Lost and Found: How to Handle Delayed Invitations in Your Event Planning
You've invested so much time and money into crafting the perfect invitation, only to discover that your guests haven't received them.
There are several reasons why this situation might occur. From simple instances like delayed mail to other underlying factors, we're here to guide you through the challenges of sending out invitations.
Drawing from our own experiences with clients and friends, we've compiled a brief list of factors to be mindful of. From the choice of paper colors to embellishments and weight, there's a checklist of considerations when organizing your invitations.
Color of the paper:
Visibility: If the color of your paper makes it difficult to read the address or barcode, it could potentially lead to delays or misrouting.
Quality:
The quality of the paper can affect how well it withstands the mailing process. Low-quality paper may tear or become damaged more easily, increasing the risk of the invitation getting lost or arriving in poor condition.
Wax Seal / Weight:
Thickness and Texture:
Wax seals can add thickness and texture to your envelope, which might make it more difficult for postal sorting machines to process. This could potentially lead to delays or misrouting if the envelope gets caught or damaged during sorting. Hand sorting is always a great option!
While the risks are minimal here are some suggestions for navigating your invitation sending process:
Plan Ahead: Faith’s rule of thumb is send them out at least 3 months in advance - no less.
Follow Up: If you notice that some invitations haven't been delivered within a reasonable timeframe, don't hesitate to follow up with the USPS. They may be able to provide insight into the status of your mail and take steps to locate any missing items.
Use tracking labels: While they may not offer the same elegance as handwritten addresses, they provide the crucial advantage of tracking. With tracking in place, you can monitor the progress of your invitations and identify any potential issues early on.
Chat with your local post office professional or stationary designer on best methods they have for avoiding delays or lost mail.