Vintage Postage For Wedding Invites: A Guide To Using Old Stamps

Vintage postage stamps are a unique and creative way to elevate your wedding invitations. They are a growing trend in the wedding industry, adding a personalised touch to your special day. Vintage stamps are original pieces of art, with some dating back to the early 1900s, and can be curated to reflect your style, wedding theme and colours. They are a great way to make a statement even before the envelope is opened.

Vintage postage cost

Vintage postage stamps are a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. The cost of vintage postage for wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including the weight, shape, and size of the invitations, as well as any additional embellishments. Here is a breakdown of the costs to consider:

Weight:

The weight of your wedding invitation suite will determine the cost of postage. A standard letter weighing up to one ounce typically requires a 73-cent stamp. However, if your invitations weigh more than one ounce, you will need to add additional postage. Each additional ounce will cost 28 cents on top of the standard rate.

Shape and Size:

Non-standard shapes and sizes, such as square or circular envelopes, will also incur additional costs. Anything that makes your invitation non-machinable will cost an extra 46 cents. This includes any embellishments that add thickness to the envelope, such as wax seals or ribbons tied in a certain way.

Vintage Postage Stamps:

Vintage postage stamps can be a beautiful addition to your wedding invitations, but they can also increase the cost. Vintage stamps often have lower values, which means you will need to use more of them to cover the postage. The cost of vintage stamps can vary depending on their rarity and the effort required to source them. Expect to pay at least $8 for the front of one envelope, and up to $16 to $20 per envelope for rarer stamps.

Hand-Canceling:

If you are using vintage stamps or have non-standard envelopes, you may want to consider hand-canceling. This process involves individually hand-stamping each envelope with cancellation markings instead of running them through a machine. Hand-canceling can add to the aesthetics of your invitations and protect them from damage. However, this service typically costs extra, so be sure to inquire about the cost when bringing your envelopes in for weighing.

Sourcing Vintage Stamps:

When sourcing vintage stamps, you can either DIY or work with a professional stamp dealer or stationer. If you choose to DIY, Etsy is a popular option, offering a wide variety of vintage stamps in different themes and colors. Just be sure to confirm the required postage with the post office before purchasing. If you work with a professional, they can curate a set of stamps for you based on your desired theme and color palette. This option will likely be more expensive but can save you time and ensure you have the correct postage.

Overall, the cost of vintage postage for wedding invitations can range from a few dollars to over $20 per envelope, depending on the weight, shape, size, and embellishments of your invitations, as well as the rarity and sourcing of the vintage stamps. It is always a good idea to get your invitations weighed at the post office and calculate the total cost before purchasing your vintage stamps.

Where to buy vintage postage

Vintage postage stamps are a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. If you're looking for where to buy them, here are a few options:

Etsy

Etsy is a great place to start your search for vintage postage stamps. Shops like TreasureFox offer a wide variety of unused vintage US postage stamps in different themes, colours, and denominations. You can also find curated sets of stamps or pick and choose individual stamps to create your own custom set. Keep an eye out for scammers and only buy from reputable dealers.

GubbaGumma Studio

GubbaGumma Studio, run by Tracy & Elliot, has a vast collection of vintage postage stamps perfect for wedding invitations. They offer free shipping on orders over $50 and are happy to take custom orders and requests.

Little Postage House

Little Postage House has a wide range of vintage postage stamps, including nature, animals, ocean, and nautical themes. They also have stamps featuring famous people, such as John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and George Washington.

Local Stamp Collectors and Dealers

If you're looking for a more unique or rare stamp, consider reaching out to local stamp collectors and dealers. They may have stamps that are harder to find and can help you curate a special collection for your wedding invitations.

Professional Stationers and Calligraphers

If you're working with a professional stationer or calligrapher for your wedding invitations, they may also have trusted sources for vintage postage stamps. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you find the perfect stamps for your envelopes.

Remember, when choosing vintage postage stamps, it's important to make sure they are unused and unhinged, meaning they haven't been cancelled by the post office. Happy hunting!

How to apply vintage postage

Vintage postage stamps are a unique and beautiful way to adorn your wedding invitations. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to apply vintage postage:

Understand the Cost

First, understand that vintage postage can be costly. The stamps are rare and in high demand, so expect to pay a premium. The price depends on the specific stamps, but you can expect to pay anywhere from four to six times the face value of the postage. If you're on a tight budget, consider mixing vintage stamps with current forever stamps from your local postal service. This will give your invitations a unique touch without breaking the bank.

Know Your Postage Amount

Before adhering any stamps, determine the exact postage amount needed for each invitation. Take a complete sample invitation, including any wax seals or additional weight, to your local post office and have them weigh and assess it. This will ensure you apply the correct amount of postage, as having too little will result in your invites being returned.

