POSTAGE
If you are managing your own postage, be sure to take a complete set of your invitation suite to your local post office when purchaising postage. The USPS clerk will weigh your suite and determine the correct amount of postage needed. Make sure that if you have double thick paper, they account for the possibility of an extra fee called a "rigid charge". You'll also want to confirm postage amounts for international destinations. Don't forget to buy postage for your Reply envelopes (with the exception of international guests).
If you are purchasing custom postage from Bojack Studios, we will ensure that the appropriate postage denomination is determined before we print your stamps, plus you'll be guaranteed that you have an amazing postage stamp that completes your suite and shows amazing attention to detail.
HAND CANCELLING
There's tons of information floating around the internet about hand cancelling your wedding invitations.
What is it?
When you send a piece of mail through the USPS a mark is placed on the stamp to prevent it from being used again. The USPS uses machines to place this mark on most stamps. Hand cancelling is simply having that mark placed on the stamp by hand, which looks neater and eliminates odds of smearing.
Some people believe that if your envelopes are hand cancelled, they do not go through a machine and will thereby be more pristine upon delivery. However, regardless of whether the envelope is hand cancelled, your invitations will, at some point during the mailing process, be machine sorted. Thankfully, most post offices use flat belts these days (these machines used to run on a loop, which could cause damage). The biggest benefit of hand cancelling is that the cancellation mark won't be smudged or askew on the envelope.
How do I get it done?
This is the tricky part. There doesn't seem to be a standard answer from USPS representatives regarding hand cancelling. Some clerks will tell you that the service is no longer offered. Sometimes you'll be quoted a price (usually the first 50 are free, but each envelope thereafter costs $0.05 to $0.20/ea). Sometimes they'll hand you the cancellation stamp and let you DIY the cancellations at the counter. Sometimes they'll just take them all, and hand cancel for free. Honestly, it depends on who you ask. Be nice & if you don't get the answer you want, try a different post office or a different time of day. Also, don't walk in 5 minutes before closing or during the lunch rush to increase your odds of getting a clerk who's not slammed and stressed.
MAILING DATES
Our Stationery Timeline provides more detailed information on when to mail your invitations, but here's a quick rundown:
Save The Dates
6-12 months before your wedding
(err on the earlier side if a majority of your guests are traveling or if your wedding falls on a holiday weekend).
Invitations
8-10 weeks prior to your wedding date
(earlier if you're doing a B-list round)
Thank You Cards
ASAP.
For any gifts sent in advance of the wedding, you should mail thank you cards PRIOR to the wedding. For gifts received at the wedding, you should aim to have your thank you cards mailed out within 1 month of your wedding date.
Ready to make some gorgeous invitation? View our Collections.
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