Wedding Invites: 2-Ounce Stamps, Enough Or Not?

Wedding invitations are often heavier than standard letters, as they are usually printed on heavier paper. If your invitation weighs between 1.1oz and 2oz, you will need a two-ounce stamp to mail it. The USPS offers a few different two-ounce forever stamps, which will always be equal to the cost of mailing a two-ounce first-class letter, even if the price increases. You can buy two-ounce stamps online or at your local post office. It is also acceptable to use two one-ounce forever stamps on your envelope instead of a single two-ounce stamp, though this will cost more in postage.

Weighing your wedding invitation

Understanding Weight Requirements:

The weight of your wedding invitation will determine the postage required. Most wedding invitations exceed the weight of a standard card and envelope due to the use of heavier paper, typically ranging from 80 to 110 lb. paper weight. As a result, you'll likely need more than a standard forever stamp, which only covers envelopes weighing one ounce or less.

Weighing Your Invitation:

To accurately weigh your invitation, assemble a complete sample, including all inserts and embellishments. Take this sample to your local post office and have it weighed by a postal worker. They will advise you on the exact postage required, including any additional charges for odd-sized or non-machineable mail. Alternatively, you can use a kitchen scale to weigh your invitation and then refer to online postage calculators to determine the necessary postage.

Selecting the Right Stamps:

Once you know the weight of your invitation, you can select the appropriate stamps. If your invitation weighs between 1.1 oz and 2 oz, you will need a two-ounce stamp, which currently costs $1.01. The USPS offers a variety of designs, including wedding-themed options. You can purchase these stamps online or at your local post office. If you opt for a heavier invitation, weighing between 2.1 oz and 3 oz, you will need a three-ounce stamp, which costs $1.29.

Odd-Sized and Non-Machineable Mail:

If your invitation has unusual dimensions, is square-shaped, or includes embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, or non-standard closures, it may be considered odd-sized or non-machineable mail. The USPS charges a non-machineable surcharge of $0.46 per item for such mailpieces. This surcharge is in addition to the base postage rate determined by weight.

Ensuring Sufficient Postage:

It is crucial to ensure you have sufficient postage on your invitations. Insufficient postage may result in your invitations being returned to you or your guests having to pay additional postage to receive them. Always double-check with your local post office to confirm the required postage for your specific invitations.

In conclusion, weighing your wedding invitation is a straightforward process that requires careful consideration of weight, dimensions, and embellishments. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your invitations reach your guests without any postal delays or complications.

Buying 2-ounce stamps online

Wedding invitations are often printed on heavier paper than standard letters and may require a 2-ounce stamp to be delivered. You can buy 2-ounce stamps online from Amazon or eBay, or directly from the USPS website.

Buying 2-ounce Stamps from Amazon or eBay

Amazon and eBay are great options if you want to skip the long lines at your local post office. Amazon offers faster delivery but charges a little extra for stamps, while eBay sells postage stamps at the same price as your local post office but shipping can take up to a week.

Buying 2-ounce Stamps from USPS

You can also buy 2-ounce stamps directly from the USPS website. They offer a few different "forever" stamp designs, which will always be equal to the cost of mailing a 2-ounce first-class letter, even if the price increases in the future. In 2024, the price of a 2-ounce stamp from the USPS is $1.01.

Using Multiple 1-ounce Stamps

It's also worth noting that you can use two 1-ounce forever stamps on your envelope instead of a single 2-ounce stamp. This is allowed by the USPS and will not affect delivery. However, this option may cost you more in postage.

Weighing Your Invitations

Before buying stamps, it's important to weigh your invitations to ensure you're using the correct amount of postage. You can take a sample invitation to your local post office to be weighed, or use a kitchen scale at home. If your invitations are an unusual size or have extra embellishments, you may need to pay additional postage.

Wedding invitation size

Wedding invitations come in a variety of sizes, but the most common size is 5" x 7" (or A7 in the A series of envelope sizes). This size is versatile and works for most events, including weddings, birthdays, and holidays.

If you want a more compact design, a 4.25" x 6" invitation is a good option, especially for intimate events such as dinners. On the other hand, if you want extra space, you can go for a 5.5" x 8.5" size, which is often seen on wedding invitation size guides and offers room for creativity.

For a more luxurious or exclusive event, a larger invitation size of 6" x 9" will make a statement and impress your guests.

The number of postage stamps you'll need for your wedding invitations depends on their weight and dimensions. Standard-size invitations weighing under one ounce will only need one Forever Stamp. However, if your invitation has a unique shape or includes multiple inserts, it will be heavier and require additional postage. A two-ounce stamp is required for mail weighing between 1.1 and 2 ounces.

The cost of postage also depends on the weight, shape, and size of your mail, as well as the location and speed of delivery. First-class Forever Stamps are a good option for standard-size, rectangular envelopes made of paper, but they will cost more if you require faster delivery or are sending invitations internationally.

It's important to ensure you have the correct postage to avoid your invitations being returned or your guests having to pay extra postage. Taking a sample invitation to the post office for weighing and advice on postage is always a good idea.

Custom wedding stamps

Wedding invitations are often printed on heavier paper than standard, and may include additional items such as RSVP cards, meaning they can require more than the usual amount of postage. Two-ounce stamps are available from the USPS and other suppliers, and can be purchased in wedding-themed designs.

There are a number of companies that offer custom wedding stamps, including RubberStamps.com, Simply Stamps, and Wedding Stamps. You can choose from a range of styles, including clear cling stamps, self-inking stamps, and pre-inked stamps. Custom stamps can be used on save-the-date cards, invitations, thank you cards, and more.

When choosing stamps for your wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and size of your envelopes. Invitations with unusual shapes or heavy embellishments may require additional postage, so it's always a good idea to have them weighed at the post office before mailing.

Non-machineable surcharge

When sending wedding invitations, it's important to ensure you have the correct postage to avoid your invitations being returned. The weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope will determine the number and type of stamps you need. Most wedding invitations are heavier than standard letters, often printed on heavier paper (80-110lb paper weight). If your invitation weighs between 1.1oz and 2oz, you will need a two-ounce stamp.

However, if your invitation is considered "non-machineable" due to its odd size or shape, you will need to pay an additional non-machineable surcharge. The United States Postal Service (USPS) considers letters with the following characteristics as non-machineable:

• Envelopes that are too rigid
• Envelopes that don't bend easily
• Envelopes with clasps, strings, or other non-standard closures

The non-machineable surcharge for a 2oz letter is $0.46 on top of the base rate of $1.01, totalling $1.47 in postage. You can use non-machineable postage stamps, which include the standard rate and the surcharge, or you can use multiple stamps that add up to the required amount.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended to take a sample invitation to your local post office to be weighed and measured, so you can purchase the correct amount of postage.

Frequently asked questions