Hand Canceling Your Wedding Invitations: What You Need to Know
When it comes to mailing your custom wedding invitations, the little details matter—right down to how they’re handled at the post office.
A great option when mailing your custom save the dates and/or luxury invitations (created by Serendipity Beyond Design, of course) is hand canceling.
Hand canceling is done through the United States Postal Service—and it can be a great choice depending on your invitation.
What is hand canceling?
Hand canceling means your envelopes are stamped by hand at the post office instead of going through the standard sorting machines. This helps prevent bending, smudging, or damage—especially for invitations with delicate details like wax seals, ribbons, or thick cardstock. (Plus, who wants a big stamp from USPS on your gorgeous hand picked envelopes?)
When should you consider it?
We recommend hand canceling if your invitations include:
- Wax seals or embellishments (wood, tags, ties, ribbon)
- Thick or layered paper
- Unusual shapes or sizes
- Anything you’d prefer not to run through a machine
A few things to keep in mind
Not all post offices perform hand canceling the same way, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or stop in and ask about their process. Some locations may charge a small fee, and timing can vary.
Our best tip
Bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office before mailing your full batch. They can weigh it, confirm proper postage, and let you know if hand canceling is recommended.
Especially for couples sending luxury wedding invitations or detail-heavy custom invitations, hand canceling can help protect every element. You've invested fully in your custom invitations, protecting them is key!
At the end of the day, this extra step can give you peace of mind knowing your invitations will arrive just as beautifully as they were designed.
