Choosing The Perfect Stamps For Your Wedding Invitations

Wedding invitations are a special kind of snail mail. They're the first impression of your wedding and the envelope, along with the postage, sets the stage. While you don't need special stamps for wedding invitations, you might want to pick stamps that cover extra postage costs or feel fancier for the occasion. The number and type of stamps you'll need depend on the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope. If you're sending a standard-size envelope weighing under one ounce, one Forever Stamp will do. But if you've got a funky-shaped envelope or one that's bursting with details, you'll need additional postage stamps to make up the difference. Vintage stamps are another option if you're going for an Old-World or romantic look, but they can be more expensive and time-consuming to use. Ultimately, the right stamp for your wedding invitations depends on your budget, the weight and size of your envelopes, and your desired aesthetic.

Weighing your invitations

• Take a Fully Assembled Invitation to the Post Office: It is recommended to take a fully assembled invitation, complete with all inserts and embellishments, to your local post office. They will be able to weigh your invitation and determine the exact postage required. This is important because weight can deviate between different post offices, and the distance between the origin and destination zip codes can also impact the cost.
• Weight Limit for Standard Postage: In general, a standard 73-cent stamp is sufficient for a letter weighing up to one ounce. This is roughly equivalent to four sheets of regular 8.5" by 11" paper in a rectangular paper envelope. However, wedding invitations are often printed on thicker cardstock and may include additional inserts, so they can exceed this weight limit.
• Over One Ounce: If your invitation weighs more than one ounce but less than two ounces, you will need additional postage. You can use a combination of stamps to make up the required amount. For example, you can use a Forever Stamp (worth 55 cents) along with a 20-cent stamp to cover the extra weight.
• Irregular Shapes: Standard wedding invitation sizes, such as 5" x 7" or 5.5" x 8.5", typically do not require additional postage based on size alone. However, square envelopes or invitations in unusual shapes may be considered irregular and will require extra postage. Square envelopes, for instance, will cost about $0.20 extra per invitation for the first ounce.
• Thickness Considerations: The thickness of your invitation can also impact postage costs. If your envelope is thicker than 1/4" at its thickest point, it may require additional postage. Embellishments such as ribbons, twine, or wax seals can add to the thickness and increase the overall cost.
• Hand-Canceling: If your invitations are bulky or have irregular shapes, you may want to request hand-canceling. This means that either you or a USPS employee will use a rubber stamp to individually hand-stamp each envelope with cancellation markings. This process can add to the aesthetics of your invitation and help protect the envelope from damage caused by automated machines. However, hand-canceling usually incurs an additional cost per envelope.
• Vintage Stamps: If you're using vintage stamps to match your wedding theme, keep in mind that they often have lower values, so you'll need to use more of them. They can also be more time-consuming to apply and may require additional time for postal workers to confirm their value.

Buying vintage stamps

Vintage stamps are a great way to add a unique, romantic, or Old-World touch to your wedding invitations. They are often printed on antique printing presses no longer in operation, giving them a noticeably different aesthetic and tactile feel from modern stamps. When buying vintage stamps, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, vintage stamps can be more expensive than regular stamps. This is because they have been carefully preserved and maintained, and their printing methods may no longer be in use. The price of a vintage stamp may be higher than its postage denomination, so be prepared to pay a premium for the aesthetic value. For example, you may pay $5 for a stamp with a postage value of only 50 cents.

Second, vintage stamps often have lower denominations than modern stamps. This means you'll need to use more of them to cover the cost of postage for your invitations. Stamps from the past 10 to 20 years should be easier to find in larger quantities, but postage from earlier eras can be scarcer and more expensive. Expect to pay at least $8 for the postage on one envelope, and up to $20 or more for a suite of vintage stamps.

Third, applying vintage stamps can take more time. You may need to use a glue stick or tape runner to attach them to your envelopes, and postal workers will need more time to confirm that each envelope has the correct postage value.

When buying vintage stamps, there are several reputable sources to consider. Etsy is a great option, with many sellers offering unused vintage stamps in various quantities and themes. Treasure Fox on Etsy, in particular, is known for its excellent customer service, quick turnaround times, and large selection of unused vintage stamps. Another recommended source is Edelweiss Post, a Minnesota-based business that offers carefully curated vintage stamps in various themes and colours. Flourish Fine Writing is another specialist, offering custom-curated vintage stamp sets to meet specific postage requirements. Little Postage House is also worth considering, with a range of stamp collections grouped by colour or theme, as well as state, city, and landmark stamps.

In summary, buying vintage stamps for your wedding invitations can add a unique and elegant touch, but it may require more time and money than purchasing regular stamps. Be sure to plan ahead, calculate the correct postage, and order from reputable sources to ensure you get the best value and avoid any delays in sending out your invitations.

