Vintage Stamps For Wedding Invites: Where To Find Them

Vintage stamps are a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. They offer a wonderful opportunity to represent your personality and style, whether chosen thematically or by colour palette. While they can be more expensive and time-consuming to source than modern stamps, they are sure to charm your guests and make your invitations stand out. In this article, we will discuss how to find and choose the perfect vintage stamps for your wedding invitations, as well as some tips and tricks for using them effectively.

Curate stamps based on your wedding theme or colour palette

Curating vintage stamps for your wedding invitations is a fun way to add a unique touch and showcase your personality as a couple. Here are some tips to help you curate stamps based on your wedding theme or colour palette:

Choose a Theme or Colour Palette

Decide on a theme or colour palette for your postage stamps. For example, if you love travelling, you could choose stamps featuring different geographical locations. Or, if you're having a garden wedding, opt for floral vintage stamps. You could also choose a literary theme with stamps honouring famous authors.

Complement Your Wedding Colours

Another idea is to select stamps in colours that complement your wedding palette. This can create a cohesive look and feel to your invitations. You can either choose complementary colours or go for a monochromatic theme.

Work with a Professional

Consider working with a stationer or a company that specialises in curated vintage postage, such as Little Postage House or Flourish Fine Writing. They can help you source and curate the perfect stamps for your invitations. They may also offer additional services like envelope assembly and mailing.

Online Sources

If you prefer to source and curate the stamps yourself, try online platforms like Etsy or eBay. Etsy offers a wide variety of antique and vintage shops selling modern and vintage stamps. You can search by colour palette, wedding theme, or specific motifs. eBay is great for exploring the value of vintage postage and connecting with stamp collectors.

Unused Stamps Only

Remember to only purchase unused stamps, as used stamps are considered collectibles and cannot be used for mailing.

Calculate the postage amount and budget

When it comes to calculating the postage amount and budgeting for vintage stamps for your wedding invitations, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the weight of your invitation suite is crucial. Basic wedding invitation suites typically weigh less than one ounce and can be mailed with a regular First Class Stamp or a Forever Stamp. However, if your invitation includes multiple enclosure cards, pocket folds, or thicker paper, it may weigh more than an ounce, requiring additional postage. Each additional ounce incurs an extra cost.

The shape and thickness of your envelopes also play a role in determining postage costs. Square envelopes or envelopes that deviate from standard sizes are considered "non-machineable" by USPS, resulting in a surcharge. Envelopes with wax seals, ribbons, buttons, or other embellishments that affect thickness can also attract additional charges.

To calculate the total postage amount, consider the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation suite, including any enclosures and embellishments. Multiply the number of invitations by the total postage cost per invitation to determine your overall budget. It's advisable to have your stationer weigh and measure the invitations and recommend the appropriate postage amount.

Additionally, vintage stamps can be significantly more expensive than current postage stamps, sometimes costing 3-4 times more. They are priced based on availability and denomination, so be prepared for varying costs. It's recommended to purchase extra sets for keepsakes and to account for any lost or returned mail.

Plan the layout of your stamps

Planning the layout of your stamps is an important step in ensuring your wedding invitations arrive safely and on time. Here are some tips to help you plan the stamp layout effectively:

• Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office: Before purchasing stamps, take a fully assembled invitation, complete with all the inserts and embellishments, to your local post office. They can help you determine the correct postage required based on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation. This step is crucial, as insufficient postage can result in your invitations being returned or your guests being charged for receiving them.
• Understand the postage requirements: The cost of mailing your wedding invitations will depend on various factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. Standard rectangular invitations that weigh one ounce or less typically require a "forever" stamp, which costs around $0.55 each. If your invitations weigh more than one ounce, you'll need additional postage, such as a 2-ounce or 3-ounce stamp. Square-shaped invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage, usually around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.
• Consider using vintage stamps: If you're aiming for an Old-World or romantic look, vintage stamps can enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitations. Vintage stamps often have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them to cover the postage cost. They can also be more time-consuming to apply and may require individual application with a glue stick or tape runner. Additionally, older stamps may be scarcer and more expensive to purchase.
• Plan the stamp arrangement: When affixing multiple stamps, consider lining them across the top of the envelope instead of clustering them in a corner. This makes it easier for postal workers to calculate the total postage value and provides more space for calligraphed addresses. If you're using stamps of different sizes and orientations, try arranging them from left to right in order of shortest to tallest, creating a more intentional and artful layout.
• Allow for extra postage: It's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and add extra postage, especially if your invitations are being sent to far-flung destinations. Weight readings can vary between post offices, and the distance between zip codes can impact mailing costs. Adding a little extra padding in postage helps ensure your invitations arrive safely and avoid any potential issues.

Tips for applying vintage postage stamps

Vintage stamps are an increasingly popular way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. Here are some tips for applying vintage postage stamps to ensure the process is as smooth as possible:

Organise Your Stamps

Before you begin, organise your stamps into individual piles, one for each stamp type. If your vintage stamps are still attached, tear them into individual stamps. Most vintage stamps come in perforated sheets, so be careful not to rip the stamps themselves.

Choose Your Layout

Plan the layout of your stamps on the envelope. You can play around with the order of the stamps, but a good rule of thumb is to place the largest stamps on the right-hand side of the envelope and work towards the smallest on the left. This will give a beautiful, organised look, and allow space for guest addresses.

Pick an Adhesion Method

Most vintage stamps are not self-adhesive, so you will need to moisten them to stick them to the envelope. You can use a sponge, a glue stick, or an envelope moistener with a little glue mixed in. If you are feeling brave, you can always lick the stamps, but be aware of the taste!

Work in a Clean Space

Applying vintage postage is detailed work, so ensure you have a clean and organised space to work in. Lay out your stamps in the order you plan to stick them to make the process smoother.

Mix Modern and Vintage

If you are concerned about budget, consider mixing modern and vintage stamps. Vintage stamps can be significantly more expensive, so purchasing a limited number to send to important guests can be a good way to save money while still adding a special touch.

Where to find vintage postage stamps

Vintage stamps can be a great way to add a unique touch to your wedding invitations. Here are some tips on where to find vintage postage stamps:

• Online stamp dealers: There are several online stamp dealers that specialise in vintage postage stamps, such as Verde Studio, Little Postage House, Vintage Postage Shop, Edelweiss Post, and Flourish Fine Writing. These dealers often have a wide variety of stamps to choose from and can curate a set for you based on your wedding colours or theme.
• Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find vintage stamps, with many sellers offering unused stamps, which are ideal for mailing. Treasure Fox on Etsy is highly recommended for their customer service, quick turnaround, and large selection of stamps.
• Custom design studios: If you're looking for a more personalised approach, consider working with a custom design studio like Little Postage House. They can design and print your wedding invitations and also curate a vintage postage collection just for you.
• Choose your theme and colour palette: Think about your wedding theme and colour palette when sourcing your vintage postage stamps. For example, if you love travel, you could choose geographical stamps with meaningful places. Or, if your wedding has a literary theme, you can find stamps honouring famous authors.
• Ensure they are unused: When purchasing vintage stamps, make sure to buy unused stamps. Many stamp dealers sell used stamps as collectibles, but these cannot be used for mailing.

Frequently asked questions