As we mentioned last week, there are limits set on post to help ensure timely delivery and keep postage costs down.
So, just like there are weight restrictions, there are also sizing restrictions! Let’s look at what Canada Post says and then discuss:
Minimum Size:
5.5” x 3.5” (140 mm x 90 mm)
This includes your RSVP cards at a standard thickness
Standard (50g or less) Canadian Maximum Size:
9.6” x 6.1” (245 mm x 156 mm)
Standard (50g or less) all International Maximum Size:
9.2” x 4.7” (235 mm x 120 mm)
Non-standard and oversize (0-500 g) Maximum Size:
15” x 10.6” (380 mm x 270 mm)
Joanna Moss Creative | https://joannamoss.com | Featured in WedLuxe Magazine
We think it’s pretty obvious that the larger the invitation is, and the heavier it is, the more it will cost. Postal services look at it this way; the larger and heavier the envelope, the more room it takes in the carrier’s bag and adds to the weight they have to carry. This is why we recommend that most couples stick to standard invitation sizes unless they want to upgrade to a parcel in order to ship something more elaborate.
Our standard sizes include:
• 4”x6”
• 5”x7”
• 6”x6”
• 4”x9”
An additional thing that many couples don’t know, is that the THICKNESS of the invitation is also an important sizing aspect. When shipping an envelope, postage clerks are required to pull the envelope through a sizing slot that is about 0.25” thick. If you are using wax seals on your envelope, that also needs to pass through easily along with the invitation. This means that if you are shipping a thicker item, you may have to ship it a parcel right from the start.
If you are creating something bigger than standard sizes of envelopes, and know that you are going to be heading into parcel territory fairly soon, there are options for you! Canada Post offers “Flat rate boxes” that ship for a flat rate with whatever fits inside. These are the perfect solution to couples sending boxed invitations to their loved ones, as they include the postage, the sturdy box, tracking and $100 coverage for loss or damage.
Tracey Jazmin | https://traceyjazmin.com
Should you decide to build your own shipping package, we recommend (as always!) to take one package to the post office FIRST (before you seal and stamp them all) to get the most accurate size and weight costing options. By getting one calculated before finishing the rest of the packing, you can determine if an item can be removed or modified to help with sizing or weight overages.
Have any questions about shipping in Canada? We’d love to hear them!
