Junior Rasmussen
Wedding stamps are an important consideration for couples planning their big day. The right stamps ensure that invitations arrive safely and on time and can add a special design touch to the occasion. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of wedding-themed stamps, including first-class 1-ounce forever stamps and two-ounce stamps for larger or heavier invitations. While custom stamps are no longer available, couples can choose from various designs, including love/wedding-themed options featuring flowers and other motifs. The cost of wedding stamps varies depending on the weight, shape, and size of the mail, with heavier invitations requiring additional postage. It is recommended to consult a post office professional to determine the correct postage and avoid any issues with delivery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy wedding stamps at the post office? | Yes |
| Where else can you buy wedding stamps? | Online at USPS.com, Etsy, Amazon, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage |
| What type of stamps should you buy for wedding invitations? | Forever Stamps, Wedding Forever Stamps, Wedding Postcard Stamps, Vintage Wedding Stamps |
| How many stamps do you need for wedding invitations? | Depends on the weight and dimensions of the envelope. If it's standard size and weighs under one ounce, you need one Forever Stamp. If it's heavier or larger, you'll need additional postage stamps. |
| What is the cost of wedding stamps? | As of July 2024, a standard 73-cent stamp is sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce. A two-ounce letter costs $1.01. |
What You'll Learn
Wedding Forever Stamps
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed Forever Stamps with different designs, including flowers and other appropriate motifs. The current face value of these stamps is $0.73 for a sheet of 20 self-adhesive stamps. This price includes the cost of first-class postage for envelopes weighing up to one ounce. If you are mailing a two-ounce first-class letter, which is common for larger or heavier wedding invitations, you will need two-ounce wedding stamps, currently priced at $1.01.
You can buy Forever Stamps online from Amazon or eBay, or in person at your local post office. Online options offer a wider range of designs and may be more convenient, but shipping times can vary. If you are short on time or want to avoid shipping costs, purchasing stamps at your local post office may be the best option.
When choosing wedding stamps, consider the weight, shape, and size of your mail. If you have a unique envelope shape or heavy cardstock, you may need additional postage. It is recommended to bring a ready-to-mail envelope to your local post office for advice on correct postage.
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Custom wedding stamps
Wedding stamps are a fun and creative way to add a personalised touch to your wedding stationery. While you can no longer purchase custom wedding stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS), there are other companies that offer custom wedding stamp designs.
If you're looking for custom wedding stamps, companies like RubberStamps.com offer a variety of choices, including address stamps and stationery detailing stamps. You can also find companies that create handmade stamps using environmentally sourced oak and green eco-rubber, ensuring a high-quality and eco-friendly option.
In addition to custom options, USPS offers a selection of wedding-themed forever stamps, which are a great alternative if you're looking for stamps that match the occasion. These stamps feature beautiful designs, such as flowers and other appropriate motifs, and they can be used for any envelope weighing up to one ounce.
When choosing wedding stamps, it's important to consider the weight and dimensions of your envelopes. If your envelopes are standard size and weigh under one ounce, a single Forever Stamp will suffice. However, if your envelopes are heavier or have unique shapes, you may need additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to cover the extra weight.
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Vintage wedding stamps
Sourcing Vintage Stamps:
- Etsy: Etsy offers a wide range of antique and vintage shops selling curated modern and vintage stamps. You can search by colour palette, wedding theme, or meaningful motifs to find stamps that align with your wedding style.
- EBay: eBay is ideal for exploring the intrinsic value of vintage postage and learning about the history of stamp collecting. You can connect with avid stamp collectors or dealers who have large collections.
- Little Postage House: This company offers curated vintage postage collections, including individual stamps and pre-curated sets, to create a meaningful and tailored look for your wedding invitations.
- Edelweiss Post: They offer carefully curated vintage and discontinued stamps, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves.
- Magnolia Postage: Magnolia Postage has a vast collection of vintage, small-denomination stamps, ranging from one cent to over 30 cents, perfect for rounding out your invitations.
Tips for Using Vintage Wedding Stamps:
- Gather more than you need: Loly Orozco, Founder and Lead Designer at Little Postage House, recommends having a substantial number of vintage stamps on hand. For 100 invitations, you may need over 400 stamps just for the outer envelopes.
