Stamp Placement On Wedding Invites: The Ultimate Guide

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but there are a few things to consider when it comes to postage. The number and type of stamps you need will depend on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are heavier than average letters, so a higher value stamp is often required. It's recommended to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed so you can be sure of the correct postage. You should also consider the design of your stamps and whether you want to use vintage or custom stamps to match your wedding theme. Finally, don't forget to add sufficient postage before taking your invitations to the post office to avoid compromising the aesthetic of your envelopes and incurring higher postage costs.

How many stamps you need

The number of stamps you need for your wedding invitations depends on several factors. The most important thing to consider is the weight of your fully stuffed envelope. If your invitations are standard size and weigh under one ounce, you'll only need one Forever Stamp, which costs around $0.73. However, if your invitations are heavier or have multiple inserts, you may need additional postage. For example, if your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you'll need a two-ounce stamp, which costs around $1.01. Similarly, if your invitation is over three ounces, you'll need a stamp that costs $1.29.

Another factor to consider is the shape of your envelope. Square invitations are considered irregular and will require additional postage, typically costing around $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce. If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" thick, you may also need to pay extra postage. This is often the case if you include embellishments such as a ribbon, twine, or a wax seal.

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 and measured. They can then advise you on the correct amount of postage required. It's also a good idea to buy a few extra stamps in case of any mistakes while addressing your invitations.

Weighing your invitations

Wedding invitations are an exciting part of the wedding planning process, but there are a few things to consider when it comes to weighing and posting them. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your invitations reach your guests without a hitch.

Firstly, it's important to note that the postage cost for your wedding invitations will depend on their weight, size, and thickness. Most wedding invitations are either less than an ounce or more than an ounce in weight. If your invitation is one ounce or under, it will require a "forever" stamp, usually costing around $0.55 each. If your invitation has multiple pieces, it will likely weigh between one and two ounces, requiring a $0.70 stamp. To be certain, take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office to have it weighed, and they will advise you on the correct postage.

Size and Shape:

Standard envelope sizes, such as the commonly used 5" x 7" size, are best for keeping postage costs down. Unusual shapes, such as square envelopes, will often require additional postage. Square envelopes, for example, typically require a $0.70 stamp regardless of weight as they cannot go through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled, incurring an additional cost.

Thickness:

If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may not be able to go through the sorting machine. This is often an issue with ribbon ties or belly bands, and you may need to increase the postage cost.

Additional Cards:

If you are including RSVP cards, it is considered polite to provide a set of stamps for your guests to use when returning them. It is also a good idea to include a stamped and addressed envelope with your invitation to make it easier for your guests to respond.

Hand-Cancelling:

If your invitations are thick or oddly shaped, consider requesting hand-cancelling at the post office. Hand-cancelling means that instead of being run through a machine, your invitations will be stamped by hand, reducing the risk of tears or ink smudges. Some post offices may charge an additional fee for this service, while others may ask you to hand-cancel your invitations yourself.

Timing:

Finally, give yourself ample time for mailing your invitations. Hand-cancelling can slow down the process, and mail delays can occur, so it is recommended to allow at least two weeks' leeway.

By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding invitations are correctly weighed and posted, reaching your guests in perfect condition.

Buying stamps

When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, wedding invitations are typically heavier than average letters due to their multiple inserts and embellishments, so you'll need to ensure you have the correct postage value to avoid any issues with delivery. Most wedding invitations require a 70-cent stamp, but it's always a good idea to take one of your invitations to the post office to have it weighed so you can be certain of the correct postage.

You can buy stamps for your wedding invitations at your local post office, which is a good option if you're short on time or want to avoid shipping costs. Calling ahead to check if they have the specific stamps you're looking for is also recommended. The post office usually stocks a few love/wedding-themed stamps that you can use, and you can also buy stamps online from the USPS website, which offers a wider range of designs.

