Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding invitations are an entirely different beast when it comes to mailing them. The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on a few factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. The standard postage stamp might not be enough to cover the cost of mailing your wedding invitations, so it's important to determine the required postage before sending them out. In addition, you may want to consider the design of the stamps and how they will complement your wedding invitations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do I need special stamps for wedding invitations? | You don't need special stamps for wedding invitations. |
| What are wedding Forever Stamps? | Wedding Forever Stamps are wedding-themed versions of the standard Forever Stamp, which covers the cost of first-class postage with no expiration or denomination. |
| What are wedding postcard stamps? | Wedding postcard stamps are designed for postcards, which are lighter and sent without envelopes. They are more cost-effective, typically costing around 15 cents less than a Forever Stamp. |
| What are vintage wedding stamps? | Vintage wedding stamps are older stamps printed decades or centuries ago, often on antique printing presses, giving them a unique aesthetic and tactile feel. They may cost more due to their rarity and usually have lower denominations. |
| How many postage stamps are needed for wedding invitations? | The number of postage stamps depends on the weight and dimensions of the fully stuffed envelope. Standard-sized envelopes weighing under one ounce require one Forever Stamp, while heavier or larger invitations may need additional stamps or a higher denomination stamp. |
| What size stamps are needed for wedding invitations? | There is no specific size requirement for stamps, but the total value of the stamps should cover the cost of postage. Multiple stamps or a single stamp meant for heavier mailings may be used. |
| How much do wedding invitation stamps cost? | The cost of stamps depends on weight, shape, size, delivery speed, and destination. Postcard stamps are the most affordable option, while first-class Forever Stamps are commonly used for standard-sized invitations. |
| Do I need to provide stamps with wedding RSVP cards? | It is recommended to include stamped and addressed RSVP envelopes for convenience and faster responses. |
| Where can I buy stamps for wedding invitations? | Stamps for wedding invites can be purchased at the post office or online from sites like USPS.com, Etsy, Amazon, and specialised stamp sellers. |
What You'll Learn
Weight, size, and thickness
When it comes to wedding invitations, weight, size, and thickness are crucial factors in determining the cost of postage. Here are some detailed guidelines:
Weight:
The weight of your wedding invitation suite will directly impact the postage cost. Most standard wedding invitation suites, including the mailing envelope, flat single-layer invitation, RSVP card, and RSVP envelope, can be mailed using a regular First-Class Stamp. However, if your invitation suite weighs more than one ounce, you will need additional postage. For example, a two-ounce stamp is required for invitations weighing between one and two ounces. It's always a good idea to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have them weigh it accurately.
Size:
The size and shape of your wedding invitations also play a role in determining postage costs. Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", are considered regular USPS sizes and do not require additional postage based on dimensions alone. However, square envelopes or invitations with irregular shapes are considered non-standard and will incur extra postage fees. For example, square envelopes may cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.
Thickness:
The thickness of your wedding invitations can also affect postage costs. The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines regarding the thickness of envelopes. A standard envelope should not be more than 0.25 inches thick when sealed. If your invitation includes ribbons, twine, wax seals, or other embellishments, it may exceed this thickness limit and require additional postage. It's important to consider the overall bulk of your invitation suite, especially if you have multiple layers or inserts.
When selecting cardstock for your wedding invitations, consider the printing process, invitation style, and your personal preferences. The weight of the cardstock can range from a low of 65lb/176gsm to double-thick duplexed cardstock weighing 222lb/600gsm or higher. Keep in mind that thicker cardstock and certain printing methods may increase the overall weight of your invitation suite, impacting postage costs.
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Cost of postage
The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, shape, size, and location. Here is a breakdown of the costs:
Weight
The weight of the invitation suite is a crucial factor in determining postage costs. For a rectangular letter weighing 0-1 ounces, you will need $0.55 worth of postage (one forever stamp). Each additional ounce typically costs $0.28 on top of the base rate. If your invitation exceeds the specified weight limits, you may need to opt for parcel shipping, which can cost over $3 per set.
Shape and Size
Non-standard envelope shapes and sizes, such as squares, may incur additional postage costs. For example, sending a square envelope typically costs $0.15 more than a rectangular envelope. Additionally, if your envelope is more than 0.25 inches thick, you may need to upgrade to parcel shipping.
