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Budgeting for a wedding is a nonnegotiable that every bride has to face. From the dress to the flowers, you’ve spent months planning every detail. But have you thought about how much it will cost to send out your wedding invitations? Wedding invitation postage is an often-overlooked detail, but it’s an important one. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about wedding invitation postage, including how much it costs, how to weigh your invitations, and when to send them.
How Much Does Wedding Invitation Postage Cost?
The cost of wedding invitation postage varies depending on a few factors. The first factor is the weight of your invitations. The heavier your invitations are, the more postage they will require. The second factor is the size of your invitations. Square or oversized invitations may require extra postage. The third factor is the delivery method. Standard mail delivery is less expensive than priority or overnight delivery. On average, you can expect to spend between $0.50 and $2.50 per invitation for postage.
How to Weigh Your Invitations
To determine how much postage you will need for your invitations, you will need to weigh them. Start by weighing one fully assembled invitation, including the envelope. Then, multiply that weight by the number of invitations you plan to send. It’s always a good idea to add a little extra weight to account for any additional enclosure cards or embellishments you may include. Once you have the total weight of your invitations, you can use the USPS postage calculator to determine how much postage you will need.
Types of Postage
There are several types of postage available for wedding invitations. The most common types are first-class, priority, and overnight. First-class postage is the most affordable option, and it typically takes 2-3 days for delivery. Priority postage is more expensive but offers faster delivery times, typically 1-2 days. Overnight postage is the most expensive option but offers guaranteed delivery the next day. Depending on your wedding date and how soon you need your invitations to arrive, you may choose a different type of postage. By following our tips and staying on time with a typical wedding timeline, you should be able to use first-class with no timing problems!
When to Send Your Invitations
Timing is everything when it comes to wedding invitation postage. You want to make sure your invitations arrive in plenty of time for your guests to RSVP and make travel arrangements if necessary. The general rule of thumb is to send out your invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. If you’re planning a destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests, you may want to send them out even earlier, up to 12 weeks in advance. Don’t forget! By the time you are sending your invitations, your guests should have already received a save the date!
International Invitation Postage
If you have guests who live outside of the United States, you will need to factor in international postage costs for their invitations. International postage rates can vary widely depending on the destination country, the weight of the invitation, and the delivery method. Be sure to research the specific postage requirements for each international destination, and factor in additional time for delivery. You may also want to consider using an international courier service, which can offer faster and more reliable delivery options for an additional cost.
Tips for Saving Money on Postage
Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to look for ways to save money. Here are a few tips for saving money on wedding invitation postage:
- Keep your invitations simple and lightweight. The heavier your invitations are, the more postage they will require.
- Use standard-sized envelopes. Square or oversized envelopes may require extra postage.
- Consider using postcards instead of traditional invitations. Postcards require less postage than traditional invitations and are a fun and unique option.
- Print your postage online. Many online postage services offer discounted rates that can save you money.
Wedding invitation postage is an important consideration when planning your wedding. By understanding the various factors that can affect postage costs and delivery times, you can ensure that your invitations arrive in a timely and efficient manner, and that you stay within your budget. Whether you're sending invitations domestically or internationally, be sure to plan ahead, double-check all addresses, and use the proper postage and addressing formats for each guest. With careful planning and attention to detail, your invitations can set the tone for a beautiful and memorable wedding day.
