Wedding invitation postage can add up quickly, especially with popular enclosures like PocketFolds, Gate Folds and multiple layers. Checking on rates and postal requirements can eliminate last-minute surprises at the post office. Here’s a mini guide I’ve compiled based on research at the post office.

Postcard Requirements It’s become popular to send save-the-date postcards and RSVP postcards because they save on postage.
To qualify for the lower postcard rate:
Minimum Size is 3.5″x5″ / Maximum Size is 4.25″x6″
Must be a flat card without an envelope. Invitations (and other items sent in envelopes)
1-oz. rate:
Minimum size is 3.5″x5″ / Maximum size of 6.125″x11.5″
Entire package must weigh 1 ounce or less. (Weigh the invitation set right before mailing if it’s close, especially in humid areas, as humidity can tip the scales on something already very very close to 1 oz.). 2-oz  rate: Same size requirements as 1-oz rate, but can weigh up to 2 oz. 3-oz rate: Same size requirements as 1-oz rate, but can weigh up to 3 oz. 3.5-oz rate: Same size requirements as 1-oz rate, but can weigh up to 3.5 oz. Larger-Sized Invitations – additional charge
Sizes from 6.125″x12″ to 11.5″x15″ need “Large Envelope” postage even if they weigh only 1 oz. Square Envelopes – Any Size
Additional postage is required for any square envelopes. Thick Invitation Sets
If embelishments, bows or special packaging make your invitation more than 1/4″ thick
(they will measure if it looks close!), you move into package rates. Ask for rates at your post office. My biggest suggestion: if you have any doubts about how much postage you need, take your invitations to the post office to be weighed BEFORE buying and applying your stamps or purchasing custom postage. Please PLEASE PLEASE: Have your invitations hand-cancelled if your post office allows it (and pay the non-machinable rate if needed) to ensure they arrive in your guest’s hands looking their best. Postal machines can bend, tear, smear and smudge that beautiful package before anyone else gets to see it! Postage = Fun?
The most interesting thing you can do with postage is to order custom stamps. Any image or piece of artwork can be turned into a stamp that coordinates with your invitation. It’s a great alternative to the “Love” stamps that only match if you happen to have pastels in your invitation color scheme.
At Custom Paper Works, custom stamp artwork is free if you’ve ordered your invitations from me. That doesn’t include the actual cost of postage though, so check both stamps.com and zazzle.com for pricing, because they do cost more beyond the postage charge, depending on the quantity you need.

		Printing Proccesses Defined
Printing Proccesses Defined