Post # 1

Member
28 posts
Newbee
I am starting to look at invitations, and I have a basic question. Assuming the weight is under one ounce, does mailing a 5.25 x 5.25 invitation cost the same as mailing a 5 x 7 invitation (44 cents)? Below is what the USPS website says about letter size limits for letters, but I wanted to double check here. Thanks!
Size limits:
– Rectangular; length is the dimension parallel to the address.
– At least 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick
– No more than 6-1/8 inches high by 11-1/2 inches long by 1/4 inch thick
Post # 3

Member
4137 posts
Honey bee
square envelopes always cost more. there’s a 20 cent surcharge, so the minimum would be 64 cents.
Post # 4

Member
761 posts
Busy bee
The square envelopes cost more because they cannot go through the same machines as regular.
Post # 5

Member
7172 posts
Busy Beekeeper
No – your invite would cost more, because it’s square
From USPS:
http://www.usps.com/send/preparemailandpackages/measuringtips.htm
Unusual Shapes and Sizes GuidelinesOnce a piece of mail exceeds the maximum length, height or thickness of one shape, it automatically gets classified as the next largest shape. In addition, a piece of mail requires more postage when it is a certain shape or size that is difficult to process on mail sorting machines.
The examples below could require additional postage:• Square envelopes.• Packages larger than 34 inches long, 17 inches wide or 17 inches high.• Envelopes on which the address is written parallel to the shorter edge.• Packages weighing more than 35 pounds.• Books or printed material weighing more than 25 pounds.• Tubes and rolls.
EDIT: Something else to consider is how thick the end product will be. I didn’t realize this until my invites were all decide upon – but if it’s more than 1/4 inch thick, it’s additional money – bows are the biggest offenders (per the many postal workers I talked to when figuring out my postage!)
Post # 6

Member
28 posts
Newbee
Thanks ladies! I thought postage for square envelopes cost more, but I don’t mail letters often so I wasn’t completely sure. We’re going to choose a rectangular design to save on postage costs, and I’m also pretty sure we won’t have any embellishments. There are definitely lots of things to consider with the invitations, and we prefer saving some money in this area.