Wedding Invitation Stamps: How Many Do You Need?

Wedding invitations are an important part of the big day, but they can be costly to mail out. The number of stamps you'll need depends on the weight and dimensions of your envelope. Most wedding invitations are 5 x 7 to avoid additional costs, as larger or differently shaped envelopes can be considered 'odd size' and require extra postage. Square envelopes, for example, will cost around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. If your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two, you'll need a two-ounce stamp, which currently costs $1.01. To avoid any issues, it's recommended that you take a sample invitation to your local post office to be weighed and measured.

Weight, size, and thickness

The weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine how much postage you need to send them.

Weight

Wedding invitations that weigh over 1 ounce will require additional postage. The thicker the paper, the more your invitation will weigh. Other factors that can increase the weight of your invitation include the number of cards, whether there is a pocket-fold, and any embellishments included.

Size

Square wedding invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage. Standard wedding invitation sizes such as 5″ x 7″ or 5.5″ x 8.5″ are standard USPS sizes and do not require additional postage based on size alone.

Thickness

Wedding invitations that are more than 1/4" thick will require additional postage. Embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals can add to the thickness of your invitation.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is recommended to take one full wedding invitation to your local post office to have them weigh and measure the thickness of your invitation. They can then advise you on the correct amount of postage required.

Forever stamps

When using Forever Stamps for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitation is standard-sized and weighs under one ounce, one Forever Stamp will be sufficient. However, if you have a uniquely shaped envelope or are including multiple enclosure cards, your invitation may weigh more than one ounce, and you will need additional postage.

In addition to weight, there are other factors that can affect the cost of postage for your wedding invitations. For example, if your invitation includes ribbons, twine, or a wax seal, it may exceed the maximum thickness of 1/4" and require additional postage. It's always a good idea to take one fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have them weigh it and test it through their thickness template. This will ensure you have the correct postage and avoid any issues with delivery.

Custom stamps

When it comes to custom stamps, you have a few options to choose from. You can opt for a custom rubber stamp, which you can design with your and your partner's name, wedding date, and even your wedding theme. These stamps can be used on various wedding stationery, from save-the-date cards to thank-you notes. Websites like Etsy offer a wide range of custom rubber stamp designs, with prices starting as low as USD 7.62.

Another option is to create your own custom postage stamps. Unfortunately, the USPS custom postage program ended in June 2020, so you can no longer purchase custom stamps directly from them. However, you may be able to find companies that offer custom postage stamps online. These stamps typically feature wedding-themed designs and allow you to add your own personal touch.

When designing your custom stamps, you can choose from a variety of ink colours, including black, red, blue, green, and violet. You can also select the size of your stamp, with options ranging from medium to extra-large, depending on your name and address length.

It's important to note that custom stamps may require additional postage if your wedding invitations are heavier or larger than standard envelopes. Be sure to weigh your invitations and consult with your local post office to ensure you're using the correct amount of postage.

By incorporating custom stamps into your wedding invitations, you can add a special touch that reflects your personality and style as a couple.

Vintage stamps

Sourcing Vintage Stamps

Finding vintage stamps for your wedding invitations can be a fun treasure hunt. Here are some recommended sources:

• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide variety of vintage stamps, including single-style stamps, complete sheets of discontinued collections, and custom-curated groupings that match your wedding theme and colour palette.
• Treasure Fox on Etsy: This shop is highly recommended for its excellent customer service, vast selection of unused vintage stamps, and quick turnaround.
• Edelweiss Post: They offer carefully curated vintage stamps, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves, with a quick turnaround time.
• Little Postage House: A full-service design studio specialising in curated vintage postage collections and letterpressed wedding invitations. They can help you tell your story through postage by curating a unique collection just for you.
• Flourish Fine Writing: They curate custom postage sets for invitations, specialising in romantic and floral vintage designs.

Cost Considerations

• The denomination of the stamp: The postage value of a vintage stamp may not reflect its purchasing cost, especially if it is a rare or carefully preserved stamp.
• The number of stamps needed: Depending on the weight and dimensions of your wedding invitation suite, you may need multiple stamps. A standard-sized envelope weighing under one ounce will typically require one Forever Stamp, while heavier or irregularly shaped invitations may require additional postage.
• The cost of additional postage: If your wedding invitation includes embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals, it may exceed the standard weight and thickness limits, requiring extra postage.

Design and Aesthetic

• Colour and theme: Choose vintage stamps that complement the colour palette and theme of your wedding. This can create a cohesive and stylish look for your invitation suite.
• Variety of designs: Mix and match different vintage stamp designs to create a unique and eclectic feel.
• Cohesion with other stationery: Consider using similar vintage stamps for your save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, and other wedding stationery to tie everything together.

In conclusion, vintage stamps can add a touch of elegance, uniqueness, and personalisation to your wedding invitations. With careful sourcing, budgeting, and design considerations, you can create invitation suites that truly stand out and reflect your style.

Cost of postage

The cost of postage for wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including weight, shape, size, and embellishments. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Weight:

The weight of the invitation suite is a significant factor in determining postage costs. Most standard rectangular invitations weighing 0-1 ounce will require a $0.55 or $0.73 postage stamp, typically referred to as a "Forever Stamp." For invitations weighing more than 1 ounce, additional postage is necessary. Each extra ounce incurs a $0.28 charge on top of the base rate. So, for a 2-ounce invitation, you would need a $1.01 stamp.

Shape and Size:

Non-standard shapes and sizes, such as square envelopes, will also affect postage costs. Square envelopes, for instance, will cost approximately $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. Additionally, if your envelope is more than 0.25 inches thick, it may be classified as a parcel, resulting in a significant price increase of over $3 per set to ship.

Embellishments:

Embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, twine, and buttons can add to the cost of postage. These decorations may require hand-cancelling, which is when the post office manually stamps each invitation to prevent damage during processing. Hand-cancelling usually incurs an additional charge of $0.21 to $0.44 per letter, depending on the post office.

Custom and Vintage Stamps:

Custom and vintage stamps are another option for wedding invitations, but they tend to be more expensive than standard postage. Custom stamps often cost twice the normal postage rate, while vintage stamps can be three times as much.

RSVP Cards:

It is customary to include a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope with the wedding invitation. A standard $0.56 or $0.73 stamp is typically sufficient for these cards, and it is recommended to pre-stamp them for your guests' convenience.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is advisable to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They can advise you on the exact postage required based on the weight, shape, and embellishments of your invitations.

Frequently asked questions