Decide on Layout and Adhesion

Play around with different layouts for your stamps, considering the number of stamps and the space available on the envelope. Once you've decided on a layout, address your envelopes before adhering the stamps. That way, if there are any mistakes with the address, you can start afresh with a new envelope without wasting any stamps.

Most vintage stamps are not self-adhesive, so you will need to activate the stickiness on the back. You can do this by licking the back of the stamp, using a moist sponge, or applying a glue stick. Be confident when sticking the stamp, as vintage stamps are delicate and not very flexible if you need to adjust them. Ensure all corners are adhered, as loose stamps may get caught in sorting machines.

Hand-Cancelling

Finally, consider asking your local post office to hand-cancel your envelopes. This means they will manually stamp each envelope to cancel the postage, reducing the chances of your carefully crafted invitations being marked or damaged by postal machines.

By following these steps, you can ensure your vintage postage is applied correctly and your wedding invitations are treated with care.

How much vintage postage is needed

Vintage postage stamps can be a great way to add a unique, personal touch to your wedding invitations. The amount of vintage postage you will need depends on several factors, including the weight and shape of your invitations. Here is a detailed guide to help you determine how much vintage postage you will need:

Weight and Shape Requirements:

Firstly, you need to consider the weight and shape requirements for mailing your wedding invitations. The postage cost will depend on the weight of your invitation suite. Standard postage rates are based on weight, with additional charges for larger or non-standard shapes. For example, a modern forever stamp typically covers the postage for a standard letter weighing under 1 ounce. If your invitation is square-shaped, has a wax seal, or weighs more than 1 ounce, you will need additional postage.

Number of Invitations:

Consider the number of wedding invitations you plan to send out. Typically, couples send out between 80 and 200 invitations. The required number of stamps will depend on the value of each stamp and the total weight of your invitations.

Value of Vintage Stamps:

Vintage stamps come in various denominations, from low-value cents to higher-value dollars. The value of a vintage stamp is determined by its face value and its rarity. Rare stamps with low face values can be more expensive than higher-denomination stamps. For example, a 13-cent stamp may be worth much more if it is a rare find.

Mixing Vintage and Modern Stamps:

If you want to use vintage postage stamps but are concerned about the cost, consider mixing vintage stamps with modern USPS stamps. This can give you the desired aesthetic without breaking your budget. Modern USPS stamps are also self-adhesive, which can save you time during the assembly process.

Custom Curation:

If you're unsure about how many stamps you need or what combinations to use, consider using a custom curation service. These services can help you estimate the required postage and create a unique collection of vintage stamps that reflect your personal style and wedding theme.

In summary, the amount of vintage postage you will need for your wedding invitations depends on the weight and shape of your invitations, the number of invitations, the value of the vintage stamps, and whether you choose to mix vintage and modern stamps. By considering these factors, you can ensure you have the right amount of vintage postage to add a special touch to your wedding invitations.

Vintage postage alternatives

Vintage postage stamps are a great way to add a unique and personal touch to your wedding invitations. However, if you are looking for alternatives, there are several options available that can give you a similar effect without the extra cost and legwork associated with vintage postage. Here are some ideas for vintage postage alternatives:

• Customised postage stamps: You can now customise your postage stamps to match your wedding invitations. This option is a little more expensive than standard postage but is still more affordable than vintage postage. You can find companies online that offer this service, such as Shutterfly.
• Standard postage with a twist: The USPS offers a variety of standard postage stamps with beautiful designs, including vintage-inspired options. Mixing current standard postage stamps with a couple of vintage stamps can also help you achieve the desired look while keeping costs down.
• Mix and match current USPS stamps: Current USPS stamps are all self-adhesive, so mixing and matching different designs can be a quick and easy way to add a unique touch to your invitations without the hassle of hunting down vintage stamps.
• Themed postage stamps: If you're looking for something a little different, you can find themed postage stamps online, such as those offered by TreasureFox on Etsy. They offer a variety of vintage-style stamps with different themes like flowers, animals, and special occasions.
• Custom wax seals: Instead of focusing on the stamps, you could consider adding a custom wax seal to your invitations. This adds a touch of elegance and sophistication while also ensuring your invitations are secure.
• Ribbons and vellum wraps: Another way to embellish your invitations is by adding graceful ribbons or vellum wraps. These can be customised to match your wedding colours or theme and will give your invitations a luxurious feel.

While vintage postage stamps are a lovely option, these alternatives can offer a similar look and feel without the extra time, cost, and effort required to source and adhere vintage stamps.

Frequently asked questions