All About Postage {Ideas & Information}

Before you begin addressing envelopes, assemble one complete invitation (including tissue paper, any maps or additional insertions, and the stamp on the return response envelope) and take it to your local post office for weight and measurement. When you order invitations, it is safe to assume that you will have to pay extra postage.

Don’t assume .45 cents will be enough. Due to extra insertions, your invitation could easily exceed one ounce. In addition, often it’s the size and not the weight which may require more postage than one first class stamp, so taking this extra step now can save a lot of aggravation later. Don’t forget to buy stamps for the response card envelopes or postcards while you’re at the post office!

First Class Letter postage prices are based on the shape, as well as the weight of the envelope. USPS follows the guidelines below:

Shape

• Rectangular; length is the dimension parallel to the address
• At least 5" long  x 3 1/2" high by .007" thick
• No more than 11 1/2" long x 6 1/8" high x 1/4" thick
• Up to 3.5 ounces

Weight

• Less than 1 oz. = $0.45
• Less than 2 oz. = $0.65
• Less than 3 oz. = $0.85
• Less than 3 1/2 oz. = $1.05

Letters that meet one or more of the nonmachinable characteristics below are subject to the $0.20 nonmachinable surcharge. Items over 3.5 ounces must be mailed as a Large Envelope or Package.

• It is a square letter (the minimum size for a square envelope is 5 x 5 inches.)
• It is too rigid - does not bend easily
• It has clasps, string, buttons, or similar closure devices
• It has an address parallel to the shorter dimension of the letter
• It contains items such as pens that cause the surface to be uneven
• The length divided by height is less than 1.3 or more than 2.5

Postcards - 32 cents
Size limits:
Minimum: 3-1/2 inches high by 5 inches long by 0.007 inch thick
Maximum: 6 inches long by 4-1/4 inches high.
Additional postage required for larger postcards

Visit USPS.com and check out their postage calculator for further details

Postage Increase 

If you haven’t heard, there will be a postage increase on January 22, 2012.  If you plan to mail anything from save the dates, engagement party invites, or wedding invitations remember to consider the postage increase when mailing items out. If you are expecting response cards to be returned, don’t get caught with out enough postage or you can expect a giant stack of bright yellow ‘return to sender’ stickers stamped on your  beautifully addressed invitations.

The increase will affect everything being placed in your mailbox with postcards having the biggest price jump with a three cent increase. If you plan on ordering custom stamps do consider the price increase when you place your order.

Here are the facts straight from the United Postal Service regarding the postage increase:

Prices for most Postal Service mailing services will change on January 22, 2012.

FIRST-CLASS MAIL HIGHLIGHTS:

• Letters (1 oz.) – 1-cent increase to 45 cents.
• Single-piece letters additional ounce rate – unchanged at 20 cents.
• Postcards – 3-cent increase to 32 cents
• Letters to Canada or Mexico (1 oz.) – 5-cent increase to 85 cents
• Letters to other international destinations – 7-cent increase to $1.05

You can also check out our post about personalized postage if you plan to order custom stamps for your invitations. For more information about the USPS price increases, check out their latest pricing sheet here.

Most Common Misspelled Words on Invitations {Stationery Tips and Tricks}

There are a few words and phrases that a majority of brides use in their invitations; whether it be on the actual invitation itself or on the cards inside the invitation. And some of those words are almost always misspelled without the bride even knowing it sometime. You see, our friend spell check sometimes gets it wrong. And our friends over at Custom Paperworks have pointed out a few key words that you might want to double check the next time you type up an invite.

Here's what they've found:

1. Accommodations - two c's and two m's
2. website - no capital W
3. email - no capital E and no hyphen 
4. traveler (or traveller in the U.K.)
5. regrettably, regretfully - one had two t's
6. two thousand eleven - now this was a big one for me... there is no AND when typing out the date
7. honour vs. honor - both are correct but, as Custom Paperworks points out, be consistent with other O and OU words
8. presence - you don't want people thinking that you want their presents only, that's rude.
9. St., Ave., Blvd. - Spell out each word... it's prettier. 
10. Double spaces between sentences do not exist in the graphic design world. Ever.
11. dessert is what you serve, desert is where you go for sand
12. hors d'oeuvres/hors d'oeuvre - the correct way to spell them
13. Now this has nothing to do with your invitations and wasn't included on Custom Paperworks' list but it's a big one we see commonly misspelled... stationery is spelled with an E. Not an A. Whew... it felt great to get that off my chest.

