vintage postage is rare and can cost up to 2-3 times the postal rate.
RSVP Postage Considerations
Make it easy for guests to respond by:
Including proper postage on RSVP envelopes
Accounting for RSVP card and envelope weight
Considering postcard-style RSVPs to reduce postage costs or online only RSVPs
International Mailing Tips
For international guests:
Research specific country requirements
Allow extra time for delivery
Consider email or digital RSVPs for international guests
Verify address format requirements
Timeline Considerations
Factor postage planning into your wedding timeline:
6-8 weeks before mailing: Visit post office with sample
4-6 weeks before mailing: Purchase all necessary postage
2-3 weeks before mailing: Begin addressing and assembling
Mailing day: Allow extra time if hand-canceling is required
Cost-Saving Strategies
Minimize enclosures to reduce weight
Use online RSVPs to eliminate return postage
Consider postcard RSVPs for lighter-weight responses
Group multiple events on one invitation to reduce mailings
At InvitoBella, we guide our couples through every aspect of their stationery journey, including postage planning. Proper postage ensures your beautiful invitations arrive in perfect condition, setting the stage for your celebration from the moment they reach your guests' hands.
Remember: when in doubt, always consult your local post office. The small investment in time and potential extra postage is worth ensuring your invitations arrive safely and make the impression you intended.
And don’t forget, InvitoBella is happy to offer this service to save you the headache!
