Wedding Invites: Choosing The Perfect Stamp For Your Big Day

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 important, and often overlooked, aspects of sending out wedding invitations is the postage. The right stamps can elevate your invitations and create a beautiful first impression for your guests. But with different weights, sizes, and shapes of invitations, how do you know which stamps to choose? In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about selecting the perfect stamps for your wedding invitations. From determining the correct postage to finding stamps that match your wedding aesthetic, we will ensure that your invitations arrive safely and in style.

Weight and size matter: heavier and larger invites require more postage

When it comes to wedding invitations, weight and size matter a lot. Heavier and larger invites will require more postage, so it's important to keep this in mind when designing your invitations. Here are some things to consider:

The weight of your invitation suite will depend on the number of pieces included, the weight of the paper used, and any embellishments such as wax seals or ribbons. Invitations with additional enclosure cards will be heavier due to the extra paper. Similarly, thicker paper stock will add weight. Embellishments like wax seals, ribbons, or twine can also increase the weight, especially if they make the envelope thicker than 1/4" thick. So, when choosing your invitation design and materials, consider the impact on weight and, consequently, postage.

The size of your invitations also plays a role. Square invitations, for example, are considered irregular by USPS and will require additional postage. This is because square envelopes cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, resulting in an additional cost. If you opt for a standard size, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", you can avoid this extra charge.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed. They can also advise on thickness and let you know if your invitation will need to be hand-cancelled. This will help you determine the exact postage required, so you don't end up with insufficient postage or overpaying.

It's worth noting that the distance between the origin and destination zip codes can also impact the cost of mailing. If you're mailing invitations to other countries, you don't need to include postage on the RSVP envelope, as most countries will refuse to mail envelopes with foreign postage.

By considering the weight and size of your wedding invitations, you can ensure you have the correct postage and avoid any issues with delivery. Taking the time to weigh and measure your invitations will help you navigate the postal system and ensure your invitations reach their destinations without a hitch.

Non-machinable elements: wax seals, thick envelopes and custom sizes may need hand-cancelling

Wedding invitations often include decorative elements such as wax seals, thick envelopes, and custom sizes. These non-machinable features can make your invitations unique and elegant, but they may also require special handling when it comes to postage and mailing. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Wax Seals:

Wax seals are a beautiful and traditional way to add a decorative touch to your wedding invitations. Sealing wax has been used for centuries to secure envelopes and verify the sender's identity. Today, it is often used more for decoration and ceremony. If you choose to include a wax seal on your wedding invitations, keep in mind that it may require hand-cancelling. This is because wax seals can be fragile and can be damaged or melted if they go through the postal machines. To avoid this, you may need to request that your invitations be hand-cancelled, which means a postal worker will manually stamp each envelope instead of using a machine. This service typically incurs an extra fee.

Thick Envelopes:

Thick envelopes, often made from double-thick cardstock or including multiple inserts, can also be considered non-machinable. If your invitation suite is thicker than 3/4 of an inch, it may not fit through the postal machines and will need to be hand-cancelled. This is an important consideration, as attempting to send thick envelopes through the machines can result in damage or bending. Be sure to measure the thickness of your envelopes, including any ribbons or knots, and consider the additional postage required.

Custom Sizes:

If you choose to use custom envelope sizes, such as squares or circles, keep in mind that these may also be deemed non-machinable. Square envelopes, in particular, cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled. This is due to their shape and size, which do not conform to standard rectangular envelopes. Consider the additional cost and time that may be required if you choose custom envelope sizes.

Hand-Cancelling Process:

When you bring your wedding invitations to the post office, be sure to specify that they need to be hand-cancelled due to the non-machinable elements. Depending on the location, you may even be able to hand-cancel the stamps yourself. However, this could take a significant amount of time. The postmaster will charge an extra fee per envelope for hand-cancelling, so be sure to factor this into your postage budget.

In conclusion, while non-machinable elements like wax seals, thick envelopes, and custom sizes can add a unique touch to your wedding invitations, they may require special handling and incur additional costs. Be sure to plan ahead, calculate the correct postage, and communicate your needs clearly to the postal service to ensure your invitations arrive safely and elegantly to your guests.

Save the dates: usually only one stamp needed

Save the dates usually only require one postage stamp as they typically include just one cardstock piece and weigh under one ounce. This means they fall under the standard amount of postage limits.

The cost of a standard weight stamp, or "Forever Stamp," is 55 cents in the US. If you are sending your save the date cards from outside the US, the cost of a "Global Forever" stamp is $1.55.

It's important to note that custom-shaped envelopes may be sent back to you, so it's best to send them from your local post office.

To avoid buying the wrong stamps, it's recommended that you take your invitation sample to the post office, and they will tell you which stamps to buy.

RSVP cards: include a stamp to prevent response delays

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that your guests can respond without any delays. Here are some tips to make sure your RSVP cards include the necessary postage:

Firstly, it is important to include a stamp on the RSVP card itself. This will make it convenient for your guests to send their responses without having to worry about finding a stamp. It also ensures that they won't have to bear the cost of postage, which is considered impolite. It is also a good idea to include a return address on the envelope, so that if a response is returned due to insufficient postage, it will come back to you and not get lost in the mail.

Secondly, when choosing stamps for your RSVP cards, opt for Forever Stamps or First Class Stamps. These stamps are valid for any postage weight up to one ounce and are perfect for RSVP cards, which typically weigh less than an ounce. This way, you don't have to worry about calculating the exact weight and can use the same stamp for all your responses.

Additionally, consider the design of the stamps. While this may not affect the delivery of your invitations, it can add a nice touch to your overall wedding theme. You can opt for cute floral designs, or if you have a specific theme, you can look for stamps that match it. For example, if you're having a Star Wars-themed wedding, you could use the Star Wars Droid stamps. You can find unique designs on the USPS website or on sites like Etsy.

Finally, it is always a good idea to weigh your entire invitation suite, including the RSVP card and envelope, at your local post office. This will help you determine if you need additional postage for your invitations. The weight of the paper, the number of cards, and any embellishments like ribbons or wax seals can increase the weight, requiring more postage. By taking a fully assembled invitation, you can get an accurate estimate and avoid any issues with delivery.

Custom designs: vintage, floral, or unique stamps can be sourced from Etsy or Amazon

Custom designs are a great way to add a unique and special touch to your wedding invitations. Etsy and Amazon offer a wide variety of options for those seeking vintage, floral, or one-of-a-kind stamps to elevate their wedding stationery.

Etsy is a treasure trove of custom and vintage stamps that can add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to your wedding invitations. With over 5,000 results for custom wedding stamps, you can find everything from modern return address stamps to personalised wax seal kits. Many sellers offer customisation options, allowing you to add your personal touch to the stamps. Etsy is an excellent choice for those seeking one-of-a-kind designs and supporting small businesses.

Amazon, on the other hand, offers a wide range of postage stamps specifically designed for wedding invitations. You can find beautiful options such as the "USPS Wedding Roses Commemorative Stamp" and the "Celebration Blooms" stamp, which are perfect for adding a romantic and elegant touch to your invitations. Amazon also offers self-inking return address stamps, perfect for adding a custom touch to your envelopes.

If you're looking for vintage stamps, Etsy is once again a great option. With a vast selection of vintage stamps in various themes and colours, you can find the perfect match for your wedding invitations. However, keep in mind that vintage stamps may require more time and money, as they were often created with lower values, meaning you'll need to use more of them.

Whether you choose Etsy or Amazon, custom designs, vintage stamps, or unique wax seals, adding a personalised touch to your wedding invitations will surely make them stand out and create a lasting impression on your guests.

Frequently asked questions