paper post: budgeting for postage

We are a little bit obsessed with postage. But one thing we haven’t talked about is budgeting for postage- it’s important to think about this when you’re figuring out your paper budget. Even if it’s a back-of-your-mind thought, knowing around how much you’ll be spending on postage ahead of time is better than being surprised with it later!

Your stationer will be a fantastic resource when it comes to postage- we do mail out a lot! If you have any questions, just ask!

Here’s the breakdown- just so you have a general idea:

– For a basic set- invitation, reply card + envelope and one insert- you might be able to get away with just one first class, one ounce stamp (.47 as of June 2016), depending on how heavy your paper is. Remember though: weigh it twice, stamp it once! Take your invite to the post office to be weighed and sized for postage to be sure that you’re putting on the correct amount.

–  Most of the wedding invitations we mail take the 2 ounce rate (.68 as of June 2016), so we use this as a standard guideline. In addition to weight and size, the thickness of the invitation also figures into the price, so things like heavy paper or a ribbon bellyband can bump (literally) you up to the next tier. Better to be surprised with less postage than surprised with more!

– Square envelopes: there is always a surcharge for square envelopes, no matter how small it is. Your postage will start at the two ounce rate, depending on size and weight.

– Custom postage: a sheet of 20 is usually around $10 on top of the face value of the postage you need.

– Boxed invitations: again, this will depend on weight and size- most of the ones we’ve sent out have been around $2.50 in postage.

– RSVP envelopes + postcards: a standard size RSVP envelope will take a first class, one ounce stamp (.47 as of June 2016). Postcard postage is a bit less (see our post on the pros and cons of postcards here) as long as it meets the size, weight and thickness requirements.

Even if you’ve confirmed the postage rate when you bought your stamps, it’s always a good idea to double check when you go to mail them out as well!

background image: laura gordon photography from the envision workshop styled shoot