The invitation
envelope serves not only to hold all of the invitation elements but
also to communicate exactly who you are inviting to the wedding.
The return address of the person(s) hosting the wedding should be
printed or hand written on the back flap.
Ensure
every guest’s name is spelt correctly and written out in full.
Don’t use abbreviations, initials or nicknames. And be sure to
double check the postal codes on your invitations. Canada Post provides a quick and easy means on their website
www.CanadaPost.ca
It is customary to
handwrite your guests’ names and addresses rather than printing out
computer labels. If your writing is truly horrible ask a friend
with nice handwriting to help you out. Always address the envelopes
before inserting the invitation elements. This will ensure no
unwanted ‘indents’ mark the invitation. Addresses should not be
abbreviated.
To make each
address line straight and evenly spaced try our Envelope Addressing
Guide for
A-6 (or 6 1/2" Square) Envelopes and for
A-7 (or 7" Square) Envelopes. Simply print the guide onto
heavy weight paper or cardstock, cut out on the dotted lines and
insert into your envelope. When printing the pdf file be sure
Page Scaling is set to 'None' to retain original document size.
Use the heavy ruled lines of the Guide for perfect addressing.
If your envelope is lined or a dark colour and the Addressing Guide
won't work you may opt to use a ruler as a guide as you handwrite
the envelopes or create a template from cardstock to hold on top of
the envelope as you write.
Send one
invitation per couple. If the couple has children under the age of
18, include them in the invitation, unless of course it will be an
adult-only event. Send separate invitations to guests over the age
of 18, even if they are living with their parents. When sending
invitations to single friends indicate “and guest” if you would like
them to bring a date. A couple who does not live together should
each receive their own invitation.
Unless you are using both an inner and outer invitation envelope you
will include all guest information on the outer envelope. Examples:
-
a
single guest; Mr. James Moore or Mr. James Moore and guest
-
a
family; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clark, Emily, Sarah and Brian
-
an
unmarried couple who live together; Ms. Nina Taylor
Mr. Scott
Hughes
Keep a master
list of the invitations that you’ll be mailing so that you can track
RSVP responses and follow up if necessary.
Here's an
Excel
Spreadsheet you may find helpful.
Take a complete invitation set to a postal outlet to have it weighed and have the postal clerk determine the exact amount of postage required. If there are different invitations for different guest groups (ie some will have additional enclosures) be sure to have each version weighed.
Keep in mind that unusually large or thick invitation sets are subject to additional postage. Square envelopes will require additional postage as they are considered ‘Non-Standard’ (more information below).
Try to choose stamps that complement your wedding stationery. And never use a postal meter for either your invitations or reply card envelopes! If you order stamps online at
www.CanadaPost.ca you’ll likely have a much larger selection than at your local postal outlet. Personalized photo stamps
(Picture PostageTM) are also available on the website for any standard-size envelope (up to 30 grams) delivered anywhere in Canada.
To take advantage of Canada Post’s Standard Lettermail pricing of $0.59 (destination within Canada) the piece must have minimum dimensions of 140 mm long x 90 mm high (5 ½” x 3 ½”) and maximum dimensions of 245 mm long x 156 mm high (9 5/8” x 6 1/8 ) and be 30 grams or less in weight. It must also have a thickness of no more than 5 mm (3/16”), a length to width ratio of at least 1.3:1 but not more than 2.6:1 (must be rectangular) and must be flexible (able to be bent around a 140 mm radius without being damaged). The same requirements apply to a piece
mailed to a Canadian destination weighing over 30 grams and up to 50 grams for cost of $1.03.
A square envelope is considered to be “Non-Standard Lettermail” and costs $1.25 for a weight up to 100 grams (destination within Canada).
Please refer to Canada Post’s
“Postal
Guides” for more information.
When to Mail
Wedding invitation etiquette dictates that they aren’t mailed too far in advance, but
invitations should never arrive at the last minute either. Your guests should be given enough time to make the necessary arrangements to attend your wedding. Invitations can be mailed as early as six to eight weeks prior to the wedding and as late as one month.
