Where To Buy Wedding Stamps: Post Office Options

Wedding stamps are an important part of the wedding planning process. They are required to send out wedding invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, and other wedding-related mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of wedding-themed stamps, including Forever Stamps, which cover the cost of first-class postage with no expiration or denomination. While special stamps are not necessary, couples may opt for fancier options or those that match their wedding theme or colour palette. The weight, size, and shape of the invitation envelopes also play a crucial role in determining the number and type of stamps needed. It is recommended to consult with USPS staff to ensure adequate postage and avoid potential delivery issues.

Where to buy wedding stamps

Wedding stamps are required to send out invitations, save-the-dates, RSVP cards, thank-you cards, and other wedding-related mail. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed stamps, including Forever Stamps, which will cover the cost of first-class postage for envelopes weighing up to one ounce. These stamps have no expiration or denomination and feature various designs, including flowers and other wedding-appropriate motifs.

You can buy wedding stamps at your local post office or online. If you're short on time or want to avoid shipping costs, visiting a post office is a good option. Calling ahead to check if they have the desired stamps in stock is recommended. USPS.com offers a wide range of stamp designs, including those featuring famous works of art, flowers, and seasonal motifs. They also have a "Love/Weddings" section to easily find on-theme stamps. However, shipping can take up to a week, and designs may be limited.

For vintage or unique stamp options, online retailers like Etsy, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, and Amazon offer a variety of wedding-appropriate designs. Etsy is especially notable for its vintage and curated stamp collections, while Edelweiss Post specialises in vintage and discontinued stamps. Little Postage House offers stamp collections grouped by colour or theme, as well as state, city, and landmark stamps. Magnolia Postage provides vintage, small-denomination stamps and can source specific stamp requests. Amazon offers modern stamp options and is ideal for bulk purchases with fast shipping, especially with Prime membership.

Wedding stamp costs

If your invitations are non-standard in size or shape, or include decorative elements, they will need to be hand-cancelled, which costs an extra $0.44 per envelope. This means that a USPS employee will use a rubber stamp to individually hand-stamp each envelope with the cancellation markings, which adds a classic look and helps protect the envelope from damage.

You can also purchase vintage stamps from dealers, which can add a romantic or Old-World touch to your invitations. However, these stamps often have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them, and they will need to be individually applied with glue or tape. Vintage stamps can also be more expensive, with suites of stamps running between $16 and $20 per envelope.

To save money on postage, consider using single-ply paper, avoiding wax seals and knotted ribbons, and keeping inserts to a minimum. This way, you may be able to mail your invitation for as little as $0.90.

Remember, it's important to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to determine the exact weight and cost to mail, as this can vary between locations.

Wedding stamp weight requirements

Wedding invitations come in all shapes and sizes, and the weight requirements for stamps depend on a few factors.

Firstly, the weight of the invitation suite is important. If your invitation suite weighs under one ounce, you will need 73 cents worth of postage, which is usually covered by a single Forever Stamp. If your invitation weighs between one and two ounces, you will need to add an additional 28 cents worth of postage, bringing the total to $1.01.

Secondly, the dimensions of the envelope will determine if it falls into the "large envelope" category, which requires extra postage. If the envelope is over 6⅛" in height, 11½" in width, or ¼" in thickness, it will be considered a large envelope. The postage rate for a large envelope starts at $1.50 and increases by 27 cents for each additional ounce.

Thirdly, the characteristics of the envelope can also affect the postage cost. If the envelope is deemed "non-machinable" by the USPS due to rigidity, lumpiness, or the presence of a wax seal or square shape, a "non-machinable surcharge" of 46 cents will be added.

Finally, it is important to consider the speed and location of delivery. Sending invitations first class will cost more but will ensure they arrive faster. Additionally, sending invitations internationally will also increase the postage cost.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to bring a fully assembled and ready-to-mail invitation to your local post office for weighing and inspection.

Vintage wedding stamps

Wedding stamps are an important part of your wedding stationery, providing the earliest hints about your event before the envelope is even opened. Vintage wedding stamps are a unique way to infuse character and personality into your wedding invitations. These stamps are often printed decades or even centuries ago on antique printing presses no longer in operation, giving them a distinct aesthetic and tactile feel compared to modern stamps.

When sourcing vintage wedding stamps, it's essential to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, vintage stamps have been carefully preserved and maintained in unused condition, so you'll need a lot of them for your wedding invitations. Secondly, unlike Forever Stamps, vintage stamps don't retain their value over time. The value of vintage stamps fluctuates based on the year and time of printing, and stamp dealers may charge a premium. Finally, most vintage stamps are not self-adhering and require moisture to activate the glue on the back.

Etsy and eBay are excellent sources for vintage wedding stamps. Etsy offers a wide range of antique and vintage shops curating modern and vintage stamps, with options to search by colour palette, theme, or country of origin. eBay, on the other hand, is ideal for exploring the intrinsic value of vintage postage and connecting with avid stamp collectors.

If you're looking for a more tailored approach, consider working with a vendor or stationer specialising in postage curation, such as Little Postage House. They can help you source and curate a stamp collection that complements your wedding and pays tribute to your life together.

Remember to gather more vintage stamps than you think you'll need and to consider the value of the stamps when calculating postage. By incorporating vintage wedding stamps into your invitations, you'll add a touch of charm and individuality to your special day.

Wedding RSVP card stamps

The practical reason for using wedding RSVP card stamps is to provide postage for your guests' responses. It is considered proper etiquette to include a stamped and addressed envelope with your wedding invitations to make it convenient for your guests to respond. This also guarantees a faster response time.

In addition to their functional purpose, wedding RSVP card stamps can also enhance the design of your stationery. You can choose stamps that coordinate with your wedding colours or theme, adding a cohesive and polished look to your invitations.

Where to Buy Wedding RSVP Card Stamps?

You can purchase wedding RSVP card stamps at your local post office or online. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed stamps, including “Love/Wedding” sections with pretty flowers and other appropriate motifs. If you're looking for unique or vintage options, online retailers like Etsy and Edelweiss Post offer a wide range of choices.

The number of stamps you need for your wedding RSVP cards depends on the weight and dimensions of the envelope. If it's a standard size and weight, one Forever Stamp should suffice. Forever Stamps are a great option for wedding RSVP cards as they cover the cost of first-class postage indefinitely, even if the cost goes up after purchase.

However, if your envelope is heavier or includes additional inserts, you may need to use additional stamps to cover the extra postage. It's always a good idea to weigh your fully assembled invitation suite at the post office to determine the exact postage required.

Other Considerations

When choosing wedding RSVP card stamps, consider the overall design of your invitations. You can mix and match new and vintage stamps to achieve a cohesive look, especially if you stick to a single colour palette. Also, consider the placement of the stamps on the envelope to ensure there is enough room for the address.

Additionally, don't forget about the option of using RSVP postcards instead of envelopes. Postcard stamps are typically less expensive and can be a cost-effective choice if you're looking to save money on postage.

Frequently asked questions