If you're looking for vintage stamps or stamps that match your wedding theme, you may want to explore online retailers such as Etsy, Amazon, or specialist stamp sellers like Edelweiss Post and Little Postage House. These options can offer a more personalised touch, but keep in mind that vintage stamps may be priced higher than their postage value, and you'll need to ensure they add up to the correct postage amount.

• Consider buying a few extra stamps to account for any mistakes while addressing your invitations.
• If you're sending save-the-dates or RSVP cards, don't forget to budget for stamps for these as well. It's considered good etiquette to include a stamped and addressed RSVP envelope for your guests' convenience.
• If your invitations are thicker or have unusual dimensions, they may need to be hand-cancelled, which means they will be manually postmarked instead of going through the sorting machines. This service usually incurs an additional charge.
• When budgeting for stamps, take into account the weight, shape, and size of your invitations, as well as the speed and location of delivery. First-class Forever Stamps are a popular option for wedding invitations, but the cost will depend on the weight and dimensions of your envelopes.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are properly stamped and ready to be delivered to your guests without any delays or additional costs.

Placing stamps on the envelope

Determine the Correct Postage

The number and value of stamps you need depend on the weight, size, and thickness of your invitations. Most wedding invitations are heavier than average letters due to thicker cardstock, multiple inserts, or embellishments like ribbons or wax seals. Take a fully assembled invitation to the post office and have it weighed to determine the exact postage required. The cost of mailing one invitation should be the same for all others.

Use the Right Type of Stamps

You can add aesthetic appeal to your invitations by using stamps that match your wedding theme or colour scheme. The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers various stamp designs, including a "Love/Wedding" subcategory. If you're looking for vintage or unique stamps, try online retailers like Etsy or specialised stamp dealers like Edelweiss Post.

Properly Place the Stamps on the Envelope

For a cohesive look, consider using stamps in a single colour palette. When using multiple stamps, line them across the top of the envelope instead of clustering them in a corner. This makes it easier for postal workers to calculate the total postage value and leaves more room for calligraphed addresses. If you're using both horizontal and vertical stamps, stack the horizontal ones in pairs to reach a similar height as the vertical stamps.

Hand-Cancelling and Hand-Processing

Request hand-cancelling for your invitations to prevent them from being damaged by sorting machines. Hand-cancelling involves manually stamping each envelope to cancel the postage, and it may cost extra per envelope. Hand-processing, which also costs extra, ensures your invitations are sorted by hand rather than by machine, reducing the risk of bending or soiling.

Mailing Tips

Always add sufficient postage before dropping off your invitations at the post office. This saves time and ensures you get your desired stamps. It is recommended to mail your invitations during "slow" times, such as early weekday mornings, to avoid crowds and long waits.

By following these steps, you can ensure your wedding invitations are properly stamped and mailed, reaching your guests safely and on time.

Hand-cancelling

To hand-cancel your wedding invitations, take your envelopes to your local post office and ask the clerk to verify that you have the correct postage. Then, request that they hand-cancel your postage. There may be an additional charge for this service (around $0.20- $0.21 per envelope), but it is worth it to ensure your invitations arrive safely and in good condition. Some post offices may even offer to hand-cancel your invitations for free.

It's important to note that hand-cancelling can take a significant amount of time, as each envelope needs to be stamped individually. Therefore, it's recommended to visit the post office during low-traffic hours to avoid delays. Additionally, hand-cancelling can add at least a week to the delivery time, so it's crucial to allow for this extra time when planning your wedding invitations.

In some cases, you may encounter resistance from postal workers who claim that hand-cancelling is no longer offered. However, this service is still available, and you can ask to speak to the office's manager if needed. If one post office is uncooperative, try visiting another branch or returning at a different time.

To summarise, hand-cancelling your wedding invitations is a great way to ensure they arrive safely and in pristine condition. It may cost a little extra and take a little longer, but it's worth it to make a good first impression on your guests.

Frequently asked questions