Large Stamps For Wedding Invites: Best Options To Buy

When it comes to wedding invitations, the stamps are just as important as the invitations themselves. While you don't need special stamps for wedding invites, you'll likely need to pick up some extra stamps to cover additional postage costs. There are a variety of large stamps available for purchase, including vintage stamps, wedding Forever Stamps, and wedding postcard stamps. Vintage stamps are often more expensive, as they are carefully preserved and may be printed on antique printing presses. Wedding Forever Stamps are wedding-themed versions of standard Forever Stamps, which cover the cost of first-class postage. Wedding postcard stamps are a more cost-effective option, but may not be suitable for invitations with multiple flourishes.

Where to buy large wedding stamps

Wedding invitations are a special type of correspondence, and choosing the right stamps is an important part of making sure they arrive safely and on time. The type and amount of stamps you include could make or break your stationery, as the size and weight of your invitation are likely different from a standard letter.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the ultimate authority on wedding invitations and other wedding-related mail. USPS offers a number of wedding-themed stamps for use on one-ounce and two-ounce letters. The current face value of these stamps is $0.73. If you are mailing a two-ounce first-class letter, which is common for larger/heavier wedding invitations, you will need two-ounce wedding stamps, currently $1.01.

Custom stamps were available before June 2020 but are no longer available for purchase. However, companies such as Minted and Zazzle previously sold 2,000 different wedding-themed stamps, and you could even create your own custom postage stamps.

You can buy stamps for wedding invitations at your local post office. If you are short on time or don't want to risk shipping problems, this is your best option. It's a good idea to call ahead and ask if they have the kind of stamps you're looking for, and to make sure they have enough in stock.

You can also buy wedding stamps online, which will give you a wider range of designs to choose from. USPS.com offers the latest stamp designs, with a range of options, including famous works of art, flowers, and sweet seasonal motifs. They also have a “Love/Weddings” section, so you can easily find a stamp that's on theme. Etsy is another option, with lots of vintage Forever Stamps that will help set the tone of your invitations. Edelweiss Post sells carefully curated vintage stamps, and Little Postage House offers specially packaged stamp collections for wedding invitations grouped by colour or theme.

Before buying your stamps, it's important to take the weight, size, and thickness of your invitation into account. Generally, wedding invitations are either less than an ounce or more than an ounce. If your invitation is one ounce or under, you will need a "forever" stamp, which is $0.55 each. If your invitation has multiple pieces, it will likely be between one and two ounces, and will require a $0.70 stamp. Square invitations automatically require a $0.70 stamp, regardless of weight, as they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

If you are unsure about which stamps to buy, take an invitation sample to the post office and they will advise you on the correct postage.

How to determine the correct postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, the postage you'll need depends on a few factors. The most important thing to remember is that you need to ensure you have the correct amount of postage on each envelope, otherwise, your invitations may not be delivered and could be returned to you. Here's a guide on how to determine the correct postage for your wedding invitations:

Weight, Size and Thickness

The amount of postage required depends on the weight, size and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" because this size falls within the standard rectangular paper envelope measurements. If you go much bigger or choose a different shape, you may incur additional costs. For example, square invitations automatically require a higher-value stamp because they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.

Number of Enclosures

The number of items inside your envelope will also impact the weight and thickness, so be sure to consider this when determining postage. If your invitation has multiple pieces of cardstock, it will likely weigh more than one with a single sheet. Any three-dimensional details such as wax seals or ribbon ties will also increase the thickness, which may push your envelope into the 'parcel' category, resulting in a higher postage cost.

Destination

The distance between the origin and destination zip codes can impact the cost of postage, so be sure to factor this in when calculating the required postage.

Stamp Availability

Custom stamps are no longer available for purchase, but there are still plenty of wedding-themed stamps to choose from. You can buy stamps from the United States Postal Service (USPS), either in person at your local post office or online, which will likely have a larger selection. You can also purchase stamps from other online retailers such as Amazon, Etsy and eBay, but be cautious of counterfeit stamps. Vintage stamps are another option, but these are likely to be priced higher than their denomination and may require more time and effort to source and apply.

Using Multiple Stamps

If you can't find stamps that match your wedding theme or colour palette, you can use multiple stamps to make up the correct postage amount. You can mix new and vintage stamps, as long as the total value is correct.

