Tips For Buying Stamps For Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of planning a wedding, and choosing the right stamps for them can be a fun way to add a unique touch. While you don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, you may want to pick ones that match your wedding theme or colour scheme. The type and amount of stamps you use can also affect whether your invitations arrive safely, as the size and weight of your invitations may differ from a standard letter. In this guide, we will discuss the different types of stamps available, where to buy them, and how to ensure you use the correct amount of postage.

Where to buy wedding stamps

Wedding stamps can be purchased from a variety of places, both online and in-store.

Post Office

The post office is a great option if you're short on time or don't want to risk shipping problems. They offer a range of wedding-themed stamps, including the popular "Love Forever Stamp". It's a good idea to call ahead and check if they have the type of stamps you're looking for in stock.

Online

USPS.com

The USPS website offers a wider range of designs than your local post office, including stamps featuring famous works of art, flowers, and seasonal motifs. They also have a Love/Weddings section to help you find the perfect stamp for your wedding invitations.

Amazon

Amazon offers a range of modern wedding stamp designs and is a good option for those who need to buy stamps in bulk.

Etsy

Etsy is a great place to find vintage Forever Stamps and unique collectibles. You can find everything from single-style stamps to complete sheets of now-discontinued collections. However, be cautious when buying stamps from third-party websites, as counterfeit stamps are common.

Little Postage House

Little Postage House offers a curated selection of vintage stamps, as well as custom and semi-custom wedding invitations. They can work with you to find the perfect stamps to complement your wedding theme and also offer a postage curation service.

Edelweiss Post

Edelweiss Post sells carefully curated vintage and discontinued stamps, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves. They typically ship within two business days, making them a good option for those in a time crunch.

Magnolia Postage

Magnolia Postage offers vintage, small-denomination stamps and can source specific stamps upon request.

Other Options

Other options for purchasing wedding stamps include eBay and WeddingStamps.US.

How many stamps you need

The number of stamps you'll need for your wedding invitations will depend on several factors, including the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitation is standard size and weighs under one ounce, you'll need one Forever Stamp to cover the mailing cost. Forever Stamps have no expiration or denomination and will cover the cost of first-class postage, which is currently around $0.73 cents.

If your invitation is heavier or has a funky shape, you'll need to purchase additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to make up the difference. The total cost of stamps will depend on the weight, shape, and size of your mail, as well as the location and speed of delivery. For example, if your invitation weighs between one and two ounces, a single first-class stamp will cost $1.01. If it's over three ounces, it'll cost $1.29.

It's important to note that if your invitation includes any attachments such as string, buttons, wax seals, or clasps, it will be considered a parcel mailing, and the cost will be higher.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully finished envelope to the post office and have them weigh it and tell you the cost to mail. You can then purchase the necessary number of stamps to match that cost. It's always better to err on the side of caution and use slightly more postage than needed to ensure your invitations arrive safely, especially if they are being sent to far-flung locales.

Vintage stamps

There are a few different ways to purchase vintage stamps. One option is to buy them from a specialty shop like Little Postage House, which curates vintage postage collections and designs invitations. You can also try purchasing from Etsy shops like Treasure Fox, which offers a wide selection of unused vintage stamps with great customer service.

When buying vintage stamps, be sure to check the postage amount to ensure you have enough for your envelope. You can also mix and match vintage stamps with regular stamps to ensure you have the correct postage.

• Birds Vintage Postage Set: $35.25 per 10/pk, perfect for mailing thick, square, or heavy invitations up to 2 oz.
• Blush Vintage Postage Set: $36.50 per 10/pk, a $1.14-rate set in blush and black, perfect for mailing thicker invitations.
• Grace Kelly Blue Vintage Postage: $32.00 per 10/pk, a $1.01 set perfect for mailing square or heavy invitations.
• Blue and Pink Floral Love Vintage Postage Set: a set of 5 unused 70.9 cent stamps, perfect for wedding invitations and save-the-dates.
• Botanical Beauties: Unused vintage floral postage stamps with a 68c rate, perfect for mailing special wedding invitations.