Want more great tips? Check out what else the great folk over at Custom Paperworks have to say on their blog! They have plenty more stationery tips for you to check out.  

Playdate Cards {Ideas and Information}

Are you a mom or dad with young kids? Ever go to the park and have your kid friend another kid and want to continue the fun? Well we got a great idea from Parent Hacks for these playdate cards. Simply put your contact information on the card and other parents can contact you for a playdate in the future! The idea is genius. You don't even have to give the card to the other parent. You can have your child hand it over.

This playdate card also works great with playgroups. I know that I meet mothers on a daily basis and after some talking I realize that not all of them know that there are these great groups out there for not only the kids but the moms and dads as well. Being able to talk and relate to another adult when you're at home with your kids a majority of the time is like a breath of fresh air. By passing along a card instead of fumbling around the diaper bag for a piece of paper and pen you save yourself some time.

If you're interested in ordering playdate cards for you and your child contact Cherish Paperie today! We'd love to help design one for you. We also do customized business cards as well. Below is the pricing.

Pricing for Business/Playdate Cards
 
50 - $40 with artwork | $25 if artwork is provided
100 - $45 with artwork | $25 if artwork is provided
250 - $55 with artwork | $30if artwork is provided

All pricing is for flat color printing on standard paper (no texture or metallic) and does not include shipping. To see the paper colors available please check out our website.

Printing Techniques {Ideas and Information}

In order to help you pick out the perfect paper and printing technique combo for your invitations we've broken down the different printing techniques we use and have provided information about each of them; including what paper is best for each technique. Certain printing techniques will apply more pressure to the paper than others. So if you've already fallen in love with a particular paper, ask us what your printing options are and go from there. Figure out what you love and play around a bit. There's a printing and paper combo out there for you. 

Engraving
The most popular printing method today is engraving. It provides the most classic, timeless look for your save the dates and invitations. Engraving generally works best on a cotton fiber paper, which can hold up to the stress of the process. Paper made from wood pulp will likely break apart. If you already know for sure that you want engraved invitations, pick a very strong stock that can hold fine detail. Request 100-percent cotton paper if this is the method you plan to use.

Thermography
For brides on a budget, thermography is a great alternative to engraving. And it is typically 20–25 percent less than the cost of engraving. The difference between engraving and thermography is that engraving has indents on the back and thermography doesn't.

If you do want to use this printing technique on your invitations than rethink using dark paper and light ink. You won't be able to use this combo since thermography is a heat-based method that fuses ink with resinous powder. But if you have already chosen a dark paper then have no fear! Thermography may not be the way to go but you have options.

Letterpress
Letterpress is another method to look at and choose from. This method works best on soft and bulky paper to produce a crisp look with a very deep impression. This is a great alternative to engraving if you prefer a different look to thermography and engraving. 

Mixing It Up

A great way to change the look and feel of your invitation is to mix type styles. By choosing a different font for one line on your invitation or save-the-date you can make that wording stand out from everything else. If nothing on our website or blog intrigues you, try flipping through design books and magazines for inspiration. By researching what the trends are in graphic design, you're sure to find a new and edgy look. And no matter what design type you choose in your paper communication with guests, you want to remain consistent.

Another great way to set your invitation apart from the rest is by moving your wording away from the center of the invitation and experimenting with left or right type justifications. Many couples like to place their monogram in the upper or lower corners of the invitation, or justify important information to the right or the left for a modern feel.

But with all of these changes, make sure your invitation is still readable. While it's fun to play with settings and placement, remember that guests still need to gather information from your invite. Try not to make it too difficult to figure out. Above all, you want to maintain a clean, consistent look and feel.

