Do You Need Special Stamps for Wedding Invitations?

If you’re planning a wedding, you probably have a lot of things on your mind. You have to choose the venue, the menu, the dress, the music, and of course, the invitations. But have you thought about the stamps? Do you need special stamps for wedding invitations, or can you just use regular ones? How much do they cost, and where can you buy them? In this article, we’ll answer these questions and more, so you can mail your invitations with confidence and style.

How Much Postage Do You Need for Wedding Invitations?

Before you buy any stamps, you need to know how much postage you need for your wedding invitations. The amount of postage depends on the size, weight, and shape of your envelopes. According to the USPS, the current rate for a first-class letter is 66 cents for up to one ounce. However, if your envelope is larger than 6 1/8 inches by 11 1/2 inches, thicker than 1/4 inch, or square-shaped, you’ll need to pay a surcharge of 21 cents per envelope. Additionally, if your envelope weighs more than one ounce, you’ll need to add another 24 cents for each additional ounce.

To avoid any surprises or delays, it’s best to weigh and measure your envelopes before buying stamps. You can use a digital scale and a ruler at home, or go to your local post office and ask them to do it for you. They can also tell you the exact amount of postage you need for each envelope.

What Are the Best Stamps for Wedding Invitations?

Once you know how much postage you need, you can choose the stamps that suit your style and budget. There are several options available from the USPS, as well as online and offline retailers. Here are some of the most popular stamps for wedding invitations:

• Forever Stamps: These are the standard stamps that you can use for any domestic mail. They have a fixed value that covers the current first-class rate, regardless of future price changes. They come in various designs, including some that are wedding-themed, such as flowers, hearts, and rings. You can buy Forever Stamps at any post office, online at usps.com, or by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24. They are sold in sheets and booklets of 20.

• Postcard Stamps: These are special stamps that you can use for postcards or small envelopes that weigh up to one ounce and measure up to 6 inches by 4 1/4 inches. They cost 40 cents each and have a fixed value that does not change with the first-class rate. They also come in various designs, including some that are wedding-themed, such as lovebirds, seashells, and sunflowers. You can buy Postcard Stamps at any post office, online at usps.com, or by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24. They are sold in sheets and booklets of 20.

• Vintage Stamps: These are old stamps that are no longer available from the USPS but still have valid postage value. They can add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your wedding invitations, especially if they match your theme or color scheme. You can find Vintage Stamps on online platforms such as Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, or from specialized dealers and collectors. However, be aware that Vintage Stamps may cost more than their face value, depending on their rarity and condition. You may also need to mix and match different stamps to reach the required postage amount.

What Are the Most Classic Love Stamps for Wedding Invitations?

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your wedding stamp designs, here are some of the most classic love stamps for wedding invitations:

• Love Series: These are Forever Stamps that feature different expressions of love every year since 1973. They range from abstract symbols to realistic images of couples and animals. Some of the most recent ones include Love Flourishes (2018), Hearts Blossom (2019), Made of Hearts (2020), Love (2021), and Love Forever (2022). You can find them at any post office or online at usps.com.

• Wedding Roses Stamp: This is a Forever Stamp that features two white roses with a pink ribbon on a white background. It was issued in 2011 and is still available today. It is designed to match the most common wedding invitation size of 5 1/2 inches by 7 1/2 inches. You can buy it at any post office or online at usps.com.

• Vintage Rose Stamp: This is a Forever Stamp that features a pink rose with green leaves on a cream-colored background. It was issued in 2015 and is still available today. It is designed to match the most common response card size of 3 1/2 inches by 5 inches. You can buy it at any post office or online at usps.com.

What Are Some Tips for Using Wedding Invitation Stamps?

Here are some tips for using wedding invitation stamps:

• Buy enough stamps: Make sure you buy enough stamps for all your invitations, response cards, thank you cards, and any other mailings related to your wedding. It’s better to have some extra stamps than to run out of them at the last minute.
• Buy early: Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your stamps, especially if you want to get some special or custom designs. The USPS and other retailers may run out of stock or have delivery delays, especially during peak seasons such as Christmas. Plan ahead and order your stamps at least a few weeks before you need to mail your invitations.

• Coordinate your stamps: Try to match your stamps with your invitations, envelopes, and overall wedding theme. You can choose stamps that have similar colors, patterns, or motifs as your invitations, or use contrasting ones to create some visual interest. You can also mix and match different stamps to create a collage effect or a personalized message.
• Apply your stamps carefully: Make sure you apply your stamps neatly and securely on your envelopes. Use a damp sponge or cloth to moisten the adhesive on the back of the stamps, and press them firmly on the upper right corner of your envelopes. Avoid licking the stamps, as this may damage them or leave marks on your envelopes.

• Hand-cancel your envelopes: If you want to avoid machine marks or damage on your envelopes, you can ask the post office to hand-cancel them for you. This means that they will stamp them by hand instead of using a machine. This may preserve the appearance and quality of your envelopes and stamps, but it may also cost extra or take longer to process.

Where Can You Buy Wedding Invitation Stamps?

There are many places where you can buy wedding invitation stamps, both online and offline. Here are some of the most common ones, along with their pros and cons:

How to Address and Write Your Wedding Invitations

After you’ve chosen your stamps and envelopes, you need to address and write your wedding invitations. This is not only a practical task, but also an opportunity to express your personality and style. Here are some tips on how to address and write your wedding invitations:

• Follow the etiquette rules: Depending on the formality and tone of your wedding, you may want to follow the traditional etiquette rules for addressing and writing your wedding invitations. These rules include using titles, full names, abbreviations, punctuation, and capitalization correctly. You can find some examples of how to address different types of guests in the previous section, or consult online resources such as The Knot or Wedding Wire for more guidance.

• Choose a font and layout: The font and layout of your wedding invitations should match the design and theme of your stationery. You can choose from different fonts, sizes, colors, alignments, and spacing options to create a harmonious and attractive look. You can also use calligraphy or handwriting for a more personal and elegant touch. You can find some inspiration and ideas from online services such as Minted or Martha Stewart for how to choose a font and layout for your wedding invitations.
• Write a clear and concise message: The message of your wedding invitations should include all the essential information that your guests need to know, such as the names of the hosts, the names of the couple, the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception, the dress code, the RSVP deadline, and any other special instructions or requests. You should also use a polite and friendly tone that reflects your personality and relationship with your guests. You can find some examples and templates of how to write a clear and concise message for your wedding invitations from online resources such as The Knot or Wedding Wire.

Conclusion

Wedding invitation stamps are an important part of your wedding planning process. They can add some flair and personality to your invitations, as well as ensure that they reach your guests on time. You need to consider how much postage you need, what kind of stamps you want, how to use them, and where to buy them. By following these tips, you can find the best stamps for your wedding invitations.