How Many Stamps Do You Need for Wedding Invitations? (Postage Explained)
- Gisella Tan
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
Your wedding invitations are printed, the addresses are collected, and everything looks perfect. Now comes the part nobody warns you about: figuring out postage. Get it wrong, and your invitations come back marked "return to sender," or worse, arrive with postage due.
Here's exactly what you need to know to get it right the first time.
Quick Answer: How Many Stamps Do Wedding Invitations Need?
Standard 5×7 invitation under 1 oz: 1 Forever stamp ($0.68)
1 to 2 oz (multiple inserts, heavier paper): $0.90 total postage
2 to 3 oz → $1.14 total postage
Non-machinable (wax seals, odd shapes, rigid inserts): Add $0.40 surcharge
International: Global Forever stamp ($1.55) per ounce
Not sure about weight? Take a fully assembled invitation to your local post office. They'll weigh it and tell you exactly what postage you need. This takes five minutes and saves you from expensive mistakes.
Do You Need Special Stamps for Wedding Invitations?
No, you do not need special "wedding" stamps. Any Forever stamp (regardless of design) works for standard invitations under 1 ounce. Decorative or vintage stamps are purely optional and aesthetic.
That said, USPS does offer wedding-themed Forever stamps (hearts, flowers, romantic designs) if you want your postage to match your invitation aesthetic. They cost the same as regular Forever stamps and work exactly the same way.
How to Figure Out Your Wedding Invitation Postage (Step by Step)
Step 1: Assemble One Complete Invitation
Include everything that will go in the envelope: the invitation itself, RSVP card and envelope, details card, map, tissue paper, ribbon, all of it. This is what you'll weigh.
Step 2: Check Size and Shape
Standard letter dimensions: rectangular, at least 3.5" × 5", no larger than 6.125" × 11.5", and no thicker than 0.25".
If your invitation is square, oversized, unusually thick, or has rigid elements (like wax seals or buttons), it's considered "non-machinable" and requires an extra $0.40 surcharge per envelope.
Step 3: Weigh It
Use a kitchen scale or take it to the post office. Weight determines your postage tier:
Under 1 oz: $0.68 (1 Forever stamp)
1 to 2 oz: $0.90
2 to 3 oz: $1.14
Each additional ounce: +$0.24
Step 4: Add Surcharges If Needed
Add $0.40 per envelope if your invitation is:
Square
Oversized
Rigid or uneven (wax seals, buttons, thick embellishments)
Too thick to bend
Step 5: Don't Forget the RSVP Envelope
If you're including a pre-stamped RSVP envelope (which makes it much easier for guests to respond), you'll need postage for that too. Standard RSVP cards in small envelopes usually require just one Forever stamp each.
Types of Stamps for Wedding Invitations
Forever Stamps ($0.68)
The standard choice for most invitations. Forever stamps retain their value even if postal rates increase after you buy them, which is helpful if you're purchasing stamps months in advance. They cover any letter up to 1 ounce.
Additional Ounce Stamps ($0.24)
If your invitation weighs more than 1 ounce, you'll need to add postage. These small-denomination stamps supplement your Forever stamp to cover the extra weight.
Non-Machinable Surcharge Stamps ($0.40)
For square envelopes, wax seals, or anything that can't go through postal sorting machines. Add this to your base postage.
Global Forever Stamps ($1.55)
For international guests. One Global Forever stamp covers a standard letter up to 1 ounce to any country. Heavier invitations may require additional international postage.
Vintage Stamps
Previously issued stamps with aesthetic appeal, think florals, classic designs, and nostalgic looks. Their postage value is usually lower than current rates (a stamp you buy for $5 might only have a $0.20 postage value), so you'll typically need to combine multiple vintage stamps to reach the correct total.
Important: When using vintage stamps, make sure the combined face value equals or exceeds your required postage. The purchase price doesn't count, only the postal denomination printed on the stamp.
Where to Buy Stamps for Wedding Invitations
For Standard and Wedding-Themed Stamps
Your local post office: Quick and easy. They carry Forever stamps, wedding-themed designs, and additional postage denominations.
USPS.com: Wider selection, including recent designs. Shipping takes up to a week, so plan ahead.
For Vintage and Curated Stamps
Etsy: Large selection of vintage Forever stamps, discontinued collections, and curated stamp sets matched to wedding aesthetics.
Edelweiss Post: Specializes in vintage stamps with wedding-friendly designs (florals, hearts, doves).
Little Postage House: Curated collections organized by color or theme.
Magnolia Postage: Wide range of vintage small-denomination stamps, with custom sourcing available.
Common Wedding Invitation Postage Questions
Can you use Forever stamps on wedding invitations?
Yes. Forever stamps are the most practical choice for most wedding invitations. They hold their value if rates increase, and they're available in various designs, including wedding themes.
Do wedding invitations need extra postage?
Only if they're heavier than 1 ounce, square, oversized, or have non-machinable features like wax seals. Standard 5×7 invitations under 1 ounce need just one Forever stamp.
What happens if I don't put enough postage?
The invitation may be returned to you, or it may arrive with "postage due," meaning your guest has to pay the difference. Neither is a great look. When in doubt, take one assembled invitation to the post office and have them verify the postage.
Should I hand-cancel my invitations?
You can ask the post office to hand-cancel your invitations instead of running them through machines. This reduces the risk of damage (especially for wax seals or delicate embellishments) and often results in a cleaner postmark. Also, it’s free! Just ask when you drop them off.
Wedding Invitation Postage Checklist
Before you mail:
☐ Assembled one complete invitation with all inserts
☐ Weighed it (kitchen scale or post office)
☐ Checked dimensions and shape (square = surcharge)
☐ Calculated total postage per invitation
☐ Added stamps to RSVP envelopes if including
☐ Purchased enough stamps for full guest list + extras
☐ Requested hand-canceling if using wax seals or fragile elements
One Last Thing
Postage feels like a minor detail until it goes wrong. Taking five minutes to weigh your invitations and confirm the correct postage can save you from delays, returns, and the embarrassment of guests receiving invitations marked "postage due."
And if you're looking to reduce the amount of mail you're sending overall (moving updates, reminders, and guest questions to text instead of paper), that's another way to simplify (and save on postage).
Comments