Speaking as a someone who just sent out her wedding invitations, there is nothing more exciting (and relieving) than handing over a pile of pretty pink envelopes to your courier. Because after weeks of calligraphy cramps, pretty postage stamps and stuffing envelopes, the hard work has commenced and it’s time to celebrate. Which is why we asked Regas Studio to share their top tips on what it takes to make mailing your wedding suite a piece of cake!
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Choose a “reply by” date that gives guests plenty of time to respond. This is typically three or four weeks from the date the cards are received (plan on one week for mailing time). We also recommend lightly numbering the back of each reply card in case a guest accidentally mails back the cards without a name. (This happens far more frequently than one would expect!) Keep a corresponding numbered guest list so you can solve any mystery replies.
Before buying your postage, take a field trip to your local post office with a complete set of your invitations in hand. A USPS representative will weigh the set and provide the amount needed for the outer envelope. Keep in mind that extra large or square shapes and extra-thick paper can add to the cost. Thick, luxurious papers can incur an extra fee called a “rigid charge,” so be sure to ask if it applies! If you have any international guests, ask what the total will be for destination. We’ve found that you may get differing weights from different representatives, so it’s best to add an additional $.40 beyond the quote you get just to be on the safe side. And don’t forget to get postage so you can pre-stamp your reply cards as well! It’s a classy courtesy (and also increases the chances of prompt replies!)
Choosing stamps that coordinate with the style and color palette of your invitations is a thoughtful detail that adds cohesiveness or a peek into the couple’s personality. One of our brides was able to find stamps from her home state, the groom’s home state and a stamp that showed a common interest of theirs. USPS.com has some gorgeous new stamps at the moment, and we also like to combine new stamps with vintage ones; just be sure your postage adds up to the full amount you need!
Hand canceling means your postage is manually validated with a stamp. If you don’t hand cancel, your invitations will be processed through machines which add not-so-pretty barcodes and are very unforgiving to the contents of your invitations! It’s such a shame to receive a beautifully calligraphed invitation or colorful envelope with scuffs, marks, or even tears. Not all postal branches technically offer this service, so turn on the charm when you’re asking! The first 50 hand cancellations are free, but after that you’ll need to pay 5 cents per envelope.
Just in case! Plan for a few invitations to be lost in the mail or addressed incorrectly, and remember that you might have last minute guest additions. We recommend ordering at least 15 to 20 extra invitation sets.
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS…
Birchbox + SMP ‘I Definitely Do’ box
Patina
Weddington Way
Menguin
Firestarter Wedding Favors
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This week’s DISCOUNTS…
Squarespace
Zola
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Grace Portraits
Shine Wedding Invitations
For our California Brides… Discount from Marmalade Sky Films and don’t miss the Lazaro Fall 2015 collection trunk show at JLM Couture’s Flagship Salon in West Hollywood June 5-7!
For our Midwest Brides… Discount from WASIO photography
For our Mid-Atlantic Brides… Discount from Goodstone Inn & Restaurant
For our Tri-State Brides… Discount from IM Photo Studio