Avoiding counterfeit stamps

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process, and postage stamps are an essential component of sending out those invites. While you don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, you will likely need to pick up stamps that cover extra postage costs or choose fancier stamps for the occasion. When buying stamps for your wedding invitations, it is important to be cautious and vigilant to avoid counterfeit stamps. Here are some tips to avoid counterfeit stamps:

• Only Buy from Approved Vendors: The Postal Inspection Service recommends purchasing stamps from Approved Postal Providers. These vendors include legitimate “big box” retailers, warehouse retailers, and the United States Postal Service (USPS). Avoid buying from third-party websites or unknown sellers, as they may sell counterfeit stamps.
• Be Wary of Significant Discounts: Counterfeit stamps are often sold in bulk quantities at significant discounts, usually between 20% to 50% of their face value. If you see an offer of 20-50% or more off the face value, it is not legitimate. Remember, postage is a form of currency and doesn't lose its value, so any steep discounts are a tell-tale sign of bogus stamps.
• Stick to Trusted Platforms: The number of counterfeit stamps being sold on online platforms has increased. Scammers may use social media marketplaces, e-commerce sites, and other websites to peddle fake stamps. Stick to trusted platforms and authorised retailers when purchasing stamps.
• Report Counterfeit Stamps: If you come across any suspicious sellers or websites offering counterfeit stamps, report them to the Postal Inspection Service or the United States Postal Inspector. You can help protect others from falling victim to these scams.
• Consult a Post Office Professional: When in doubt, consult a staff member at your local post office. They can advise you on the correct postage and help you avoid counterfeit stamps.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your wedding invitations are mailed with legitimate postage and avoid the risk of delays or non-delivery due to counterfeit stamps. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to important mail like wedding invitations.

Weighing and checking mailing rules

Weighing Your Invitations:

Before purchasing stamps, it's essential to determine the weight of your fully assembled invitations. The weight will dictate the postage cost. You can use a small postal scale to weigh a complete invitation, ensuring it includes all inserts and embellishments. This step is crucial because the postage cost increases with weight.

Mailing Rules:

When sending wedding invitations, it's important to follow the mailing rules set by the United States Postal Service (USPS). Here are some key points to consider:

• Envelope Size and Shape: USPS has specific requirements for envelope dimensions. For a standard rectangular envelope, it should be at least 5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, and no larger than 11.5 inches long by 6 1/8 inches high. If your invitations are an unusual shape, such as a square or circle, they may require additional postage.
• Thickness: Your sealed envelope should not exceed 0.25 inches in thickness. If your invitation is thicker, it may be considered a parcel, resulting in a higher postage rate.
• Weight: The weight of your invitation will determine the number of stamps you need. A standard letter weighing up to one ounce typically requires one Forever Stamp. Heavier invitations will require additional postage.
• Destination: The distance between the origin and destination zip codes can impact the cost of postage. It's advisable to use extra stamps to ensure your invitations reach far-flung locations.
• Hand-Canceling: If your invitations include three-dimensional details like wax seals, consider requesting hand-canceling. This process involves manually stamping the envelope with cancellation markings, protecting the envelope from damage caused by automated machines. However, hand-canceling may incur an additional fee.
• Vintage Stamps: Using vintage stamps can add a unique touch to your invitations. However, these stamps often have lower values, so you'll need more of them to cover the postage cost. They can also be more time-consuming to apply and may require special glue or tape.
• Bulk Discounts: If you're sending a large number of invitations, look into bulk mailing rates. While the minimum requirement is typically 200 pieces, it can save you money per piece.
• Custom Stamps: Creating custom stamps with your photo or a unique design is an option, but it can be more expensive. Sites like Zazzle sometimes offer promotions on custom postage, so keep an eye out for sales.

Remember, it's always a good idea to bring a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have a professional advise you on the correct postage. This step is crucial in ensuring your invitations are mailed successfully and reach your guests without issue.

Frequently asked questions