Personalized Wedding Stamps: Make Your Own Or Buy?

Wedding invitations are an important part of wedding planning. They set the tone for the wedding and create a sense of anticipation for the guests. When it comes to mailing wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as weight, size, thickness, and shape. These factors will determine the cost of postage and whether the invitations can be processed through the machines at the post office or need to be hand-cancelled. While it is possible to use any stamps you have on hand, it is recommended to aim for a cohesive stamp theme that complements the wedding invitations. Vintage stamps are also an option for those looking for an Old-World or romantic look, but they can be more expensive and time-consuming to source and apply. Ultimately, the choice of stamps for wedding invitations depends on personal preference and budget, but it is important to ensure that the correct postage is used to avoid any delays or additional costs.

The cost of postage for wedding invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is one of the most forgotten and complicated aspects to plan. The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, shape, size, and location. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Weight:

The weight of your wedding invitation suite is a major factor in determining postage cost. Most wedding invitations weigh more than 1 ounce. Each additional ounce incurs an extra cost on top of the standard rate. For example, a rectangular letter weighing 0-1 ounces typically requires $0.55 worth of postage (one forever stamp), while invitations weighing over 1 ounce and up to 2 ounces will require a $0.70 stamp. If your invitation exceeds 2 ounces, the cost increases further.

Shape and Size:

Non-standard shapes and sizes, such as square or hexagonal envelopes, will also affect postage costs. Square envelopes, for instance, usually require an additional $0.15 on top of the standard rate. Envelopes that are more than 0.25 inches thick may need to be upgraded to parcels, resulting in a significant cost increase.

Location and Delivery Speed:

The location you're mailing your invitations to is another factor. Sending invitations outside the US will incur higher postage costs. Additionally, if you opt for first-class delivery to ensure timely arrival, you can expect to pay a higher rate.

Embellishments:

Any embellishments or attachments such as wax seals, ribbons, or buttons can also increase postage costs. These additions may require hand-canceling, which is when the post office manually stamps each envelope to prevent reuse. This service typically costs extra per envelope and should be inquired about when weighing your invitations.

Vintage Stamps:

If you're considering vintage stamps for a unique or romantic touch, be prepared for additional costs and time investment. Vintage stamps often have lower denominations, requiring more stamps to reach the necessary postage value. They are also typically more expensive to purchase due to their collector's value.

Recommendations:

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to bring a fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office for weighing. You can also consult a professional stationer for advice on postage and mailing invitations. Additionally, don't forget to include postage on your RSVP card envelopes to make it convenient for your guests to respond.

The weight, size and thickness of the invitation

The weight, size and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine how much you will need to spend on postage. It's important to get this right, as insufficient postage could result in your invitations not being delivered.

The weight of your invitation will depend on the thickness of the paper, the number of cards, and any additional features such as a pocket-fold or embellishments. The heavier your invitation, the more you will need to spend on postage. For example, a standard invitation bundle should be fine with a $0.66 Forever stamp, but if you use thicker paper with multiple inserts or special features like ribbons or wax seals, you will go over the 1-ounce weight limit and will need to purchase $0.90 postage.

The size of your invitation will also impact the cost of postage. Square envelopes, for instance, will cost around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

The thickness of your invitation is important to consider as anything over 0.25 inches thick may be classed as a parcel and cost more to send. If your invitation includes a ribbon, twine or wax seal, this could push it over the 0.25-inch limit.

To ensure you are paying the correct amount for postage, it's recommended that you take a complete, finished invitation to your local post office to be weighed.

The type of stamps to use

When it comes to choosing the type of stamps to use for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to ensure you have enough postage on each envelope. The weight, size, thickness and shape of your invitations will determine the cost of postage and how many stamps you'll need. Standard wedding invitations are usually 5" x 7" in size and weigh less than an ounce or more, requiring a "forever" stamp. If your invitations include multiple pieces, they will likely weigh between one and two ounces, requiring a higher-value stamp.

You can purchase wedding-themed stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS), such as "Love/Wedding" stamps featuring flowers and other romantic motifs. These stamps typically have no expiration or denomination and will cover the cost of first-class postage. If your invitations are heavier or larger than standard, you may need additional stamps to make up the difference in postage cost.

Another option is to use vintage stamps, which can add a romantic or Old-World touch to your invitations. However, vintage stamps often have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them. They can also be more time-consuming to apply and may require additional time for postal workers to confirm their value.

When in doubt, it's always a good idea to consult with a post office professional to ensure you have the correct amount of postage. You can also use a postage calculator online to determine the right amount.

Where to buy stamps

There are several options for purchasing stamps for wedding invitations. The most obvious and economical resource is the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS offers a variety of themes, colours, and price denominations, including a “Love/Wedding” subcategory. If you are looking for vintage stamps, be cautious of third-party websites that sell them at a discount as counterfeiters have been known to flood the market with fake stamps.

If you are looking for a specific stamp theme, colour palette, or harder-to-find one-off state stamps, Etsy offers the most options. Amazon is another option and is an excellent resource for stamps that have recently been retired.

Other stamp retailers include:

• Edelweiss Post: Specialises in vintage stamps, with a quick turnaround time.
• Little Postage House: Curates a selection of vintage stamps and also offers custom and semi-custom wedding invitations.
• Magnolia Postage: Offers vintage, small-denomination stamps and can source specific stamps.

When purchasing stamps, it is important to consider the weight, shape, and size of your wedding invitations as these factors will impact the cost of postage.

Designing with stamps

Choose a Colour Palette

Sticking to a single colour palette can give your wedding invitations a cohesive look that is polished and put-together. This approach allows for flexibility in stamp choices and can even mix new and vintage stamps without detracting from your stationery design scheme.

Mix New and Vintage Stamps

Don't be afraid to mix new and vintage stamps. As long as the total value of all the stamps used adds up to the correct amount, you'll be able to send the letter. Vintage stamps can add a romantic or Old-World look to your invitations, but they may be more time-consuming and expensive to source.

Consider the Placement of Stamps

When affixing four or more stamps to a wedding invitation envelope, consider lining them across the top of the envelope instead of clustering them in a corner. This makes it easier for postal workers to calculate the total postage value and leaves more room for calligraphed addresses on the front of the envelope. If you're passionate about stacking stamps, consider hiring a calligrapher to write smaller or lower on the envelope.

Play with Stamp Sizes and Orientations

Stamps come in a variety of sizes and orientations. Try ordering a few sample stamps and experimenting with different configurations to find your favourite arrangement. Alternatively, try lining the stamps along the top of the envelope from left to right, in order of shortest to tallest. This arrangement will look intentional and artful.

Be Mindful of Postage Requirements

The amount of postage required for your wedding invitations will depend on the weight, size, and thickness of the envelope. Generally, wedding invitations are either less than or more than one ounce. If your invitation has multiple pieces, it will likely require a higher denomination stamp. Square invitations and envelopes with ribbon ties or other bulky features may also require additional postage or special handling, so be sure to factor this into your design choices.

Frequently asked questions