How To Mail Your Wedding Invitations

Your wedding invitations are more than just pieces of paper; they're the first glimpse your guests will have into the style and tone of your special day. From elegant calligraphy to delicate embossing, each detail on your invitation reflects the love and care you've poured into planning your wedding. So, it's only natural that you want to ensure they reach your guests in pristine condition.

Before you make a beeline for the nearest post office, here are some essential steps to consider:

Weigh and Measure

The last thing you want is for your invitations to be returned due to insufficient postage or incorrect sizing. Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed and measured to determine the exact postage required. This step will save you from any surprises or delays later on.

Addressing Etiquette

Pay attention to proper addressing etiquette to ensure your invitations reach the intended recipients promptly. Double-check spelling, accuracy, and formatting of addresses to avoid any delivery mishaps.

MACHINE PROCESSED OR HAND-CANCELED

If you’ve opted not to have your invitation stationer organize your postage for you, the first step is to decide whether you’d like to have your invitations machine processed or hand-canceled by USPS. We highly recommend hand-canceling your postage if you have a wax seal, handmade paper envelopes, or vintage postage. No matter the envelope type or embellishments, machine processing can leave unsightly marks on your envelopes and hand-canceling your postage bypasses this issue. However, sometimes your post office might require an additional $0.24 to hand-cancel your postage and you can decide what is best for you. For information and tips on hand-canceling postage, click here.

GET A POSTAGE ESTIMATE

Once you know the weight and dimensions of your invitation suite, select the appropriate postage option. Consider factors such as the size, weight, and destination of your invitations. It's better to err on the side of caution and opt for a slightly higher postage rate to ensure safe delivery.

CURRENT OR VINTAGE postage

Decide whether you’d like to use current postage or vintage postage. Purchase the correct amount of postage for your suites and do not forget to purchase stamps for your reply envelopes, if applicable. Current stamps can be purchased at your local post office, for the complete collection visit their online store. Ebay and Etsy are great places to source vintage postage. Keep in mind that due to their rarity, vintage postage will cost more than the postal value of the stamp. When buying vintage postage, be sure to verify that they are “MNH” or “Mint Never-Hinged”. This means they have never been used and are free of processing marks.

International Shipping Considerations

If you're mailing invitations overseas, familiarize yourself with international shipping regulations and customs requirements. Factor in additional delivery time and potential customs delays when planning your mailing timeline.

STUFF, SEAL, STICK

Stuff and seal your guest envelopes and adhere the postage with a fresh ‘extra strength’ glue stick or double sided adhesive tape. Guest envelope postage should be arranged either across the top of the guest envelope beginning in the top right corner or clustered in the top right corner.

Send Early

Don't leave mailing your invitations until the last minute. Aim to send them out at least six to eight weeks before your wedding date to give guests ample time to RSVP and make necessary arrangements.

Follow Up

Keep track of RSVPs and follow up with any guests who haven't responded within the specified timeframe. This ensures you have an accurate headcount for your wedding festivities.

By following these steps, you can rest assured that your wedding invitations will make a grand entrance into the mailboxes of your loved ones. From meticulous assembly to careful postage selection, every detail counts when it comes to mailing your fine art invitation suites. So, take the time to ensure your invitations are delivered with the same love and care that went into creating them. Happy mailing!