What is hand cancelling?

Cancelling refers to the process by which the post office marks the envelope and stamps. This is usually done with machines. Hand-cancelling is when each envelope is stamped by a person, rather than being put through the automated machine.

This is something you should consider for delicate envelopes, calligraphy, ribbon, and wax seals. Hand-cancelling will ensure that the damage to the envelope through the mailing process is minimal. In Australia, it is wise to talk to your post office and ask if they offer hand cancelling. Usually there no additional fee, it just depends on the time and staffing availability of that post office. It is wise to talk to your post office prior to sending the invitations. They might ask you come in at a less busy time. Some smaller post offices do not offer hand-cancelling.

If you are assembling your invitations yourself, I urge you to ask for hand-cancelled envelopes. If your stationer is assembling and posting your invitations for you, you should make sure that they ask for hand-cancelling when they post the invites. You want to make sure your envelope arrives to your guest in good condition. We at AYD will do this automatically.

As always, send through your invitation questions and comments. Help is only a click away.

Best wishes,

Xx Lisa