This article was last updated on 06/12/2024.
Planning a wedding is an exciting time, filled with decisions and details to consider. One often overlooked aspect is the cost of sending out wedding invitations. From choosing the right invitation size to understanding the different mailing options available, there are several factors to consider when budgeting for wedding invitations postage in Australia. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about sending out wedding invitations and how much you should budget for postage.
Understanding the Different Mailing Options in Australia
Australia Post offers a variety of mailing options for sending out wedding invitations. Most invitations and cards would typically classify as ‘letters’. The two main options for domestic letters are Regular Post and Express Post. Regular Post is the most cost-effective option but can take longer to arrive. Express Post, on the other hand, is more expensive but guarantees quicker delivery. It’s important to consider your timeline and budget when deciding which option is best for you.
Is your Invitation Considered a Small Letter or Large Letter?
- Small letters ($1.20 postage) have a maximum weight of 250g and the envelope must not exceed 240mm (l) x 130mm (w) x 5mm (h). In terms of invitations, the standard size of an invitation envelope is roughly 190mm (l) x 130mm (w) x 2-4mm (h).
- If your invitation is A5 size or bigger, it would be considered a large letter (starts from $2.40 postage). The maximum weight is 500g and envelope dimensions must not exceed 260mm (l) x 360mm (w) x 20mm (h). In a nutshell, the heavier your invitation, the more it will cost.
- For Express Post, most invitations will classify as Medium (C5) which costs $8.85 for postage.
According to Australia Post, these are the expected delivery times for each service:
Regular Post (starts from $1.20)
- Same state: 2-4 business days
- Interstate: 3-6 business days (depending on origin and destination)
There is an option to pay a bit extra for Priority service (faster than regular but not as quick as express). The expected delivery times for Priority mail are:
- Same state: Up to 2 business days
- Interstate: Up to 4 business days (depending on origin and destination)
Express Post (starts from $8.55)
- Next business day (depending on origin and destination)
International Post
If you’re planning to send out invitations to guests who live overseas, the most cost-effective way is by Economy Air Letter (starts from $2.70). Just be aware that international mail is charged by weight and size – so, if your invitation tips into the next weight or size bracket (even by a few measly grams or millimetres!), there’s a hefty price increase. To see the international delivery times, check out the Australia Post website.
TIP: Sending mail overseas can sometimes take a long time, so we recommend sending your international guests a digital invitation too. In the event the invitation is lost at sea, you won’t need to worry about missed celebrations. Digital invitations are a great way to stay stress-free and keep the wedding excitement alive!
Factors to Consider When Budgeting for Wedding Invitations Postage
When calculating the cost of postage for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider:
- The weight and size of your invitations (It’s best to factor in any extra items you plan to include with your invitations, such as RSVP cards, additional information inserts and finishing touches. These items will add to the weight and bulkiness of your envelope.)
- The number of invitations you are posting out
- The destination of the invitation i.e. Domestic or international mail
Tips for Saving Money on Wedding Invitations Postage
If you’re looking to save money on wedding invitations postage, there are several tips and tricks you can follow:
- First of all, consider opting for a smaller invitation size or using lighter weight materials to reduce the overall weight
- Secondly, you can explore bulk mailing options or take advantage of discounted postage rates for larger quantities
- Thirdly, consider sending electronic invitations for guests who are tech-savvy, as this can significantly reduce your postage costs
- Another thing to consider are RSVP cards. Do you really need your guests to send back their replies via snail mail? Instead, you could provide the option of RSVP’ing online or through messaging, which can help save on invitation postage costs
Conclusion
When it comes to budgeting for wedding invitations postage in Australia, careful planning and consideration are key. By understanding the different mailing options, calculating the postage cost, and exploring money-saving tips, you can ensure that your invitations are sent out smoothly and within your budget. Whether you choose traditional paper invitations or alternative options, the most important thing is that your guests receive the invitations and join you in celebrating your special day.
