Stamping Your Wedding Invites: How Many Stamps To Use?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little tricky to navigate. One of the most important considerations is postage, which can be surprisingly complicated. The amount of postage required depends on various factors, including the weight, size, thickness, and shape of the invitation suite. Most standard wedding invitations weigh between one and two ounces and require a Forever Stamp, which costs around $0.70. However, if your invitations are square or include additional embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, you may need to pay extra for hand-cancelling and non-machinable processing. It's also important to consider the number of enclosures and the weight of the card stock, as these can increase the overall weight and size of the invitation. To ensure your invitations reach your guests without any issues, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing and to determine the exact postage required.

Weight and dimensions: The weight and size of the invitation determine the number and value of stamps needed

When it comes to wedding invitations, weight, size, and thickness all play a role in determining the number and value of stamps needed. In the US, the standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73. This rate applies to rectangular, lightweight letters that are no larger than 11.5 inches long by 6 1/8 inches wide and no thicker than 0.25 inches. Wedding invitations often exceed these standard dimensions, requiring additional postage.

If your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need a two-ounce stamp, which costs $1.01. Invitations that are considered irregular shapes, such as squares, will also require additional postage. Square envelopes will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.

Embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals can also increase the weight and thickness of your invitation, pushing it into a higher postage category. If your invitation includes any of these elements, be sure to take that into account when calculating postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. They can advise you on the correct number and value of stamps needed.

Hand-cancelling: This service costs extra but ensures envelopes are handled with care

When sending out wedding invitations, it's important to ensure that they arrive safely and in good condition. One way to do this is by hand-cancelling your postage. This process involves manually marking each stamp on your envelope with a hand stamp instead of using a machine. While this service costs extra, it ensures that your envelopes are handled with care and prevents them from being torn or damaged by the post office's machine.

The cost of hand-cancelling varies and is typically charged per envelope. In 2021, the extra cost for hand-cancelling was $0.21 per envelope, but this is not uniformly enforced and prices may differ depending on the post office. Some post offices may even offer hand-cancelling for free, so it's worth checking with multiple locations in your area.

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, first, assemble a mock-up envelope with all the inserts and bring it to the post office to be weighed and checked. This will help you determine the correct postage required and whether your envelope needs to be hand-cancelled. Remember to purchase the correct postage before bringing your envelopes to the post office for hand-cancelling.

When requesting hand-cancelling, it's a good idea to print "Hand Cancel" on the envelopes to ensure they are processed correctly. Some post offices may allow you to hand-cancel the envelopes yourself, while others may have a postmaster or another employee do it for you. It's recommended to visit the post office during off-hours to avoid busy times and have a better chance of speaking with a staff member.

Hand-cancelling can also add a little extra time to the delivery process. It takes longer to manually stamp each envelope, and hand-cancelled invitations may take at least a week longer to arrive at their destination. However, the extra time and cost are worth it to ensure your wedding invitations arrive safely and in pristine condition.

Vintage stamps: Older, rarer stamps can be used but may be more expensive and harder to find

Vintage stamps are a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations. These stamps are often printed decades or even a century ago on antique printing presses, giving them a distinct aesthetic and tactile feel compared to modern stamps. They can be a beautiful way to tell your story and impress your guests even before they open the envelope.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering vintage stamps for your wedding invitations. Firstly, they may be more expensive than regular stamps. The cost of vintage stamps can vary depending on their rarity and the care taken to preserve them. For example, a stamp may cost $5, but only account for 50 cents of postage. So, while they add a special touch, they can also add to your overall costs.

Another factor to consider is availability. Vintage stamps are not as readily available as regular stamps and may require some effort to find. You can try specialist online retailers, such as Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, or Flourish Fine Writing, which offer curated vintage postage collections. Etsy is also a great option, with many sellers offering vintage and discontinued stamps. When shopping for vintage stamps, it is essential to ensure they are unused, as used stamps may not be valid for postage anymore.

Additionally, when using vintage stamps, you may need to use multiple stamps to make up the correct postage amount. This is because vintage stamps often have lower denominations, so you may need to combine them with regular stamps to ensure your invitations are properly franked. It is always a good idea to weigh your fully assembled invitation and consult with your local post office to determine the correct postage required.

Overall, vintage stamps can be a beautiful and unique addition to your wedding invitations, but they may require some extra time and budget to source and use correctly.

RSVP cards: It is recommended to include postage with RSVP cards to ensure faster responses

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to consider the postage required to ensure their safe arrival. While it may seem unnecessary, including postage with RSVP cards is a thoughtful gesture that ensures faster responses from your guests. Here are some reasons why it is recommended to include postage with RSVP cards:

Convenience for Guests:

Including postage on RSVP cards makes it convenient for your guests to respond promptly without having to worry about finding and purchasing stamps. It saves them time and effort, especially if they are older or less mobile.

Faster Response Rate:

By providing pre-stamped RSVP cards, you remove a potential barrier to response. Guests won't need to search for stamps or make an extra trip to the post office, increasing the likelihood of receiving responses within your desired timeframe.

Proper Etiquette:

It is generally considered good etiquette to provide postage for RSVP cards. It shows consideration for your guests and ensures they don't incur any costs when responding to your invitation.

Peace of Mind:

By including postage, you can rest assured that your invitations are ready to be sent out and won't be delayed due to missing postage. This is especially important if you have a specific timeline for receiving responses and finalising wedding plans.

Cost-Effectiveness:

While purchasing stamps for RSVP cards incurs an additional cost, it can be more cost-effective in the long run. Without prepaid postage, some guests may opt to respond without stamps, resulting in delayed responses as you may need to pay postage to release the mail from the post office.

Enhancing the Guest Experience:

Including postage is part of creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for your guests. It shows attention to detail and ensures that responding to your invitation is a positive and hassle-free process.

When determining the number of stamps required for your wedding invitations, consider the weight, size, thickness, and shape of your envelopes. Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", typically require a single "Forever" stamp costing around $0.55. However, square envelopes or those with non-machinable elements like ribbons or wax seals may require additional postage. It is always a good idea to weigh your fully assembled invitation at the post office to determine the exact postage needed.

Custom stamps: Custom stamps are usually double the price of normal postage

Custom stamps are a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. Whether you're looking for a stylish way to showcase your new shared namesake or simply want to make your envelopes stand out, custom stamps are a perfect solution. However, it's important to note that they usually come with a higher price tag.

When it comes to custom stamps, you can expect to pay around double the price of normal postage. This is because custom stamps offer more than just the standard postage service. They provide an opportunity to incorporate your wedding theme, colours, or even a photo of the happy couple. You can also customise the font and text to match your wedding aesthetic, creating a truly cohesive invitation suite.

The cost of custom stamps will depend on the complexity of the design and the number of stamps you require. If you're ordering in bulk, you may be able to score a discount or free shipping from certain vendors. Additionally, some companies offer custom-curated stamp collections specifically for wedding invitations, ensuring that your postage cost is covered while still maintaining a stylish look.

When budgeting for custom stamps, it's important to keep in mind that they are considered an extra expense on top of your regular postage costs. The price of postage for wedding invitations can vary depending on weight, size, thickness, and shape. Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", typically fall within the standard postage weight limit of one ounce or less. However, adding multiple enclosure cards, ribbons, or wax seals can quickly increase the weight and dimensions, requiring additional postage.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your invitations, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing and measurement. This will help you determine the exact number and type of stamps needed, including any custom stamps you may want to include. By taking this extra step, you can avoid the embarrassment of having your invitations returned due to insufficient postage.

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