Weighing and Calculating

The best way to determine the correct postage is to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and tell you the exact amount of postage required. You can also use an online postage calculator to help you work out the correct amount.

Hand-Cancelling

If your invitation includes bulkier items or non-standard closures, it may need to be hand-cancelled, which means a rubber stamp is used to manually mark the envelope to prevent the postage stamp from being reused. This service usually costs extra, so be sure to factor this into your calculations.

Other Considerations

Remember to buy a few extra stamps in case of any mistakes when addressing your invitations. You will also need to consider the cost of postage for any save-the-date cards, RSVP cards and thank-you cards.

Vintage stamps

Sourcing Vintage Stamps

Cost of Vintage Stamps

Customisation

Some companies offer customisation services for vintage stamps, allowing you to create a cohesive look for your wedding invitations. You can provide colour palettes, personal details, or specific themes, and they will curate a selection of stamps that match your vision. This can be a great way to add a personalised touch to your invitations.

Weight and Size Considerations

When using vintage stamps for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the weight and size of your envelopes. Standard-sized envelopes that weigh under one ounce typically require a "forever" stamp, while larger or heavier invitations may require additional postage. Square envelopes, for example, often require hand cancellation and therefore have a higher postage cost. It's recommended to take a sample invitation to your local post office to determine the correct amount of postage.

Timing

When planning to use vintage stamps for your wedding invitations, be sure to allow enough time for sourcing and purchasing the stamps, as well as assembling the invitations. Ordering vintage stamps online may take longer than expected due to shipping times, so it's advisable to factor in some wiggle room to accommodate any potential delays.

Custom stamps

One option is to create your own custom rubber stamp, which can be used to stamp your invitations, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards. Etsy, for example, offers a wide range of custom return address stamps, as well as modern wedding stamps that can be personalised with your wedding information. These stamps typically cost between $6.17 and $35.18, with many sellers offering discounts.

Another option is to purchase vintage stamps that complement your wedding theme. These can be found on sites like Etsy, Edelweiss Post, and Magnolia Postage. Vintage stamps often cost more than their postage value, but they can add a unique and tactile feel to your invitations.

When choosing custom stamps, it's important to consider the weight, size, and thickness of your envelopes. Standard wedding invitations are typically 5" x 7" to avoid additional postage costs. Larger or irregularly-shaped envelopes may require extra postage, so it's always a good idea to check with your local post office to ensure you have the correct amount of postage.

In addition to custom stamps, you may also want to consider other custom stationery elements, such as ribbon ties or paper belly bands, to further personalise your wedding invitations.

How to save money on postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's easy to get carried away and for costs to quickly escalate. Here are some tips on how to save money on postage for your wedding invitations:

Weigh and measure your invitations

The cost of postage depends on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are 5" x 7" because this is the size that attracts the standard rate of postage. If you go bigger or opt for a different shape, you could run into additional costs. Square invitations, for example, require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight because they cannot go through the sorting machine and have to be hand-cancelled.

Avoid additional decorations

If your envelope is thinner than 1/4" thick at its thickest point, it can go through the sorting machine. However, if you want to include a ribbon tie for the envelope liner, you'll need to increase the postage. Similarly, if you include three-dimensional details such as wax seals, your envelope will be considered a parcel, and the cost of postage will increase.

Use Forever Stamps

If your invitations are rectangular, paper, and weigh one ounce or under, all you need is one Forever Stamp to cover the mailing cost. Forever Stamps have no expiration or denomination and will cover the cost of first-class postage forever, even if the cost goes up after purchase.

Shop around for stamps

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed Forever Stamps, but you can also shop around. Amazon, for example, is a good resource for stamps that have recently been retired, while Etsy offers the most options if you're looking for a specific stamp theme or colour palette.

Be cautious of vintage stamps

Vintage stamps are a great option if you're going for an Old-World or romantic look, but they can be time-consuming and expensive. They typically have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them, and older stamps will need to be individually applied with glue or tape. They are also harder to find in large quantities, and the rarer the style, the more expensive it will be.

Ask for help

Take your invitation to the post office, and they will tell you exactly which stamps to buy. This will save you from making an expensive mistake.

Frequently asked questions