Junior Rasmussen
Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but they can also be a little daunting. There are many factors to consider when it comes to sending out your wedding invites, from the design of the invite to the cost of postage. The price of stamps for wedding invites will depend on various elements, including the weight, size, thickness, and shape of the invitation. It's important to note that square envelopes and pocket wedding invitations tend to be more expensive to mail due to their weight and dimensions. To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a complete, sealed invitation to your local post office for weighing and measurement. They will advise you on the correct amount of postage required, and you can also purchase the stamps from them.
What You'll Learn
Weight, size and thickness of invites
The weight, size, and thickness of your wedding invites will determine the cost of postage. The United States Postal Service (USPS) categorises mail by weight, with the first category being letters weighing up to 1 ounce, and the second being letters weighing up to 2 ounces. The cost of postage increases with the weight of the mail.
The weight of your wedding invites depends on the thickness and type of cardstock used, the number of cards, and any additional items included, such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals. Cardstock weight for wedding invitations can range from as low as 65lb/176 gsm to over 222lb/600 gsm for double-thick duplexed cardstock. The printing process and invitation style will also influence the weight of your invites. For example, flat invitation cards typically use heavier cardstock, while folding invitation cards use lighter cardstock.
The size of your wedding invites will also impact the cost of postage. Square envelopes, for instance, are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage. The standard wedding invitation size is 5" x 7", but envelopes can range from 4.25" x 6" to 5.75" x 12.03".
To ensure you have the correct postage for your wedding invites, it is recommended to take a finished invite to your local post office to have it weighed and checked for thickness. They can advise you on the accurate postage required.
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Cost of postage
The cost of postage for wedding invitations can vary depending on several factors, including weight, size, thickness, and destination country. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the cost of postage for your wedding invites:
Weight:
The weight of your wedding invitation ensemble will significantly impact the postage cost. Most standard wedding invitations, including the envelope, invitation card, and RSVP card, weigh between one and two ounces. A single First-Class Forever Stamp, currently priced at $0.73, is usually sufficient for this weight range. However, if your invitation includes multiple enclosure cards, pocket folds, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals, it may weigh more than two ounces, requiring additional postage. For example, a two-ounce stamp costs $1.01.
Size and Shape:
The size and shape of your wedding invitations also affect postage costs. Square envelopes or invitations with irregular shapes, such as hexagons, are considered non-machineable by the USPS and incur additional charges. For example, square envelopes typically cost $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. On the other hand, standard wedding invitation sizes of 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5" do not require additional postage based on size alone.
Thickness:
The thickness of your wedding invitations is another factor that influences postage costs. If your invitation is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. This often occurs when invitations include embellishments like ribbons, twine, or wax seals. It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed and measured, ensuring you apply the correct amount of postage.
Destination:
The cost of postage also depends on whether you are sending your wedding invitations domestically or internationally. For international destinations, the Global Forever Stamp, starting at $1.65, can be used for standard-size envelopes weighing one ounce or less.
RSVP Cards:
It is customary to include a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope with your wedding invitations. This can add up quickly if you have a large number of invitations. To save costs, you can use RSVP postcards, which have a lower postage rate, or encourage guests to respond via a wedding website or by phone/email.
Buying Stamps:
When purchasing stamps for your wedding invitations, it is essential to plan and buy them early. Stamp prices can increase over time, so buying in smaller batches can help manage costs. You can also use online postage rate calculators to estimate the required postage for your invitations. However, it is always best to confirm with your local post office to avoid underpaying or overpaying for postage.
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Wedding-themed stamps
The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a variety of wedding-themed stamps for 1-ounce and 2-ounce letters. These stamps typically feature pretty flowers and other romantic motifs. You can purchase these stamps directly from the USPS website or at your local post office.
If you're looking for something more unique, you can explore vintage wedding stamps or custom-curated stamp collections from online retailers like Etsy, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, and Magnolia Postage. Vintage stamps often have a different aesthetic and tactile feel compared to modern stamps, and they can add a touch of elegance to your invitations. However, they may be more expensive, as they are carefully preserved and maintained.
When choosing wedding stamps, consider the weight, shape, and size of your invitations. If you have a unique envelope shape or heavy cardstock, you may need to pay more for postage. It's also a good idea to hand-cancel your wedding invitations to prevent any tearing or smearing, but this will incur an additional cost.
