Choose Adorable Stamps To Offset Heavy Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and set the tone for your big day. While the invite itself is the cake, the stamps are the icing. With so many designs to choose from, you can find the perfect look to coordinate with your wedding stationery. But how do you get cute stamps for heavy wedding invitations? The type and amount of stamps you need depend on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitation is standard size and weighs under one ounce, one Forever Stamp will suffice. However, if it's a funky shape or has heavy embellishments, you'll need additional postage stamps in smaller denominations to cover the extra weight. While you can buy stamps at the post office, shopping online offers a wider range of designs. Be cautious when buying from sites like Etsy and eBay, as there are many counterfeit stamps. Vintage stamps are another option, but they may be priced higher than their denomination. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure you have enough postage to avoid your invitations being returned.

Cute stamps for heavy wedding invitations: USPS, vintage, or custom

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and personality, and the right stamps can add a cute and creative touch. Here are some ideas for sourcing cute stamps for your heavy wedding invitations:

USPS Stamps:

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a range of stamp designs, including those suitable for wedding invitations. The "Love/Wedding" section on their website features pretty flowers and other romantic motifs. USPS stamps are a convenient option as they can be purchased online or at your local post office. Keep in mind that USPS stamp designs are limited edition and may sell out or change, so stock up on your favourites when you see them.

Vintage Stamps:

Vintage stamps add a unique and timeless touch to your wedding invitations. These stamps were often printed on antique printing presses, giving them a distinct aesthetic and tactile feel. Vintage stamps can be more expensive, as they are carefully preserved and may have a higher postage value than their purchase price. Etsy is a great source for vintage Forever Stamps, offering a wide range of styles and the option to curate stamps by colour or theme. Edelweiss Post and Magnolia Postage are also recommended sources for vintage stamps, with Magnolia Postage offering a sourcing service for specific stamp requests.

Custom Stamps:

Custom wedding postage stamps allow you to showcase your personality and tell your love story. While USPS custom stamps have been discontinued, there are other services that offer custom stamp curation. Little Postage House, a 2023 The Knot Best of Weddings Award winner, offers custom-curated stamp collections based on your preferences. They also provide a full-service design studio, creating letterpressed wedding invitations and luxury gifts.

Practical Considerations:

When choosing stamps for heavy wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight, shape, and size of your mail. Heavier invitations or those with unusual dimensions may require additional postage. The total weight of your stuffed envelope will determine the number and denomination of stamps needed. Forever Stamps, for example, cover the cost of first-class postage for envelopes weighing up to one ounce. For heavier invitations, you may need to purchase additional postage stamps in smaller denominations.

Weighing your invitations to determine postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, postage is often an afterthought. But it's important to ensure your invitations arrive safely and don't get returned or delayed. Here are some tips on weighing your invitations to determine the correct postage:

Weighing Your Invitations:

• Assemble your invitations exactly as you plan to mail them, including all inserts, cards, and embellishments.
• Use a scale to weigh each assembled invitation. You can use a food scale or a postal scale if you have access to one.
• Take note of the weight in ounces, as postage rates are typically calculated per ounce.
• If your invitations are heavier than 1 ounce, you will need additional postage. Each additional ounce will incur a higher cost.

Determining Postage:

• Standard rectangular wedding invitations that weigh 1 ounce or less typically require a Forever Stamp, which costs around $0.73.
• If your invitations are heavier than 1 ounce but less than 2 ounces, you will need a 2-ounce stamp, which costs around $1.01.
• For square envelopes or invitations with non-standard shapes, expect to pay an additional $0.20 per invitation.
• Embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, or thick cardstock can also increase postage costs. These add bulk and may require additional stamps.
• Always check with your local post office to confirm the exact postage required. They can advise you on the correct amount of postage based on weight and dimensions.
• Consider getting your invitations weighed at multiple post offices to ensure accuracy.

Remember, it's better to slightly overestimate the postage than to risk underpaying, which could result in delays or your invitations being returned.

Buying stamps online vs. in-person

When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invitations, you have two main options: buying online or in-person. Each option has its own advantages and considerations, so it's important to weigh them before making a decision.

Buying Stamps Online

Online retailers offer a wide range of stamp designs, including vintage and unique options that you may not find at your local post office. Websites such as Etsy, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, and Amazon offer an array of choices, including custom-curated stamp collections tailored to your wedding theme or colour scheme. This can be especially convenient if you're looking for something specific or want to explore a variety of options from the comfort of your home.

