Wedding Stamps: Ordering Guide For Your Invitations

Wedding invitations are a special kind of mail that deserves a special stamp. The stamp you choose will depend on your wedding's theme, colour palette, and your personal style. You can buy stamps online from Amazon, Walmart, and the USPS online store, or in person from a US Postal Service office. The USPS online store categorises stamps by theme, making it easy to find a design that suits your wedding. You can also use vintage stamps, which are available from flea markets, eBay, and Etsy. Just make sure they are marked Mint Never Hinged or MNH, meaning they've never been used. When choosing a stamp, consider any irregularities on your envelope, such as a wax seal, which may require additional postage.

Weighing your invitations

• Take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed. This includes all the inserts, cards, and any embellishments like wax seals or ribbons. It's important to know the exact weight to determine the correct postage.
• The weight of your invitation will determine the cost of postage. Basic wedding invitation suites, including a mailing envelope, a flat single-layer invitation, an RSVP card, and an RSVP envelope, typically require a regular First-Class Stamp.
• If your invitation weighs more than one ounce, you will need additional postage. Each additional ounce incurs an extra cost.
• Unusual sizes or shapes, such as square envelopes, will also require extra postage. Non-standard dimensions are considered irregular and will cost more to mail.
• Thickness can also impact postage costs. Embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals can increase the thickness of your invitation, making it non-machinable and resulting in a higher postage rate.
• Always weigh your invitations before adding any postage stamps. It's better to be safe than sorry, as insufficient postage can lead to your invitations being returned or your guests having to pay the difference.
• Consider taking your invitations to multiple post offices to be weighed, as different locations may have slightly different weight assessments.
• When in doubt, it's better to add extra postage to avoid any issues. You can also consult your stationer for recommendations based on your specific invitation design.

Remember, it's essential to have an accurate understanding of the weight and dimensions of your invitations to ensure you apply the correct postage. This will help ensure your invitations reach your guests without any issues or unexpected costs.

Return address printing

There are a few options for return address printing:

• Pre-printed return address on the envelope: This option saves time and provides a clean look. However, it may incur an additional cost and require lead time for printing.
• Return address labels: This option is simple and affordable, but may look inconsistent with the guest address.
• Return address stamp: Similar to labels, a custom return address stamp can be ordered and used over and over again. This option allows for cohesive style with the guest address but may be more costly and time-consuming to apply.
• Calligraphy return address: Having a calligrapher write the return address is the most expensive option but ensures a perfect match in writing style and ink colour.

When including the return address, there are a few etiquette rules to consider:

• Formally, only the physical address is listed on the back flap of the invitation envelope, without any names. However, it is also acceptable to include names, such as the bride and groom's names or the hosts of the event.
• The return address on the response envelope should include names since it will be delivered back to the couple or hosts.
• Traditionally, the return address is handwritten. However, it is now common to have it printed or use a mailing label or stamp.

Irregularities on your envelope

When it comes to wedding invitation envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they are properly formatted and avoid any irregularities. Here are some detailed instructions to avoid any irregularities on your envelope:

Weighing and Posting:

Before you send your invitations, it is crucial to weigh them at the post office to determine the exact postage required. Adding an extra $0.20 stamp is advisable if there are any irregularities, such as a wax seal, to avoid any "postage due" stamps on the envelopes. Always take them to the post office to be weighed and never put them directly in the mail yourself.

Addressing:

When addressing envelopes, follow these guidelines:

• Married Couple with the Same Last Name: Traditionally, use "Mr. and Mrs." followed by the husband's full name. For same-sex couples, indicate the appropriate prefix, and either name can go first. If the couple prefers, address them separately, with the wife's name first.
• Married Couple with Different Last Names: Write their full names on the same line, with the woman's name first. If the names are too long, list them separately. This format applies to heterosexual and same-sex couples with different last names.
• Unmarried Couple: Address to both people on one line, with the person you are closer to listed first.
• Single Female: Use "Ms." if she is over 18, and "Miss" if she is under 18. If a plus one is included, mention it only on the inner envelope.
• Single Male: Use "Mr." if he is over 18; otherwise, no title is needed. If a plus one is included, mention it only on the inner envelope.
• Families with Children: If inviting the entire family, list the parents' names on the outer envelope and the children's names on the inner envelope. If children are not invited, do not include their names. For children under 18, use "Miss" for girls and no title for boys until they are 16, then use "Mr."
• Distinguished Titles: For doctors, military personnel, lawyers, and judges, use their titles on the envelope. List the person with the higher-ranking title first, followed by their spouse's name. Abbreviate titles on the inner envelope.

Return Address:

It is advisable to have your return address pre-printed on the envelopes instead of using a stamp, as stamps can be temperamental and may cause blurriness or positioning issues.

Envelope Format:

Traditionally, wedding invitations include an inner and outer envelope. The outer envelope is for mailing and includes the guest's name(s) and address. The inner envelope is more informal and lists the names of the invitees. However, using only an outer envelope is becoming increasingly popular to reduce expenses and paper waste.

Cost of stamps

The cost of stamps for wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, shape, size, and location. The standard rate for mailing a letter is $0.73, but most wedding invitations weigh more than 1 ounce, with each additional ounce costing $0.28 on top of the base rate. Non-standard shapes, such as squares, and certain embellishments like wax seals or ribbons tied in a particular way, will also incur a $0.46 non-machinable surcharge.

For a 2-ounce first-class letter, which is common for larger or heavier wedding invitations, two 1-ounce wedding-themed forever stamps or a single $1.01 two-ounce wedding stamp will be required. If your invitation exceeds 3 ounces, it will cost $1.29 to send. To avoid additional charges, envelopes should be flat, rectangular, letter-sized, and made of paper, without any attachments such as string, buttons, wax seals, or clasps.

It is also important to consider the cost of postage for other items in your stationery suite, such as save-the-dates and RSVP cards. Pre-stamping RSVP cards is considered part of the full package when inviting guests, and including a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope guarantees a faster response time.

When budgeting for wedding invitation stamps, it is recommended to allocate an extra $100-$150, especially if you are particular about the feel of your invites. Additionally, it is advisable to purchase stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS) or online retailers like Etsy, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, or Amazon.

Where to buy stamps

When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invitations, you have a few options.

Post Office

If you're short on time or don't want to risk shipping problems, your best bet is to head to your local post office. They'll have a selection of stamps available, and you can also ask a staff member if they have any particular designs you're looking for. It's a good idea to call ahead and check they have what you want, and enough of it.

Online

If you're looking for a wider range of designs, shopping online might be a better option. You can find stamps on the USPS website, as well as sites like Etsy, Amazon, and specialist retailers like Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, and Magnolia Postage. These sites will offer vintage and unique designs, but be aware that shipping will vary from site to site, and vintage stamps may be more expensive.

Third-Party Sellers

You can also find third-party sellers on sites like Etsy and Amazon, who may be selling older designs that are no longer available from the USPS. However, these can be marked up in price.

Custom Stamps

It's also worth noting that, before June 2020, it was possible to create your own custom stamps. However, the USPS custom postage program has now ended, and there are no companies currently offering this service.

Frequently asked questions