- USPS Wedding Roses Commemorative Stamp (Sheet of 20 Forever Stamps)
- Tulips Forever First Class Postage Stamps (Flowers, Garden, Love, Wedding Theme, 2 Sheets, 40 Stamps)
- Celebration Boutonniere USPS Forever Stamps (Sheet of 20)
- Mountain Flora Flower US First Class Forever Postage Stamps (1 Coil/Roll of 100)
- Love 2022 Forever First Class Postage Stamps (Valentine, Wedding, Celebration, 1 Sheet, 20 Stamps)
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Custom stamps
Rubber stamps are a cost-effective way to personalize your wedding invitations, save-the-date announcements, and other wedding stationery. You can customize rubber stamps with your wedding information, such as your names, the date, and even a design that matches your wedding theme. These stamps can be used on a variety of paper stocks and envelopes, making them a versatile option.
Several companies offer custom rubber stamps for weddings, including Simply Stamps and RubberStamps.com. These companies allow you to personalize your stamp with different fonts, designs, and ink colors. You can also find custom wedding stamps on Etsy, where many sellers offer unique and personalized designs.
When creating custom rubber stamps, you can choose from various styles, including self-inking stamps, pre-inked stamps, and traditional rubber stamps with a separate ink pad. Consider the number of invitations you need to send and the design you want before placing your order. It's also a good idea to order extra stamps for any last-minute additions or mistakes.
Custom rubber stamps for wedding invites typically range in price from $10 to $25, with some more intricate designs costing more. This price range allows you to add a special touch to your invitations without breaking the bank.
In addition to custom rubber stamps, you can also consider purchasing wedding-themed postage stamps from the USPS or other online retailers. These stamps feature love and wedding motifs and can add a nice touch to your invitations. However, keep in mind that you may need additional postage if your invitations are heavier or larger than standard envelopes.
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Where to buy stamps
When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invites, you have a few options.
The Post Office
Firstly, you can buy stamps for wedding invites at your local post office. This is a good option if you're short on time or want to avoid shipping costs. It's a good idea to call ahead and check that your local branch has the type of stamps you're looking for, and that they have enough in stock.
Online
Alternatively, you can buy stamps online, which will give you access to a wider range of designs and the option to buy vintage stamps. However, bear in mind that shipping costs and delivery times can vary from site to site, so always read the small print before you order. Here are some of the online retailers that sell wedding stamps:
- USPS.com: The USPS website features a "Love/Weddings" section, making it easy to find on-theme stamps. You can also buy multiple types of stamps at once, and filter by sheet, book or roll.
- Etsy: Etsy is a great place to find vintage Forever Stamps and rare collectibles. You can also buy custom-curated groupings of stamps that match your wedding vibe.
- Edelweiss Post: This site sells vintage and discontinued stamps, including lots of florals, lacey hearts, cherubs and doves. They also offer a quick turnaround time, usually shipping within two business days.
- Little Postage House: A 2023 award winner, Little Postage House offers specially packaged stamp collections for wedding invites, grouped by colour or theme. They also have an extensive inventory of state, city and landmark stamps.
- Magnolia Postage: Magnolia Postage has a wide range of vintage, small-denomination stamps, ranging from one cent to over 30 cents. They can also source specific stamps for you if you have something particular in mind.
- Amazon: Amazon offers a wide range of modern stamp options and is a good choice if you want to buy in bulk and get fast shipping with Prime.
Other Options
You can also buy wedding-themed stamps from third-party sellers such as Wedding Stamps and Amazon.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need special stamps, but you might need to pick up stamps that cover extra postage costs. The type and amount of stamps you include could make or break your stationery arriving safely.
The number of stamps depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If they're standard size and weigh under one ounce, you'll need one Forever Stamp. If it's heavier or bigger, you'll need to buy additional stamps in smaller denominations.
The cost of stamps depends on the weight, shape, and size of your mail. The least expensive stamp you can use is a postcard stamp, which costs $0.56. A first-class Forever Stamp costs around $0.73. If your stationery is heavier, a single first-class stamp costs $1.01 for two ounces and $1.29 for three ounces.
You can buy stamps for wedding invites at the post office or online. Shopping online will give you a wider range of designs but buying at the post office saves you shipping costs.
