Stamps For Wedding Invites: Choosing The Right Ones

Wedding invitations are an important part of the wedding planning process. The type and amount of postage you include on an envelope could make or break the delivery of 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 the postage requirements for wedding invitations. USPS offers a variety of wedding-themed stamps, including Forever Stamps, which cover the cost of first-class postage forever, even if the cost goes up after purchase. The number of stamps you need depends on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitation is standard size and weighs under one ounce, one Forever Stamp is enough. For heavier or non-standard-sized invitations, additional postage is required. Vintage stamps are another option for a unique, romantic touch, but they may be more expensive and time-consuming to source and apply. Proper postage ensures your invitations arrive safely and adds a special design element to your wedding stationery.

Wedding Forever Stamps

Forever Stamps come in a variety of designs, including some that are categorised under a "Love/Wedding" heading, featuring flowers and other romantic motifs. These designs are subject to change, so it's best to stock up if you see something you like.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a few different first-class, one-ounce wedding-themed Forever Stamps, which currently cost $0.73. Here are some of the love/wedding-themed postage choices:

• A 2024 stamp featuring a bird carrying a message of love
• Forever Celebration Blooms, an abstract floral arrangement, issued in 2024
• The 2023 "Love" stamp series, featuring cats and dogs with hearts
• Contemporary Boutonniere, featuring an orchid bloom, a succulent, and a hydrangea, issued in 2020
• The 2022 "Love" stamps, featuring floral blooms in two designs
• The 2021 "Love" series, featuring light-hearted colours designed by Bailey Sullivan

If you are mailing a two-ounce, first-class letter (common for larger/heavier wedding invitations) you'll need two-ounce wedding stamps, which currently cost $1.01. The USPS currently offers one design.

Postage costs

Weight:

The weight of your wedding invitation will significantly impact the postage cost. Most wedding invitations fall into two categories: less than one ounce or more than one ounce. For invitations weighing one ounce or less, a "forever" stamp is usually sufficient, with a cost of around $0.55 each. Invitations with multiple pieces or heavier cardstock will likely weigh between one and two ounces, requiring a $0.70 stamp. If your invitation is particularly heavy, you may need to use additional stamps to make up the difference in postage.

Size and Thickness:

The size and thickness of your wedding invitation can also affect postage costs. 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 are typically accepted. If your invitation exceeds these dimensions or includes a thick ribbon or knot, you may need to pay extra postage. Square invitations, for example, often require hand cancellation and therefore have a higher postage cost of $0.70 or more.

Shape:

Non-rectangular envelopes, such as circles or squares, may also incur additional costs. These envelopes cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, resulting in a higher postage fee.

Other Considerations:

It's important to note that the cost of postage may 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 destination. Additionally, if you're using vintage stamps or unique designs, you may need to use more stamps to reach the required postage value.

To ensure you have the correct postage, it's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office and have them weigh it and advise you on the appropriate postage. This will help you avoid the embarrassment of having your invitations returned due to insufficient postage.

Vintage stamps

You can buy vintage stamps from stamp dealers, or online from sites like Etsy, Edelweiss Post, Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, and Amazon. Etsy is a good option if you're looking for a specific theme or colour palette, and Edelweiss Post offers free shipping on orders over $35.

When using vintage stamps, you will need to use a glue stick or tape runner to apply them to your envelopes, and it will take longer for a post office employee to confirm that each envelope has the correct postage.

Custom stamps

Custom wedding stamps typically include the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date, and other design elements that match the wedding theme. You can opt for a custom rubber stamp, which is an affordable option for addressing envelopes and adding a special touch to your wedding stationery. These stamps can be personalised with a beautiful script font and filled with premium ink in colours like black, red, blue, green, or violet.

If you're looking for something more intricate, you can explore options like custom wax seals. These seals add a touch of luxury and can be customised with initials, monograms, or even a logo. Wax seals are perfect for creating a sophisticated and elegant impression on your wedding invitations.

Online platforms like Etsy offer a wide range of custom wedding stamp options. You can find modern and stylish designs, monogram stamps, and even custom wax seal kits. Etsy sellers often provide discounts and offer customisation options to match your specific requirements.

Another option for custom stamps is to engage the services of a professional designer or a stamp company. They can help you create a unique design that reflects your wedding theme and colour palette. This option may be more expensive but will ensure a truly personalised stamp for your special day.

When considering custom stamps, it's important to keep in mind the weight and size of your wedding invitations. The number of stamps required will depend on the value of each stamp, and you may need to use additional stamps to ensure your invitations arrive safely at their destination.

Where to buy stamps

There are several options for purchasing stamps for your wedding invitations.

The most obvious and economical resource for stamps is the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS offers a variety of themes, colours, and up-to-date price denominations to choose from. They have a "Love/Wedding" subcategory, although the selection may be limited. If you are looking for a specific design, it is a good idea to order a stamp catalog or call ahead to ensure that your desired stamp will be available.

Another option is to purchase stamps online. Amazon is a good resource for stamps that have been recently retired, while Etsy offers a wide range of vintage Forever Stamps and custom-curated sets that match your wedding vibe or colour palette. However, keep in mind that prices may be marked up on these sites.

If you are looking for vintage stamps, Edelweiss Post is a highly recommended source. They offer carefully curated selections of vintage and discontinued stamps that work beautifully for wedding invitations, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves.

Other online retailers to consider include Little Postage House, Magnolia Postage, and Lumius Stamps. These sites offer stamp collections for wedding invitations grouped by colour or theme, as well as state, city, and landmark stamps.

When purchasing stamps online, it is important to allow for shipping time and to order in bulk to save on shipping costs.

Frequently asked questions