Creating Elegant, Hand-Stamped Numbers For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a key piece of stationery that introduces your wedding to your guests. They are the first impression of your wedding and can be customised to reflect your wedding's colour palette, theme, or aesthetic. While you can head to the post office to choose whatever stamps are available, there are other options to find the ideal fit for your design. Vintage stamps, for example, can be purchased from resellers on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, but they may cost more than their face value. You can also buy stamps online from USPS, Etsy, and Amazon. When choosing stamps, consider the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation.

Choosing the right stamps for your wedding invitations

Determine the Cost of Mailing

The cost of mailing your wedding invitations will depend on the weight, size, thickness, and shape of your envelopes. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" to avoid additional costs, as larger or differently shaped envelopes can be more expensive to mail. Square invitations, for example, require hand sorting and therefore cost more to post. The weight of your envelopes is also important, as anything over an ounce will require additional postage. The best way to determine the exact cost of mailing your invitations is to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed by a postal clerk. They will be able to tell you how much postage you need and what stamps to buy.

Choose the Right Stamps

Once you know the cost of mailing, you can choose the right stamps for your wedding invitations. You can opt for standard stamps from the post office, or you can get creative and choose vintage or themed stamps that match your wedding aesthetic. If you're using vintage stamps, keep in mind that they may be more expensive and harder to find, especially if you're looking for older stamps. You can find vintage stamps through online resellers or stamp dealers. If you're looking for themed stamps, try searching on Amazon, Etsy, or eBay. You can also check with your local post office to see if they have any wedding-themed stamps available.

Add Extra Stamps for Bulkier Invitations

If your wedding invitations include multiple pieces, embellishments, or are simply bulkier, you may need to add extra postage to ensure they arrive safely. You can use stamps in smaller denominations to make up the difference in cost. This will help ensure your invitations don't get returned to you or delayed in the mail.

Consider Hand-Canceling

If your invitations are bulky or include embellishments, you may want to request that they be hand-cancelled. This means that instead of being run through a machine, your invitations will be manually stamped to prevent their reuse. Hand-canceling can add a classic look to your envelopes and protect them from potential damage caused by machines. However, this service may cost extra and take more time, so be sure to inquire about it when you bring your invitations to the post office.

Don't Forget the RSVP Cards

Don't forget to include stamped and addressed RSVP envelopes with your wedding invitations. This will make it more convenient for your guests to respond and will guarantee a faster response time. You can also provide a digital RSVP option for your guests, especially those who live internationally.

Determining the cost of mailing

Weight, Size, and Thickness Matter

The cost of postage depends on a few factors, primarily the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation suite. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" because this size falls within the standard letter dimensions, which helps keep postage costs down. If you go much bigger or choose a different shape, you'll likely incur additional costs. Square invitations, for example, cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled (sorted by hand), resulting in a higher postage fee.

Forever Stamps

If your invitation and its inserts weigh one ounce or less, you can use a "forever" stamp, which currently costs $0.55. Forever stamps do not have a printed value and can be used to mail a one-ounce envelope anytime in the future, regardless of price increases.

Multiple Pieces and Heavier Weights

Most wedding invitations have multiple pieces, such as an RSVP card and reception details, which will increase the weight. If your invitation weighs more than one ounce, you'll need additional postage. For weights between one and two ounces, a $0.70 stamp is required. The cost increases as the weight increases, with heavier invitations costing more to send.

Ribbon and Envelope Liners

If you're including a ribbon tie or a thick envelope liner, you may need to increase the postage cost. A ribbon knot will usually make the envelope thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, which is the maximum thickness for envelopes to go through the sorting machine.

Local vs. International Postage

The cost of postage also depends on where you're sending your invitations. Mailing invitations internationally is more expensive than sending them within the US, and different countries will have varying postage requirements and restrictions.

Hand-Cancelling

If your invitations are bulky or have embellishments like ribbon, twine, or wax seals, consider requesting hand-cancelling. This means that the postage stamp will be marked or crossed out by hand to prevent reuse, and the invitation will not be put through a machine, which can cause damage. However, hand-cancelling usually incurs an additional fee per envelope and takes more time to process.

Sample and Weigh

To determine the exact postage required for your invitations, it's recommended to take a fully assembled sample invitation to the post office and have it weighed. This will help you purchase the correct amount and denomination of stamps and avoid any issues with insufficient postage.

Budgeting for Postage

Don't forget to budget for the cost of postage when planning your wedding stationery. It's easy to overlook this expense, but it can quickly add up, especially if you have a large guest list or are sending invitations internationally.

By considering these factors, you can more accurately determine the cost of mailing your wedding invitations and ensure that your invitations reach your guests without any issues.

Using vintage stamps

Know Your Postage Amount

The first step is to find out how much postage you need for each invitation. Take a complete sample invitation to your local post office and have them weigh and assess it. Things like envelope size, weight, thickness, and any additional items such as wax seals will impact the postage amount. It's better to have more postage than necessary than not enough, as insufficient postage may result in your invites being returned. Don't forget to include postage for reply cards if you're expecting mailed responses.