Using Forever Stamps

Wedding Forever Stamps are a great option for your wedding invitations. Forever Stamps are a type of stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that will cover the cost of first-class postage forever, regardless of future price increases. This means that even if the cost of postage goes up after you've purchased your stamps, you won't have to worry about paying extra to send your invitations.

• Weight and Size: Forever Stamps cover the cost of sending a letter up to one ounce in weight. If your wedding invitation is heavier or larger than standard, you may need to use additional stamps to cover the extra postage. Consider the weight of your paper, the number of cards included, and any embellishments such as ribbons or wax seals.
• Shape: Standard rectangular envelopes are the most cost-effective option. Square or irregularly shaped envelopes may require additional postage, as they cannot be processed through the sorting machine and must be hand-cancelled.
• Timing: Buy your Forever Stamps in advance, but check the current postage rates before mailing your invitations. While Forever Stamps don't expire, it's important to ensure you're using the correct amount of postage for your invitations.
• Design: Forever Stamps come in a variety of designs, including wedding-themed options with flowers and other romantic motifs. Choose a design that fits your wedding theme or colour palette to add a special touch to your invitations.
• Quantity: Make sure to purchase enough Forever Stamps for your invitations, RSVP cards, and any other wedding stationery. It's a good idea to buy a few extra stamps in case of mistakes or last-minute additions.

Buying stamps online

There are many options for buying stamps online, each with their own pros and cons. Here is a list of some of the most popular options:

USPS.com

USPS.com is the United States Postal Service's website, where you can find their latest line of stamp designs. They offer a wide range of options, including stamps featuring famous works of art, flowers, and seasonal motifs. They also have a “Love/Weddings” section with stamps that are perfect for wedding invitations. You can filter the results by stamp value, theme, sheet, book, or roll. However, shipping can take up to a week, and the designs are limited edition, so the selection may be smaller.

Etsy

Etsy is a great option if you're looking for vintage Forever Stamps or custom-curated groupings of stamps that match your wedding theme. You can also find collections curated by color if you're looking for a cohesive look. Keep in mind that these stamps are often rare or specially collected, so the price may be higher than the postage value.

Edelweiss Post

Edelweiss Post is a Minnesota-based business that carefully selects vintage and discontinued stamps. They offer a variety of themes, including florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves. They typically ship out within two business days, making them a great choice for those who need their stamps in a hurry.

Little Postage House

Little Postage House is a 2023 The Knot Best of Weddings Award winner, offering specially packaged stamp collections for wedding invitations grouped by color or theme. They also have an extensive inventory of state, city, and landmark stamps, which can add a personal touch to your postage.

Magnolia Postage

Magnolia Postage offers vintage, small-denomination stamps ranging from one cent to over 30 cents. They also provide a sourcing service, so if you don't see something you like, they can find it for you.

Amazon

Amazon is a convenient option for buying stamps in bulk, especially if you have Prime, as it offers fast shipping. They have a variety of modern stamp options to choose from.

When buying stamps online, it's important to consider the shipping time and cost, the selection of designs, and whether the stamps will match your wedding theme. It's also crucial to ensure that you purchase enough stamps to cover the postage cost, taking into account the weight and dimensions of your fully stuffed envelope.

Buying from the post office

When it comes to buying stamps for your wedding invitations, the post office is a great place to start. Not only can you rest assured that the stamps you're purchasing are legitimate, but you can also get help from staff to ensure you're getting the right amount of postage for your needs.

Before you head to your local post office, it's a good idea to prepare a fully finished invitation suite, complete with all the inserts you plan to include. This will allow the postal staff to accurately weigh your envelope and determine the correct postage. If your invitations are particularly heavy or bulky, it's also worth asking about hand-canceling, which can add a nice aesthetic touch while also protecting your envelopes from potential damage caused by automated canceling machines.

At the post office, you'll be able to choose from a variety of stamp themes, colors, and denominations. If you're looking for wedding-themed designs, ask about their Love/Wedding subcategory. You can also inquire about the possibility of ordering a stamp catalog for the year, which will give you a broader selection to choose from. Keep in mind that certain designs may be limited edition, so it's a good idea to stock up in advance if you find something you like.

If you're short on time or want to avoid shipping complications, buying stamps directly from the post office is your best option. It's also worth calling ahead to ensure they have the quantity and specific designs you're looking for. While you may find a wider range of options online, there's always the risk of encountering counterfeit stamps or dealing with unexpected shipping delays.

In addition to the post office, you can also purchase stamps from other authorized retailers, such as Amazon. However, be cautious when buying stamps from online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay, especially if the prices seem too good to be true. Always weigh your envelopes and check the mailing rules to ensure you're applying the correct amount of postage.

Frequently asked questions