However, when buying stamps online, it's important to be cautious and vigilant. The sale of counterfeit stamps has increased, and some third-party sellers may offer counterfeit stamps at extremely low prices. Therefore, it's crucial to research the seller and ensure their legitimacy before making a purchase. Additionally, shipping costs and potential delays should be considered when buying stamps online.

Buying Stamps In-Person

Buying stamps in-person from your local post office or other retailers is a convenient and quick option, especially if you're short on time. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of stamp designs, including wedding-themed stamps, and their staff can provide valuable advice on the appropriate postage for your invitations based on their weight and dimensions.

In addition to the post office, you can purchase stamps at various retailers, including office supply stores, gas stations, chain stores, pharmacies, grocery stores, and wholesale clubs. This option allows you to purchase stamps during your regular errands, saving you an extra trip.

Both options have their advantages. Buying stamps online provides a broader selection of designs, while purchasing them in-person offers convenience and immediate access to the stamps. It's important to consider your priorities, time constraints, and the reliability of the source when making your decision. Additionally, remember to factor in the weight and size of your wedding invitations when determining the required postage.

Avoiding scams and counterfeits

When buying stamps for your wedding invitations, it's important to be vigilant and avoid scams and counterfeits. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself:

• Buy stamps directly from a post office or the United States Postal Service (USPS) online store. This is the best way to ensure you're getting genuine postage.
• If you prefer to shop online, only purchase from USPS-approved vendors or retailers. These include legitimate "big box" or warehouse retailers who have resale agreements with the Postal Service and may offer small discounts on postage stamps.
• Be wary of advertisements offering heavily discounted postage, especially on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace and eBay. Scammers often target online shoppers on these sites, promising deep discounts on Forever Stamps. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Look out for red flags, such as prices that are advertised more than 20% below the list price or a foul, plastic smell, which could indicate cheap ink.
• Use the USPS search function to find an "Approved Postal Provider" near you. These are authorised retailers that sell genuine US stamps.
• Report any counterfeit stamps or sellers to the Postal Inspection Service. You can do this by visiting their website or calling their fraud hotline.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your wedding invitations reach your guests safely and avoid the disappointment of dealing with counterfeit postage.

Matching stamps to your wedding theme

Stamps are an important part of your wedding invitations. While they may seem like a small detail, they can add a special touch to your stationery and ensure your invitations arrive safely. Here are some tips to help you match your stamps to your wedding theme:

Consider the Weight and Size of Your Invitations

Before choosing your stamps, it's crucial to consider the weight and size of your wedding invitations. Most standard invitations weigh under one ounce and can be mailed with a single Forever Stamp. However, if your invitations are heavier or have unusual dimensions, you may need additional postage. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed stamps for one-ounce and two-ounce letters. You can also use additional stamps in smaller denominations to make up the difference. Remember to take a fully stuffed envelope to your local post office to get an accurate postage calculation.

Explore Wedding-Themed Stamps

USPS offers a range of wedding-themed Forever Stamps with designs featuring flowers, hearts, and other romantic motifs. These stamps are a great way to add a touch of elegance to your invitations. You can also look for stamps that complement your wedding colours or theme. For example, if you're having a lavender-hued spring wedding, consider using purple tulip stamps. You can also mix and match different stamp designs to create a unique look.

Go Vintage

Vintage stamps can add a touch of charm and sophistication to your wedding invitations. These stamps often feature intricate designs and are carefully preserved, giving your stationery a unique feel. Vintage stamps may cost more than their modern counterparts, and you'll need to ensure they add up to the correct postage amount. You can find vintage stamps on websites like Etsy, where you can search for specific colours or themes.

Customise Your Stamps

Customised stamps allow you to add a personal touch to your invitations. While USPS no longer offers custom stamps, you can still find companies that will help you create unique designs. Keep in mind that customised stamps may be more expensive, but they can be a great way to showcase your personality as a couple.

Shop Online for Convenience and Variety

In addition to USPS, you can explore online retailers like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay for a wider variety of stamp designs. Shopping online gives you the convenience of comparing different options and having the stamps delivered to your doorstep. However, be cautious when buying stamps from unfamiliar websites, as there are counterfeit stamps in circulation.

Remember, your wedding stamps don't have to be extravagant, but choosing ones that complement your theme and ensure sufficient postage will add a special touch to your invitations.

Frequently asked questions