Playing Around with Color
Wedding invitations no longer have to be an ordinary white card with plain black type. While cream- and ecru-colored papers were once the gold standard in wedding invitations, couples today want to switch things up. Espresso and navy are two of the most desired paper colors, while cream and ecru are still making their mark—this time as ink. Today, you can have a little fun and be creative with your invitation design and still uphold a certain level of formality.

If you're torn between a few different looks for your stationery, try expressing your personality in your save-the-dates. Many brides choose a save-the-date that's completely different from their invitation; there's no rule that says it has to match the entire wedding set. One emerging save-the-date trend is to send a photo strip of yourselves mounted on a card or magnet. This is a great way to share those fabulous engagement photos you took!

Please Remember
Don't forget to request a proof before you sign off on your final design. The bride and groom are ultimately responsible for everything on the page, so double- and triple-check that everything is spelled correctly and that the design you've chosen is one you truly love. To figure out when to start researching invitations and when to order check out our estimated timeline.

Invitation Etiquette {Ideas and Information}

How exciting is it to open your mail and see a thick beautiful envelope and just know that it's a beautiful invitation for a dear friend or family member's wedding? Knowing that you are about to get a glimpse into the start of another couple's lives together in matrimony can be fun. You can learn a lot about the tone of a wedding and of the couple from their wedding invitation.  

However something you do not want to see in the invitation is the dreaded registry card. Registry cards are handed over in large packs from the bridal departments at Macy’s and Bed, Bath & Beyond when you register with them. Most brides just assume that they are to be used. Why waste a perfectly good piece of paper, right? And how else will the guests know what to buy for the wedding?

Don't worry, your guests will find out where you are registered and what you would like to receive for your wedding. Including these cards with your wedding invitation sends the wrong message. Remember, your wedding is focused on the upcoming marriage rather than on the gifts. Your guests do not need a “friendly reminder” to bring you a waffle iron.

If you'd like more information on wedding and invitation etiquette check out this article here from eHow. They cover all of the basics when it comes to registries and weddings. And remember... just throw out those registry cards!

The Letter Writing Process - How to Start {Ideas and Information}

Photo Source

In an age of electronic devices, handwritten letters are a unique joy to receive in the mail. With text messages and emails who has time to sit down and write a letter? The meaning behind the written word shows a lot more than just type font on a computer screen or cell phone. Whether you are sitting down to write a thank you note or sending a card as a quick hello to a friend, writing a letter shows effort and care. And as we've mentioned before, more and more people are getting back into letter-writing.

For some, writing is very cathartic. From personal experience with my family blog and this blog I find that writing allows me to be creative and also gives me a place to display all of the bottled up information I have inside out to everyone. And if a public blog isn't for you, some find journals or notebooks a great way to keep track of what they're thinking, how they feel and whats gone on in their lives.

Writing letters is also a great way to connect with yourself and with others. I've been writing letters to my children since before they were born. I find that it helped connect with them and it also is helping me remember how they were at different stages of their lives. Writing letters has also helped in remembering what is going on in the world at that time. Many historians have uncovered information in the form of letters written back and forth. So it is very important that we continue to write.  

To make a letter seem more personal you can purchase custom stationery. The stationery can be either in the form of a folded card or a flat card, or you can choose to have custom paper printed for you. The stationery can include a simple monogram or personalization at the top or a nice design or border. Once you've decided what size and design you want your stationery to have you can order it through Cherish Paperie. 

Once you've received your custom stationery you're ready to pick up your pen. Now you have to decide who you are writing to. Are you writing to a friend who just recently moved? Are you thanking a grandparent for a gift given to your child? Or are you sitting down to write a letter to a friend you haven't spoken with in a while? Once you know who you're writing to you can start focusing on what you're going to write.

Graduation Announcements and Invitations {Ideas and Information}

The big day is just around the corner! You or your child is about to graduate! Have friends and family celebrate with you by sending a graduation invitation or share this accomplishment with a graduation announcement. We have a great selection of photo graduation invitations and graduation announcements in many styles and designs to fit just about every graduate's needs.

If you don't see what you like on our website but have an idea in mind just contact us so we can create the perfect announcement or invitation for your graduation. We know that this day is special for not only you, but your family as well and we want to celebrate right along with you! 

