Wedding Invitations: Save With Size

When selecting your wedding invitation there are so many different sizes and layout options to consider.  Do you go for the traditional rectangle, trendy tea-length, folded, or the increasingly popular square invitation?

I personally really like the square invitations but unfortunately they can eat away more of your budget than the rectangle invitations.  Typically, the cost of printing is around the same, however, even though the square is smaller in height and length the post office will sock you for extra postage fees.

The United States Postal Service considers a standard letter envelope to be a minimum height of 3 ½” with a maximum height of 6 1/8”, and a minimum length of 5” with a maximum length of 11 ½”.

Any item smaller than the minimum dimensions is not mailable.  Any item larger than the maximum dimensions or any item considered “non-machinable” are subject to a surcharge.  Those items considered non-machinable are…

• It is a square letter (minimum size 5″ x 5″.)
• It is too rigid – does not bend easily
• It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices
• It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter
• It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven
• The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5

Considering the fact that first class postage just went up again, you don’t want to spend even more money to mail your wedding invitations.  With that said, stick with the traditional rectangle invitations (which come with a classic or A-7 size outer envelope).

Tip: If you really have your heart set on a square invitation, ask your supplier or printer if they offer rectangular envelopes that are designed and fitted for square invitations.  Most suppliers offer this option, at no cost.