- Consider the stamps' value: Vintage stamps don't maintain their value like Forever Stamps. Their values fluctuate based on the year and time of minting, so ensure you have enough to meet the required postage amount.
- Nail the application: Most vintage stamps have gum on the back that becomes sticky when moistened. You can use a sponge to activate the glue or opt for a traditional craft glue stick.
- Mitigate the risk of damage: Ask your local post office about hand-cancelling your invitations to keep them out of processing machines and protect them from damage.
Vintage Stamp Designs:
- Christmas Stamps: Festive green and red stamps from the 1960s are perfect for a winter wedding.
- Project Mercury Stamps: These stamps are a fun nod to a space museum or planetarium wedding.
- Cactus Stamps: A book of 10 barrel cactus stamps from the 1980s is ideal for a desert destination wedding.
- Orchid Stamps: Native North American orchid stamps are a lovely addition to bridal shower invitations or weddings featuring orchids.
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Wedding postcard stamps
The cost of wedding postcard stamps is typically 15 cents less than a Forever Stamp. As of July 2024, a standard 73-cent stamp is sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce. This means that a postcard stamp would cost around 58 cents.
You can purchase postcard stamps at your local post office or online. If you're short on time or want to avoid shipping problems, the post office is your best option. However, shopping online will give you a wider range of designs to choose from.
When purchasing stamps, it's important to consider the weight, shape, and size of your mail. If your postcard is heavier or larger than standard, you may need to purchase additional postage. It's always a good idea to weigh your postcards at the post office before purchasing stamps to ensure you have the correct amount.
Additionally, keep in mind that vintage stamps may be more expensive, as they are often sold by private dealers and may have lower denominations, requiring you to use more stamps per postcard.
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Buying wedding stamps online vs. at the post office
Wedding stamps can be purchased both online and at the post office. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the ultimate authority on mailing wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, and other wedding-related mail.
Buying Wedding Stamps at the Post Office
The post office is a convenient option if you're short on time or want to avoid shipping costs. You can also call ahead to check if they have the desired stamps in stock. It's recommended to visit the post office during off-peak hours to avoid long queues. Additionally, you can weigh your invitations at the post office to determine the required postage.
Buying Wedding Stamps Online
Online retailers offer a wider range of stamp designs, including vintage and unique options that may not be available at the post office. Here are some popular online sources for wedding stamps:
- USPS.com: Offers a "Love/Weddings" section with various designs, including art, flowers, and seasonal motifs.
- Etsy: Features vintage Forever Stamps, single-style stamps, and custom-curated groupings to match your wedding theme.
- Edelweiss Post: Specializes in vintage and discontinued stamps, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves.
- Little Postage House: Provides stamp collections for wedding invitations grouped by color or theme, as well as state, city, and landmark stamps.
- Magnolia Postage: Offers vintage and modern stamps, including small-denomination options, with the ability to source specific stamp requests.
- Amazon: Provides modern stamp options and fast shipping for Prime members.
When buying wedding stamps online, it's advisable to order in bulk to save on shipping costs and allow for extra time to accommodate potential shipping delays.
Both options have their advantages, and it ultimately depends on your preferences, time constraints, and the availability of desired stamp designs. If you're looking for convenience and a wider selection, buying wedding stamps online may be preferable. On the other hand, if you want to avoid shipping costs and ensure timely delivery, visiting the post office might be a better choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy wedding stamps at the post office.
Wedding Forever Stamps are wedding-themed versions of the standard Forever Stamp, which covers the cost of first-class postage "forever", even if the cost increases after purchase. They have no expiration or denomination and are likely the type of stamp you already have.
Postcard stamps are designed for postcards, which are lighter and sent without envelopes. Wedding postcard stamps are approximately 15 cents cheaper than Forever Stamps.
Vintage wedding stamps are older stamps, often printed on antique printing presses, giving them a distinct aesthetic and tactile feel. They may be more expensive, as they are carefully preserved and maintained.
The number of stamps depends on the weight and dimensions of your envelope. A standard-size envelope weighing under one ounce requires one Forever Stamp. Heavier or larger envelopes may need additional postage.
