How to Safely Mail Your Announcements

STAMPING, STUFFING, SEALING

Sounds easy right? Well, maybe not. I’m not saying it’s hard, but over the years I’ve noticed some hang-ups that can result in mailing disasters. I think I can speak for both of us when I say I’d like to avoid any trouble when mailing your beautiful stationery.

FIRST TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE

Yes, you read that right. They’ll be two trips to the post office actually. Might not being super high on your list, but ensuring your cards or announcements make it to their destination makes the extra trip worth it. 

After you receive your announcements, make sure you bring one to the post office to have it weighed and measured. You may have a postage scale at home, but seriously, don’t even think about using it! Calculating proper postage requires more than just weight. The post office will also factor in the stiffness, shape and size. 

Note: Generally smaller cards like birth announcements, holiday cards and save the dates require a forever stamp, but keep in mind thicker cards may require extra postage and squares will always need at least a 2-ounce stamp.

POSTAGE TYPES

Once you know the correct postage amount, you have a couple of options…

1. Purchase stamps from the post office. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, you can order from USPS’s website. 

2. Order vintage stamps. Search Etsy to find vintage stamp dealers showcasing an array of styles. Many of whom will even work with you to create a custom set of stamps in your unique style and color palette. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The post office’s machines are currently having trouble reading vintage stamps. This problem has delayed the arrival of invitations in guests’ mailboxes by 4-6 weeks in some cases. For the time being, I strongly recommend using current USPS postage because while I love vintage stamps, I love your invitations safely getting to your guests more.

SEALING THE ENVELOPES

Believe it or not there are right and wrong ways to seal your envelopes. 

RIGHT:

1. Use an envelope sealer. Just be careful not to use too much as the liquid may leak beyond the glue strip and can ruin the card.

-or-

2. Lick and stick. This option is usually best, but no it doesn’t taste good. And yes, I always think of that Seinfeld episode.

WRONG:

1. Water and a sponge. This is a recipe for disaster…seriously, I beg you not to do this! Often times too much water is applied to the envelope causing it to bubble and buckle upon drying. 

2. Stickers, tabs, or wax seals. These may look pretty on Pinterest, but I can promise you they don’t look the same after they jump through hoops at the post office. For instance, those beautiful wax seals will often get smudged or worse, ripped off the envelopes all together. If you’re in love with wax seals (I mean who isn’t), don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to incorporate them so that they stay pristine and protected from the mail system. 

SECOND TRIP TO THE POST OFFICE

Now that all your announcements are stuffed, sealed and stamped, it’s time to go back to the post office. Since you’re most likely handing over 100+ cards, try to stop by during quieter times (avoid the lunch hour or end of day). 

Ask them about hand canceling so your invitations are sent through fewer machines. If they say no at first, offer to hand cancel them yourself. Sometimes the postal worker is happy to hand that little red stamp over to you. Just make sure you set aside 20 minutes or so to finish the job. 

DONE AND DONE!

Whew! How’d that feel? Your announcements are safely in the mail and you’ll be receiving compliments from your friends and family any day now. So exciting! 

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help!

xo, Katie