Wedding Invitation Stamps: How Many Are Sufficient?

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little tricky to navigate. One of the most common questions couples have is whether one stamp is enough for their wedding invitations. The answer depends on a few factors, including the weight, size, thickness, and shape of the invitation and its envelope.

In the US, a standard 73-cent stamp is usually sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce, which is roughly equivalent to four sheets of regular 8.5 by 11 paper. However, wedding invitations are often printed on thicker cardstock and may include additional inserts or three-dimensional details like wax seals, which can increase the weight and thickness.

Additionally, if your invitation is not a standard rectangular shape, such as a square or circle, it may require additional postage. Square invitations, for example, typically require a higher denomination stamp and must be hand-cancelled, which incurs an extra cost.

To ensure your invitations reach their destination without issue, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured. They will be able to advise you on the correct amount of postage required, which may include multiple stamps or a higher denomination stamp if your invitation is heavier or larger than standard.

Weight, size and thickness

The number of stamps you need for your wedding invitations depends on the weight, size, and thickness of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitations are standard size, rectangular, and weigh under one ounce, you only need one Forever Stamp, which costs $0.55 each. However, if your invitations include multiple pieces, they will likely weigh between one and two ounces, requiring a $0.70 stamp.

Square-shaped invitations automatically require a $0.70 stamp, regardless of weight, as they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, incurring an additional cost. If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may also require extra postage.

It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured to determine the exact postage required. This will help you avoid the embarrassment of having your invitations returned to you or your guests being asked to pay for additional postage.

Cost of postage

The cost of postage for wedding invitations depends on several factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs involved:

Weight

The weight of your wedding invitation will determine the number and value of stamps required. In general, invitations that weigh one ounce or less will only need a single "forever" stamp, which currently costs around $0.55. Heavier invitations, weighing between one and two ounces, will require additional postage, such as a $0.70 stamp. For even heavier invitations, you may need a three-ounce stamp, which costs around $1.29. It's important to note that the cost of postage increases with weight.

Size and Thickness

The size and thickness of your wedding invitation can also affect postage costs. Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7", typically fall within the dimensions allowed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for regular postage rates. However, if your invitation is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. This is especially true if you include embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals, which can increase the thickness of the envelope.

Shape

Non-rectangular envelopes, such as squares or circles, may also require additional postage. Square envelopes, for example, cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, resulting in a higher postage cost of around $0.70, regardless of weight.

Other Considerations

It's important to remember that the cost of postage can vary depending on the distance between the origin and destination zip codes. It's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and use slightly more postage than necessary to ensure your invitations arrive at their destinations. Additionally, if your envelope has three-dimensional details, such as wax seals, or non-standard closures like clasps or strings, you may incur a non-machineable surcharge of $0.46 per item.

To ensure you have the correct postage for your wedding invitations, it is highly recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They can advise you on the exact postage required, taking into account any unusual shapes, thickness, or weight. This will help you avoid any issues with your invitations being returned or your guests being asked to pay additional postage.

Shape and size

The number of stamps you need for your wedding invitation depends on its weight, shape, and size. Square envelopes, for example, require a 70-cent stamp regardless of weight because they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" to fit standard postage sizes. If you deviate from this standard, you may incur additional costs. For instance, if your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it will not be able to go through the sorting machine and will require additional postage.

If you're using vintage stamps, you'll need to use more of them because they were created at lower values. You'll also need to apply them individually with a glue stick or tape runner, which will take more time.

To avoid the "return to sender" moment, it's best to consult a post office professional directly on what is required to successfully send out your invite. They can help you determine the correct number and value of stamps needed.

Hand-cancelling

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, take your envelopes to a post office and request the service from a postal clerk. It is recommended to call ahead to different post offices in your area to confirm whether they offer hand-cancelling and any associated costs. While some post offices may offer the service for free, others may charge a small fee per envelope.

When visiting the post office, go during off-peak hours to avoid long waits. Ask the clerk to verify that you have the correct postage and then request that they hand-cancel your postage. The clerk will stamp each envelope by hand, defacing the postage stamps to prevent their reuse.

Keep in mind that hand-cancelling can take extra time, both for the stamping process and for the subsequent delivery of your invitations. Plan to spend extra time at the post office, and expect your invitations to take at least a week longer to arrive at their destinations.

Vintage stamps

You can also expect to spend extra time applying vintage stamps to your envelopes, as they will need to be stuck on individually with a glue stick or tape runner. It will also take longer for postal workers to confirm that each envelope has been franked with the correct value.

When sourcing vintage stamps, it's important to make sure they are unused. Many are sold as used, but this can be a letdown. Treasure Fox on Etsy is a great source of unused vintage stamps, with excellent customer service and a wide selection. Etsy is also a good place to look for one-off state stamps, which can add a personal touch to your invitations.

If you're looking for a specific stamp theme or colour palette, Etsy and Edelweiss Post are good options. Edelweiss Post has a range of vintage stamps with themes such as love, fruit and food, plants and nature, and famous people. You can also browse by colour palette.

Amazon is another place to look for vintage stamps, especially those that have recently been retired.

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