signed sealed delivered
Everything you need to know about mailing your invitations…
It’s all fun and games until your agonized-to-perfection wedding invitations have to go through a transportation system founded in 1775 by Benjamin Franklin. But let that last part sink in. The timeless part. There is such a vintage beauty to what we’re doing, but it’s an art and a science —- so read on to make sure this thing goes off without a hitch.
Take a deep breath.
Working with Ox Ink on your custom or semi custom invitations means I will tell you exactly what to do. Based on what we create, we will consult about which stamps, how many, and why and when.
But as you might have considered, gaining peace in this process starts long before you’re buying stamps… it starts with addressing.
The Addressing Spreadsheet
Ox Ink couples will set up their spreadsheet like so with each data item in it’s own column for all envelopes to be printed.
The pro tip of pro tips: DO NOT hit enter in any of the cells.
How it is typed in excel is how it will show up on the envelope. Guaranteed. No need to sort and check by hand!
choosing stamps
Finish putting your invitation suite together before ordering postage. Then, visit your local post office.
How will I know which stamp(s) I need? —- No one can tell you this until your invitation is complete and packaged to understand the size, weight, and any non-machinable elements. You might think pre-ordering stamps will speed up the process, or be tempted by an increase in postage price, but the risks of having the wrong postage are too high.
Take your box of assembled invitations to the counter at the post office. Don’t you dare drop them in a blue box. We’re playing a game of chance from the 1700s, so we’re going to control as much as we can. Getting your invites to the post office not only for review and stamping, but send out as well helps control half the journey.
Don’t forget to stamp your RSVP cards before assembling your invitations.
FAQs
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When you take your invitations to the counter at the post office, they will probably do this for you as a courtesy.
“Cancelling” a stamp is the squiggly lines that go through the stamp so no one else can use it. If you do this by hand, it saves the letter from going through the high pressure sorter, therefore protecting the envelope from scratches and scuffs.
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On average, Ox Ink Invitations range from 1 - 2 ounces. Typically, an invitation, two details cards, and a belly band weigh 1 ounce. If you have three additional cards or more, it will be 2 ounces. These are just estimates! Size and paper type will affect the weight of your invitation.
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Take one assembled invitation into the post office and they will weigh it for you — then immediately let you know what stamp you need.
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If your invitation suite has a ribbon (or any other un-evening element like a paperclip or rhinestone, you will need a special stamp with a non-machinable surcharge. This means the envelope cannot go through the high pressure sorters and will need to be hand cancelled. You may need to call ahead to ensure they have the staff and resources to handle all your invitations, as these need to be manually sorted.
If you Invitation exceeds 1/4” thickness, which then qualifies it as a parcel post.
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If a letter is missing at least seven days from the mailing date, you can request a search to find it.
However, the search process can take several months, so you should consider sending a new invitation rather than waiting. But double-check the recipient’s address to ensure it matches their address, as this is probably where the issue occurred.
Hint, hint: order extra invitations.
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I’m so glad you asked! This is something I do not have expertise in — so I refer all my couples to Little Postage House.