Using Regular Stamps for Wedding Invitations: What You Need to Know

When it comes to sending out your wedding invitations, you may find yourself wondering if you can use regular stamps. The good news is that, yes, you can use regular stamps for wedding invitations! However, there are several factors to consider when choosing the right postage for your invites.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of proper postage, the different types of stamps available, and how to calculate the required postage for your wedding invitations.

Types of Stamps

While you have the option to use regular stamps for your wedding invitations, there are also various other types of stamps you can choose from depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some popular stamp types:

Forever Stamps

These are first-class stamps that retain their value even if postage rates increase in the future.
Suitable for standard-sized envelopes weighing up to one ounce.

Additional Ounce Stamps

Used in conjunction with a Forever Stamp or another first-class postage for mailing envelopes weighing more than one ounce.

Commemorative Stamps

Special edition stamps released by the postal service that feature a variety of themes and designs.
Can be used as regular postage.

Customized Stamps

Personalized stamps created using a photo or design of your choice.
May cost slightly more but adds a unique touch to your invitations.

Weighing Your Invitations

One crucial factor in determining how much postage is needed for your wedding invitations is their weight. You’ll want to weigh a fully assembled invitation suite—including any inserts and RSVP cards—to get an accurate measurement. Keep in mind that some materials like vellum or thicker cardstock may add extra weight.

Envelopes sized larger than 6 1/8 inches by 11 1/2 inches or those lined with glitter may require additional postage due to their dimensions or added weight.

Calculating Postage Requirements

Once you have the weight of your invitation suite, you can use the following guidelines to calculate how much postage is needed:

1 ounce or less: One Forever Stamp or equivalent first-class postage.
Each additional ounce: Add an Additional Ounce Stamp, or its equivalent value in postage, per extra ounce.

If your invitation suite includes a square envelope, be aware that it may require additional postage due to the non-machineable shape.

When to Purchase Your Stamps

It’s best to purchase your stamps after you’ve finalized your guest list and have a clear idea of how many invitations you’ll be mailing. This will help you avoid buying too many or too few stamps.

Incorporate extra time into your planning for purchasing custom, commemorative, or specialty stamps as they can sometimes take longer to arrive. If ordering online, be mindful of shipping times and potential delays.

Mailing Your Invitations

Before sending out all of your wedding invitations, it’s a good idea to do a test run with one complete invitation suite. This way, you can verify that you have the correct postage and address formatting.

Keep in mind that if any invitations are returned due to insufficient postage or other issues, you’ll need to account for this in your timeline. Be sure to send out invitations well in advance—typically six to eight weeks before the wedding date—to allow for any unexpected delays.

Conclusion

Using regular stamps for wedding invitations is totally acceptable and can be a cost-effective option. Remember that the most important factor in choosing the right postage is ensuring your invitations arrive safely and on time. By carefully weighing your invitation suites, selecting appropriate stamp types based on preferences and budget, purchasing enough stamps in advance, and performing a test mailing, you can rest assured that your guests will receive their invitations without any hiccups!