We also would like to take the time to help you in deciding whether an announcement or an invitation is what you are looking for. A lot of seniors (and their parents) start to ask about the difference between graduation invitations and graduation announcements this time of year so we wanted to help you out.

Graduation Invitations
These are invitations to either the graduation itself, to a graduation party or both. The invitation includes all of the standard event information, including the time, date, address and other specifics. If there is going to be a party or reception held after the graduation ceremony you can let your guests know these details on the invitation. Make it clear on the invitation or by word of mouth if the guests are being invited to the graduation ceremony and the party or just the party (in case tickets or seats at the graduation ceremony are limited).

Graduation Announcements

These are the cards a graduate sends to family and friends to share the big news about the graduation. It includes information about the graduate, including the school he or she is graduating from, but doesn’t include the time, date or location like an invitation would. This is a great place to put any honors you or your child has received as well to celebrate all of your accomplishments.

In Love... {Ideas and Information}

with the new 2011 Love stamp collection from the US Postal Service. These beautiful works of art will be available for purchase on May 19th and can add the perfect touch to your invitations or RSVP envelopes.

From usps.com -

"The Garden of Love — ten different First-Class stamps depicting a colorful mosaic of flora and fauna in a garden setting — will be issued May 19. These stamps are a continuation of the Love series, begun in 1973, and are intended for use on Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day cards, as well as on other occasions when love and affection are expressed.

Award-winning illustrator José Ortega of New York City and Toronto depicts an abstract garden of bright flowers, a butterfly, a strawberry, and doves, interlaced with vines that run from one stamp to another. Each prominent element of the design is in the shape of a heart. The deep blue background is reminiscent of a brilliant summer sky. The word “Love” sits atop each stamp."

There are also a lot of other places to find unique or vintage stamps. Check out The Paper Nickel or  Verde Studio's collection of unused vintage stamps. And for help finding more options check out 100 Layer Cake's blog post on vintage stamps.

And remember, you can always have us customize your postage to match your invitations perfectly. Just ask!

New Postage Available for Square Envelopes {Ideas and Information}

We always get a lot of questions about how much our wedding invitations cost to mail, while the answer really varies depending on the weight and size of the final piece. You can weigh your invitation and estimate the cost by going to the USPS website but you also have to factor in extras such as the size and shape of your envelope (absolutely check with your local post office before purchasing postage!). The majority of 5x7 invitations we do are 2oz on average and cost about $0.61 in stamps. What better way to greet your guests right out of their mailbox, than with personalized postage!?

Envelopments is now offering custom postage to match their patterned papers, and you can also get custom postage from us on Zazzle.com. If you don't see something you like let us know and we are happy to create a custom stamp for you!

The 5x5 and 7x7 square shapes do require a surcharge since they are square instead of the rectangular, so the post office will charge and extra "non-machinable" rate for these. But they do now offer a $.64 stamp just for the square greeting cards as long as they are under 1 ounce.

Some info from the usps.com website:

Using the Butterfly stamp
Today’s high-tech letter sorting technology enables machinable First-Class Mail letters to be processed at a cost of 44 cents for the first ounce and 17 cents for each additional ounce up to 3½ ounces. Non-machinable letters such as square envelopes, envelopes with the address parallel to the shorter dimension, and envelopes containing odd-shaped items cannot be processed on today’s high-speed mail sorters and a 20-cent non-machinable surcharge is applied for the additional handling costs.

The 64-cent Butterfly stamp incorporates the non-machinable surcharge and can be used for square greeting cards and other non-machinable envelopes weighing up to one ounce.

For more information on the USPS guidelines, visit this link here: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/101.htm.

FAQ Series - Custom Colors?

We get this same question over and over...."I like xxx on your website...can you do it in another color, font, etc?"

YES! we are CUSTOM programs...so almost everything we do is custom ;-)

The images you see on our site are just examples of work we have done before - anything about them can be changed...colors, fonts, ink, type, graphics, etc. You can like the colors of one image and the graphics from another - we will combine them to make your "perfect" invitation or program! Your imagination is the limit!