Your wedding invitations are printed and look absolutely gorgeous. You've painstakingly collected all the addresses, and everything is set. But before you can send out these beautiful tokens of your upcoming celebration, there's one more hurdle: figuring out stamps.
It might seem like a small detail, but postage is extremely important in ensuring that your wedding invitations get to your guests on time!
In This Guide
Types of Stamps
What types of stamps do you need for wedding invitations?
There are a few common types of stamps you can use for wedding invitations, including:
Forever stamps ($0.68): Also known as First-Class Mail stamps, these are ideal for standard-sized wedding invitations weighing up to 1 ounce.
Vintage stamps: These offer a unique and nostalgic look. They're typically used in combination to meet the current postage rate due to their lower denominations.
Lower value stamps: These stamps come in denominations less than the current first-class rate and are perfect for supplementing Forever stamps if 1) your invitation is slightly over the standard weight of one ounce, or 2) you are using vintage stamps which might not cover the full current rate.
Global forever stamps ($1.40): Designed for international mail, these stamps are suitable for sending standard-sized letters or invitations weighing up to 1 ounce to any destination around the world.
What are wedding Forever stamps?
Wedding Forever stamps are special versions of the popular Forever stamp, designed with a wedding theme in mind, like hearts and flowers.
Like with normal Forever stamps, they:
Retain their first-class postage value indefinitely, even if postal rates increase after you buy them.
Are designed to handle any envelope up to one ounce.
What are vintage wedding stamps?
Vintage wedding stamps are postage stamps that have been previously used or issued many years ago, often holding historical or aesthetic value. This gives them a distinct look and feel compared to modern stamps.
Given their age, they are valued more as collectibles than for their postage value. For example, a vintage stamp you purchase for $5 might only have a postage value of 50 cents. This value, not the purchase price, is what counts towards your postage.
Calculating Postage
How many stamps do you need for a wedding invitation?
The number of stamps you need depends on a few factors: the size and weight of your invitation, and whether it's being mailed domestically or internationally:
If your wedding invitations are:
Standard size (flat, rectangular, 5x7” envelopes) and weigh <1 ounce: You’ll need one single Forever stamp, costing $0.68.
Standard size and weigh 1-2 ounces: You’ll need additional stamps that total $0.90.
Standard size and weigh >3 ounces: You’ll need additional stamps that total $1.14.
An unusual shape, non-standard in size, or have decorative elements (e.g., buttons, wax seals, string): Because the post office will need to mark these envelopes by hand, you’ll need to add an extra $0.40 in postage per envelope.
Being mailed internationally: You’ll need a Global Forever stamp per ounce, or you may require additional international postage, which varies based on the destination country.
Don’t have a scale? No worries! Visit your local post office to get your wedding invitation weighed and measured to ensure you have the correct postage.
Buying Stamps
Where to purchase stamps for wedding invitations
If you're on the hunt for stamps that align with your wedding theme, or if you're seeking vintage or other distinctive styles not typically found at your local post office, the internet offers a plethora of unique choices.
Stamps for wedding invitations can be purchased at several locations:
Local post offices: They offer a variety of stamp designs, including regular and Forever stamps, as well as special wedding-themed stamps.
USPS website: The United States Postal Service’s online store provides a wider selection of stamps, including the latest designs and themes. They also make it convenient to purchase different types of stamps simultaneously, like a standard first-class Forever Stamp paired with a 20-cent additional postage stamp. You can choose from rolls, books, or sheets of stamps, though keep in mind that shipping might take up to a week and the selection is subject to limited availability.
Online retailers:
Etsy: Etsy is a treasure trove of unique and vintage Forever Stamps, ideal for setting the tone of your invitations. The offerings range from single-style stamps to complete sheets of discontinued collections and custom-curated groups of stamps tailored to your wedding's ambiance.
Edelweiss Post: Edelweiss Post specializes in vintage or discontinued stamps. Their selection, perfect for wedding invitations, includes an array of florals, lacey hearts, cherubs, and doves.
Little Postage House: They provide specially assembled stamp collections for wedding invitations, organized by color or theme, and a vast array of state, city, and landmark stamps.
Magnolia Postage: For those in need of vintage, small-denomination stamps, Magnolia Postage presents a wide range of options. If you don't find your desired design among their extensive collection, their team is adept at sourcing specific stamps to match your vision.
When purchasing vintage stamps, remember that they are usually valued less than the current postal rates, so you might need to use multiple stamps to meet the correct postage for your invitations.
FAQs
How important is it to have "wedding" postage stamps on your invitations?
Having "wedding" themed postage stamps is a matter of personal preference and is not a necessity. These stamps can add a decorative touch and enhance the overall aesthetic of your invitation, but they serve the same functional purpose as regular stamps.
Some couples choose themed stamps as a way to tie every detail of their wedding together, from the invitations to the decor. However, others might opt for standard stamps, either for convenience or to allocate budget to other aspects of their wedding.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect your personal style and the importance you place on these small details.
Do you need special stamps for wedding invitations?
While you don't need "special" stamps per se, choosing stamps that align with your wedding's aesthetic can make your invitations feel more bespoke. If your invite is heavier or has an irregular shape, it might require more than the standard postage. In these cases, opting for a combination of stamps can add a creative flair while meeting the postage requirements.
What size stamps do you need for wedding invitations?
The size of the stamp for wedding invitations typically depends on the weight and dimensions of the invitation, rather than the physical size of the stamp itself.
Standard wedding invitations, which are typically a single card with an envelope, usually weigh under 1 ounce and fit within the dimensions of a regular letter. In this case, a standard First-Class Mail stamp, often referred to as a "Forever" stamp, is sufficient.
However, if your invitation includes additional elements like RSVP cards, maps, or is made of heavier material, it may weigh more and require additional postage. It's best to take a fully assembled invitation to the post office to be weighed and measured to determine the exact postage required.
What stamps to buy for wedding invitations
When selecting stamps, consider the theme and color scheme of your wedding. The USPS offers a range of stamps, including love and wedding-themed options, which can add an elegant touch.
Can you use Forever stamps on wedding invitations?
Absolutely! Forever stamps are a practical choice for wedding invitations. They hold their value regardless of future postage rate increases, which can be especially helpful if you're buying stamps in advance. Plus, with a variety of designs available, you can find one that complements your invitation style.
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