Choosing The Right Stamps For Your Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. The type and amount of postage you'll need depend on several factors, including weight, size, thickness, and shape. Most wedding invitations are 5 x 7 to avoid additional costs. Square invitations, for example, require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight because they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. The number of stamps required also depends on the value of each stamp. It's recommended to take a complete, finished invitation to the post office to be weighed and correctly priced.

Weight, size and thickness

The weight, size and thickness of your wedding invitations will determine the type of stamp and the number of stamps you need.

In the US, the standard weight limit for a letter to be sent with a "forever" stamp is 1 ounce. This will cost you 55 cents. Anything over that will require additional postage. For example, a 2-ounce letter will need two forever stamps, or a 2-ounce wedding stamp, which currently costs $1.01.

The size of your invitation will also affect the cost of postage. Square envelopes, for instance, will always require a 70-cent stamp, regardless of weight. This is because square envelopes can't go through the sorting machine and have to be hand-cancelled, which incurs an additional cost.

Thickness is another factor that will influence the cost of postage. Envelopes that are thinner than 1/4 inch at their thickest point can go through the sorting machine. If you want to include a ribbon tie for the envelope liner, bear in mind that the knot will usually be thicker than 1/4 inch, so you'll need to bump up the postage.

If you're sending a parcel, this will also cost more. A parcel is considered to be anything that is "unbendable". To avoid this extra cost, use single-ply paper, avoid wax seals and knotted ribbons, and keep inserts to a minimum.

To be sure of the exact amount of postage you need, take a complete, ready-to-mail invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and tell you the cost.

Forever stamps

The cost of Forever Stamps varies depending on where you buy them. As of July 2024, a Forever Stamp costs around $0.73, but this price may have increased since then. If you're sending your wedding invitations internationally, you'll need a Global Forever Stamp, which starts at $1.65.

When choosing Forever Stamps for your wedding invitations, consider the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes. Standard rectangular envelopes that are at least 5 inches long, 3.5 inches wide, and no larger than 11.5 inches long by 6 1/8 inches high can usually be sent with a single Forever Stamp. However, if your envelopes are square or an unusual shape, you may need additional postage as they may need to be hand-cancelled, which means they are sorted by hand rather than by machine.

It's also important to consider the contents of your invitation. If you're including multiple inserts, details cards, or fancy embellishments like wax seals or ribbons, your envelope may be heavier and thicker than a standard envelope, and you may need additional postage.

To be sure you're using the correct amount of postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and tell you how much postage you'll need. You can also ask them about hand-cancelling, which can add a nice aesthetic touch to your envelopes and protect them from potential damage during the automated cancelling process.

Vintage stamps

When choosing vintage stamps, it's important to ensure they are unused. Many vintage stamps are sold as used, but this can be a letdown, as the cancellation marks can detract from their beauty. Etsy is a great source for unused vintage stamps, with shops like Treasure Fox offering a wide selection and excellent customer service. Other recommended sources for vintage stamps include Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, and Flourish Fine Writing. These companies offer curated vintage stamp collections in various colours and themes, perfect for adding a special touch to your wedding invitations.

To ensure your vintage stamps are applied correctly and your invitations arrive safely to your guests, it's recommended to consult with your local post office. They can advise on the correct postage value and any additional requirements, such as hand-canceling, to ensure your invitations are delivered without any issues.

Hand-cancelling

When sending out wedding invitations, you want to make sure they look perfect – after all, they are the first impression of your big day. One way to ensure they arrive in pristine condition is to hand-cancel your postage.

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, take your sealed, stamped, and addressed invitations to your local post office. Ask the postal clerk to verify that you have the correct postage, and then request that they hand-cancel your postage. You may be charged a small additional fee for this service. The clerk will then stamp each envelope by hand, marking the current date and the postal location.

It's important to note that hand-cancelling can take a bit longer, both for the stamping process and for delivery. It may also not be available at all post offices, so it's worth calling ahead to check before you visit.

By hand-cancelling your wedding invitations, you can ensure that they arrive safely and in perfect condition to your guests.

Non-machineable elements

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few factors that can affect the cost of postage. One of the most important considerations is the weight of the invitation suite. As you add more enclosure cards, the weight of each invitation envelope increases, and you'll need extra postage. This is where non-machinable elements come into play.

Non-machinable elements are decorative features on your wedding invitations that cannot be processed or cancelled by a machine. These elements require special handling by the postal service, which typically comes with an additional cost. Here are some common non-machinable elements to consider:

• Envelopes with wax seals: Wax seals add a touch of elegance to your invitations, but they cannot be processed by machines. You'll need to pay extra for hand-processing and hand-cancelling.
• Thick envelopes: If your envelope is more than 3/4 of an inch thick, it is considered non-machinable. This is often due to multiple enclosure cards or decorative inserts.
• Square or custom-sized envelopes: Unusual envelope shapes, such as squares, cannot be processed by standard mail-sorting machines and will incur additional charges.
• Ribbons and ties: While they add a beautiful touch to your invitations, ribbons and ties can make your envelopes thicker and less flexible, leading to non-machinable surcharges.
• Calligraphy: Although not directly related to non-machinable elements, it's worth noting that invitations addressed in calligraphy have a higher chance of being returned or undelivered. The postal service may not consider the writing legible, or the ink may smudge.

To ensure your invitations arrive safely and on time, it's essential to take one fully assembled invitation suite to your local post office and have it weighed. The postal staff will advise you on the correct postage, including any non-machinable surcharges. This small extra step can save you from the frustration of returned invitations or additional charges for your guests.

Frequently asked questions