Understand the Cost

Vintage postage stamps are rare and in high demand, so expect to pay a premium. They can cost four to six times the face value of the postage, depending on the specific stamps. If you're on a budget, consider mixing vintage stamps with current forever stamps or purchasing pre-designed sets of vintage postage. Custom stamp sets will take longer to procure, so plan accordingly.

Decide on Your Theme and Design

Vintage postage stamps offer a range of customization options. You can match the stamps to your invitation's colour palette and theme or use them to tell a story about the couple. Since you'll likely be using multiple stamps, coordinate with your calligrapher to ensure there's enough space on the envelope.

Source Your Stamps

Unless you have extensive knowledge of vintage stamps, it's best to consult experts such as stamp collectors or curators. They can help you source legitimate stamps in good condition and find more unique and rare options. Online platforms like Etsy and eBay are great places to find vintage stamps, with Etsy offering a wide range of shops and curated selections, and eBay providing an opportunity to explore the intrinsic value of vintage postage.

Apply the Stamps

Applying vintage postage stamps can be tedious. Most vintage stamps don't have self-adhesive backs, so you'll need to moisten them to adhere to the envelope. Use a shallow bowl with a moistened sponge, and consider using tweezers for precise application. Alternatively, you can use a glue stick for better control.

Saving money on postage

The cost of mailing wedding invitations can quickly add up, especially if you're planning a large wedding. Here are some tips to help you save money on postage:

• Weigh your invitations – Before finalising your invitation design, take a fully assembled sample invitation to the post office to have it weighed. This will allow you to determine the exact postage required, which may be more than the basic rate if your invitations are heavier or bulkier than standard letters. By doing this, you can avoid the mistake of buying the wrong stamps and incurring unnecessary costs.
• Choose standard sizes and shapes – Unusual sizes and shapes, such as square envelopes, often require additional postage as they cannot be processed by sorting machines and have to be hand-cancelled. Standard sizes and rectangular shapes will help you avoid these extra costs.
• Consider digital alternatives – Opting for digital alternatives can help reduce postage costs. You can create a wedding website where guests can find all the necessary information about the wedding plans and activities, instead of including multiple enclosure cards with your invitations. You can also encourage guests to RSVP digitally, saving you the cost of RSVP cards, envelopes, and return postage.
• Use plain envelopes – Envelopes are usually discarded, so using plain envelopes instead of fancier options can save you money without compromising the aesthetics of your invitations. If you still want to add a special touch, consider DIY liners or on-theme stamps, which are more budget-friendly options.
• Buy stamps in bulk – Buying stamps in bulk can often result in discounts or free shipping, helping you save money on postage in the long run.
• Choose flat printing – Flat printing is typically more affordable than other printing methods such as letterpress or foil stamping. It is a cost-effective option that still allows for a variety of designs and customisation.
• Compare prices – Compare prices from different stationery companies, as well as online and offline options. Look for sales, discounts, and special events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where you can take advantage of promotions and save on postage costs.
• Order extras – While it may seem counterintuitive, ordering a few extra invitations can save you money in the long run. If you need to order additional invitations later, you may have to pay a minimum quantity, which can be more costly. Having a few extras also gives you flexibility for any last-minute guest list additions.

Where to purchase stamps

When it comes to purchasing stamps for your wedding invitations, you have a few options. Firstly, you can buy them at your local post office. This option is ideal if you are short on time or want to avoid potential shipping problems. It is recommended to call ahead and ask if they have the specific type of stamps you are looking for and ensure they have enough in stock.

Another option is to purchase stamps online, which offers a wider range of designs and the opportunity to find vintage stamps. Here are some websites where you can order wedding postage stamps:

• USPS.com: The official website of the United States Postal Service offers a variety of stamp designs, including those featuring famous works of art, flowers, and seasonal motifs. They also have a "Love/Weddings" section to help you find stamps that match your theme. USPS provides the convenience of buying multiple types of stamps in one place, such as first-class Forever Stamps and additional postage stamps. However, shipping can take up to a week, and the designs are limited edition.
• Etsy: Etsy offers a wide selection of vintage Forever Stamps, single-style stamps, complete sheets of discontinued collections, and custom-curated groupings of stamps that match your wedding vibe or colour palette. Keep in mind that these stamps are often rare or specially collected, so the price may be higher than the postage value.
• Edelweiss Post: This website offers vintage and discontinued stamps carefully chosen by the owner, Patrick Dea, who has an expert eye for stamp collecting. You can find florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves among their selections. They typically ship within two business days.
• Little Postage House: A 2023 award-winning website for their sweet stamp collections, Little Postage House offers curated stamp sets for wedding invitations based on colour or theme. They also have an extensive collection of state, city, and landmark stamps. You can even request a custom-curated stamp collection to match your unique engagement story.
• Magnolia Postage: Magnolia Postage specialises in vintage, small-denomination stamps, ranging from one cent to over 30 cents. They have hundreds of options and are willing to source any specific stamp you desire.
• Amazon: Amazon provides modern stamp options and is ideal for buying stamps in bulk, especially if you have an Amazon Prime membership for faster shipping.

Frequently asked questions