Wedding Breeze

You may think of mailing wedding invites as being the final step in the whole process but some of the tips covered here actually refer back to when you choose your design and have them printed.

When wedding invitation shopping, be on the lookout for a notation in the product description that extra postage is required. This notation is typically made on pocket, self-mailer and larger square designs, but keep in mind it could be noted on other styles as well so be sure to pay very close attention to avoid surprises later.

Here are some additional tips when mailing wedding invites:

• Be sure you have a return address either pre-printed or handwritten on the outside of your wedding invitation envelope, preferably on the back flap. This will ensure any undeliverable invitations will be returned to you by the Post Office.
• Enclosed response cards should have a postage stamp on the return mailing envelope as a convenience to your guests. If it’s a response postcard, only a postcard stamp is required which will save on postage costs.
• Take one of your assembled and ready-to-mail wedding invites to be weighed at the Post Office to make sure you affix the correct amount of postage.
• For convenience, be sure to purchase self-adhesive stamps. The Post Office will have several styles for you to choose from or you may want to create your own custom wedding stamps through an online retailer. You can choose an already designed wedding stamp or simply upload a favorite photo to share as part of your invitation mailing. Personalizing them with your names and wedding date is also usually allowed.
• Mail all of your wedding invites directly at a Post Office about 4 to 8 weeks prior to your wedding date, maybe even sooner if you are having a destination or holiday wedding. It is suggested that invitations be mailed 10-12 weeks ahead for weddings being held over holiday weekends, during holiday times, or at a far-a-way destination.

One last, but very important, thing to keep in mind pertains to the postage. Be aware of any scheduled postage rate increases that may occur between your purchasing your postage and the actual mailing of your wedding invites. With response cards, make sure the postage you provide will still be adequate when guests are mailing them back which could be up until 2 weeks before your wedding.