Embellishments
Embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, and non-standard closures can make your invitation non-machinable, resulting in a surcharge of $0.46.
Location
If you are sending invitations internationally, postage costs will be higher. For example, Global Forever Stamps for sending letters internationally start at $1.65.
Custom and Vintage Stamps
Custom and vintage stamps can add a unique touch to your invitations but usually come at a higher cost. Custom stamps typically cost double the normal postage rates, while vintage stamps can be three times as expensive.
To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to have a fully assembled invitation weighed at your local post office. You may also want to consider hand-cancelling your invitations to protect the envelopes and any embellishments from potential damage during processing. This service typically incurs an additional charge of $0.21 to $0.44 per letter.
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Custom stamps
Custom rubber stamps allow you to include your personalized wedding information, such as your names, wedding date, and new shared last name. You can choose from a variety of designs, including romantic themes, floral motifs, and whimsical options. These stamps can be self-inking or pre-inked, making them convenient and cost-effective.
When creating your custom stamps, consider the overall design and colour palette of your wedding invitations. You can opt for a single colour palette for a cohesive and polished look, or mix and match new and vintage stamps to create a unique aesthetic. Play with different stamp sizes and orientations to find an artful arrangement that complements your envelopes.
In addition to custom rubber stamps, you can also explore unique address stamps. These stamps can add a cute and custom touch to your wedding stationery, and you can continue using them even after your wedding. Address stamps are available in various styles, such as modern and minimalist, faux calligraphy, or cute designs with hearts or personalized fonts.
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Vintage stamps
Sourcing Vintage Stamps
Cost of Vintage Stamps
Application of Vintage Stamps
Design and Aesthetics
Weight and Size Considerations
Like regular stamps, the number of vintage stamps required depends on the weight and size of your invitations. Larger or heavier invitations may require additional postage. It's recommended to consult a post office professional to determine the exact postage cost and ensure your invitations reach their destination.
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Where to buy stamps
While you don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, you might want to buy some that cover extra postage costs or that feel fancier for the occasion.
The most obvious and economical resource for stamps is the United States Postal Service (USPS). Head to USPS to peruse what’s available in a variety of themes, colors, and up-to-date price denominations. If you are planning your wedding a year in advance, order a stamp catalog for the calendar year of your wedding to see what options will become available later on. Just be sure to double-check that your desired stamp style will be available with plenty of time—at least three months—between when you mail your invitations and the date of your celebration.
Amazon is an excellent resource for stamps that have recently been retired. What you don’t want to do, however, is use the site to purchase stamps that are still available via USPS, as the prices may be marked up.
If there’s a specific stamp theme or color palette you’re after, Etsy will offer the most options. Etsy is also worth perusing for harder-to-find one-off state stamps, which are an easy way to add a personal touch to your postage.
Edelweiss Post is a Minnesota-based business that curates beautifully curated options by themes such as love, fruit and food, plants and nature, and even famous people. They also typically ship out within two business days, which is a wonderful turnaround time for a smaller operation.
Little Postage House is a 2023 The Knot Best of Weddings Award winner. They have specially packaged stamp collections for wedding invitations grouped by color or theme (just be sure to double-check that the stamps you choose cover your postage cost). They also have an extensive inventory of state, city, and landmark stamps.
Magnolia Postage has lots of lovely vintage, small-denomination stamp options, ranging from one cent to over 30 cents. And if you don't see something that strikes your fancy, the team is happy to (and has the connections to) source any stamp you could possibly desire.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need special stamps for wedding invitations. However, you may need to pick up some stamps that cover extra postage costs.
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 goes up after purchase.
The number of postage stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If they're standard size and weigh under one ounce, you'll only need one Forever Stamp. If your envelope is heavier or has additional embellishments, you may need to purchase additional postage.
You can buy stamps for your wedding invitations at your local post office or online. Online retailers such as Amazon, Etsy, and Edelweiss Post offer a wider range of designs, including vintage and custom options.
The cost of wedding invitation stamps depends on the weight, shape, size, and destination of your mail. Standard first-class Forever Stamps typically cost around $0.73, but prices may vary depending on these factors.
