Forever Stamps For Wedding Invites: A Valid Option?

Wedding invitations are an important part of planning a wedding, and couples often spend a lot of time and energy designing and customising them. When it comes to mailing wedding invitations, it is essential to consider the weight, size, and thickness of the envelopes to ensure they are mailed correctly and don't end up back at the sender's door. Forever stamps, which are valid for 1 oz of wedding mailings, can be used for wedding invitations. However, some wedding invitations may require 2 oz stamps or additional postage, depending on the weight and size. It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the local post office to have it weighed and measured to determine the exact postage required.

Weight, size and thickness matter

The weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine how much postage you need to buy. Basic wedding invitation suites (mailing envelope, flat-single-layer invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope) can be mailed using a regular First Class Stamp or Forever Stamp. However, there are a few factors that can increase the weight of your invitations, which will then require additional postage.

Weight

Wedding invitations that weigh over one ounce will require additional postage. The thickness of the paper, the number of cards, the use of a pocket-fold, and any embellishments included can all increase the weight of your invitations. Pocket invitations or multi-layered wedding invitations with multiple enclosure cards will typically weigh just over one ounce, requiring a two-ounce stamp.

Size

Square wedding invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage. Square envelopes will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

Thickness

If your wedding invitation is more than 1/4" thick at its thickest point, it will require additional postage. Embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals can add bulk to your envelope, pushing it over the 1/4" limit.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended that you take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to be weighed. They can also test whether your invitation fits through their thickness template.

Save the dates and RSVP cards

Wedding-themed Forever Stamps are a great option for your Save the Dates and RSVP cards. These stamps are offered by the USPS and are valid for 1-ounce wedding mailings. Forever stamps are valid for first-class postage "forever," even if postal rates increase after purchase. They have no expiration or denomination and typically cover any envelope weighing up to 1 ounce.

The cost of a Forever Stamp is currently $0.73, though you can also find $0.56 cent stamps for postcards. If your Save the Dates and RSVP cards are rectangular and weigh under 1 ounce, a Forever Stamp will be perfect.

However, if your Save the Dates and RSVP cards are square or custom-shaped, they will require additional postage. Square envelopes cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, incurring an extra cost. Custom shapes should also be sent from your local post office to avoid any issues.

To be certain about the correct postage, it's recommended to take a sample invitation to your post office for weighing. They can advise you on the exact postage required, which may vary depending on the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes.

Regarding RSVP cards, it is considered proper etiquette to include postage for your guests' convenience and to ensure faster responses. You can also encourage guests to RSVP online through your wedding website or include a phone number or email address as an alternative.

Forever Stamps are available for purchase online or at your local post office. Online options include Amazon and eBay, with Amazon offering faster delivery at a slightly higher price.

Remember to buy stamps early, as prices may increase over time. By planning ahead and considering the weight and dimensions of your envelopes, you can ensure your Save the Dates and RSVP cards reach your guests without any postal issues.

Hand-processing and hand-cancelling

Hand-cancelling is a process where a postal worker uses a rubber stamp to manually mark each envelope with the cancellation markings instead of running it through a machine. This is done to prevent envelopes from getting damaged, smudged, stained, or bent during processing. This is especially important for wedding invitations, which tend to be bulkier and more delicate than regular envelopes due to the use of thicker cardstock, three-dimensional details like wax seals, and non-rectangular shapes.

To request hand-cancelling for your wedding invitations, follow these steps:

• Assemble a mock-up invitation: Create a complete invitation, including all inserts and accoutrements, to bring to the post office. This will allow the postmaster to accurately weigh and assess your envelope.
• Check with your postmaster: Visit your local post office and have them weigh your mock-up invitation. They will determine if your envelope is too bulky for machine processing and inform you of the required postage.
• Purchase the correct postage: Buy a combination of stamps that reaches the necessary postage, including any additional fees for hand-cancelling. For example, if your envelope weighs less than 1 ounce and can be mailed with a $0.55 stamp, you may need to pay an extra $0.21 for hand-cancelling, bringing the total postage to $0.76.
• Hand-cancelling options: Some post offices will allow you to hand-cancel the envelopes yourself under their supervision, while others will have a postal worker do it for you. If you plan to do it yourself, they may require you to use a specific stamp provided by the USPS.
• Timing: Try to visit the post office during off-peak hours to avoid long waits and ensure dedicated attention to your request. It is recommended to request hand-cancelling at least two weeks before you plan to mail your invitations.
• Fees: Hand-cancelling fees can vary across different post offices. One office may offer it for free, while another may charge a fee. It is worth calling multiple post offices in your area to inquire about their policies and fees before committing.

Non-machinable elements

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider to ensure that they can be processed by the USPS without issues. Here are some important points to keep in mind regarding non-machinable elements:

The USPS has specific standards for automation or machinability, and if your wedding invitations do not meet these standards, they will be considered non-machinable. This means that they cannot be sorted or processed by their automated machines and will require manual processing, which may result in additional costs.

One of the critical factors that determine machinability is the size and shape of the invitation. Square-shaped envelopes or those with dimensions that deviate from the standard USPS sizes are considered irregular and will require additional postage. For example, square envelopes will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

Thickness is another crucial aspect. If your wedding invitation includes embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals, it may exceed the maximum thickness allowed for machinable mail. The USPS specifies that when sealed, the envelope can be no more than 0.25 inches thick. Invitations thicker than this will need to be hand-sorted, resulting in additional postage costs.

Weight is also a factor in determining non-machinable mail. If your wedding invitation weighs more than one ounce, you will need additional postage. This is especially relevant if your invitation has multiple pieces or enclosures, pocket folds, or thicker paper.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office, preferably a USPS processing centre, to have them determine the exact weight and required postage. They can also advise on any non-machinable elements and provide guidance on additional costs.

By considering these non-machinable elements and following the recommendations provided, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are properly processed and delivered without delay or additional complications.

Where to buy forever stamps

Forever stamps are a great option for wedding invitations, but it's important to ensure you have the correct postage. The amount of postage required depends on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" and weigh either less than or more than an ounce. If your invitation is one ounce or under, it will require a Forever stamp, which is $0.55 each. If your invitation has multiple pieces, it will likely weigh between one and two ounces, and you'll need a $0.70 stamp. Square invitations, regardless of weight, will require a $0.70 stamp as they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

Now, where can you buy Forever stamps? The most obvious and economical resource is the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can visit their website or your local post office to purchase Forever stamps at face value. This is the best way to ensure you're getting genuine stamps.

If you're looking for specific designs or colors to match your wedding theme, you may want to explore other options. Amazon is a great resource for recently retired stamp designs. Etsy offers a wide range of options, especially if you're looking for harder-to-find state stamps or vintage stamps. When buying stamps from online marketplaces like Etsy, be cautious of counterfeits and be prepared to pay a premium.

For vintage stamps, Edelweiss Post is a recommended vendor. They offer beautifully curated options based on themes and color palettes, and shipping is free for orders over $35.

If you're planning your wedding well in advance, you can order a stamp catalog for the year of your wedding to see what options will be available. This way, you can ensure that your chosen stamps will be available when you're ready to mail your invitations.

Frequently asked questions