Invitations, RSVP cards and Stamps

Hello wedding planning couples!

We hope that you are having a great time planning your wedding.  As you begin to get a bit closer to selecting your invitations for your wedding there are a few things you need to know...

1. The price of stamps will be going up on January 26, 2014. This means you need to make sure you get the right stamps for your invites.

2. Even the price of a postcard stamp is going up.

3. Make sure you are aware of odd shaped invitations and RSVP cards.  They are not priced the same.

4. We all LOVE the adorable wedding, heart, and kiss stamps. But, if you buy them before the price increase (or already have them) and intend on using them after January 26th, you will need to add extra postage.  Save yourself some money and get some forever stamps!

Here is a breakdown of the cost impact to you:

If you have 150 people you are inviting, this means you are probably going to send out around 80 invitations (some will be couples but some may be singles).

80 invitations at the current rate of .46 is $36.80
80 RSVP cards (if using a postcard) current rate .33 is $26.40
80 Thank You cards at the current rate is $36.80

Total spent on postage is $100.00 (keep in mind this is a basic invitation size/weight and postcard RSVP card)

80 invitations at the new rate of .49 is $39.20
80 RSVP cards (if using a postcard) new rate .34 is $27.20
80 Thank You cards at the new rate is $39.20

Total spent on postage at the new rate beginning on Sunday the 26th is $105.60

Keep in mind this does not include postage for your rehearsal dinner invites or Thank You cards for bridal shower gifts.  So, while it may seem like a small amount of money, it will begin to add up. And $10 here and $10 there makes a huge difference. 

So you may be asking "what now?" Well head on down to your local store or post office and buy some forever stamps.  You pay the current rate and can save some money.

Thanks for reading and we hope you found this helpful.

Lisa Marie

Eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

PS when writing your text on your invitations make sure to spell out the date properly. It is two thousand fourteen.  It would not be two thousand and fourteen. :)

Postage Rates

Did you know that on January 22 the cost of a stamp for a standard envelope will be once again increasing from $.44 to $.45?  Are you one of the many couples who will be mailing out Save the Dates or Invitations in the next few months?  Maybe you are hosting an Anniversary Party, Birthday Party or even a shower of some kind.  If so it is important to know what your postage fees will be.  Check out our tips below.

1. Yes we all love the wedding stamp but it is not a FOREVER stamp.  Buying the FOREVER stamps now saves you money, it can be used FOREVER at the current postage rate.  Example - If you are getting married in August you will be mailing out your invitations in June.  If you buy the FOREVER stamp now at $.44 you are saving $.01 per stamp versus buying the stamps in June at $.45 a stamp.  Think that $.01 is not much? Multiple it by your number of Invites, Reply Cards and Thank You Cards. Adds up doesn't it.

2. Did you know the size (shape) of your invitation can change your postage cost?  Remember to check into what it will cost when working on your invitations.  Some square and over sized envelopes cost more to mail.  Ask your consultant if yours fall into the "normal sized" rates or if they will require additional postage.  If additional is needed you may want to check into your budget to see if it is possible.  The added cost to some may add an extra $10 - $40 just to mail (total budget increase not individual invite increase).

3. Did you know the weight of the materials used may make it cost more to mail?  Make sure that you take a sample in to the Post Office (or ask your invitations/stationary consultant) and check the weight and cost to mail them.  Many couples forget that their invitation will be heavier then standard mail.  Thus resulting in higher postage fees (often times not even realized till after they were sent out).

In general be prepared.  Work with a Wedding Planner or an Invitations/Stationary Specialist who knows what your invitations will cost to mail.  And PLEASE save yourself a little money and go get those FOREVER stamps now.  You know now that this is an area where your wedding costs will increase.  So why not be proactive and not let it increase. :)

Happy Wedding Planning.

Lisa Marie, Alycia, Summer and Taylor

Events by Lisa Marie

www.eventsbylisamarie.com

503-830-7779

Professional Event & Wedding Planning Specialists, Portland Oregon