Sooooo let’s talk stamps…
You pick up your invitations, you’re so excited to stuff the envelopes and get them in the mail, but WAIT — there’s one very important step before you send them on their merry way. You need to know how much postage to put on them so they actually show up in your guests’ mailboxes. Seriously, applying too little postage will mean 186 beautifully addressed invitations will be headed right back to you and I’m thinking that’s not your goal here.
After you leave our studio with your beautiful invitations in tow, make sure to stop at the post office to have them weigh and measure your invitation. You’re going to need one invitation with all the cards you plan to include neatly tucked into the envelope. The amount of postage needed is based on a variety of factors — size, weight, shape and stiffness. Because of all this, it’s best not to simply weigh them at home.
Pssttttt…squares matter! Squares need extra postage regardless of their size — small reply cards and larger wedding invitations both require special attention at the post office.
Okay now you know how much postage your invitation needs, but where do you purchase pretty stamps? Well, your first option is obvious, but you can of course buy them from the post office. If your post office doesn’t have the stamps you are looking for, you can always purchase them on their website. They usually arrive in a week so it’s no big deal at all. The post office typically carries a pretty two ounce stamp and complimentary forever stamp for weddings.
Prefer a custom stamp? We can certainly design one (or two) for you. This is the perfect spot for your monogram or to continue the pattern from your envelope liner. We’re happy to make suggestions if you’re unsure. Custom stamps cost more and require a bit more time than standard postage stamps, but the design possibilities are endless.
“The amount of postage needed is based on a variety of factors — size, weight, shape and stiffness.”
One more idea for you… vintage stamps (swoon)! If you don’t mind a little extra work (I promise, it’s totally worth it in the end), you can go the vintage stamp route. Search Etsy to find lots of vintage stamp collectors many of whom will help you curate the perfect little vintage stamp collage for your wedding invitations. Keep in mind, the price is going to be a little higher than your average stamp, but the result is truly special!
Lastly, make sure to snap a photo (and tag us on Instagram @fatcatpaperie) of all your beautifully stamped envelopes before you drop them off at the post office.
xoxo, Fat Cat
- Tag + Twine Invitation photographed by Fat Cat Paperie
- Tropical Invitation photographed by Carina Skrobecki and stylist Cozbi Jean
- Pink Envelopes photographed by Fat Cat Paperie
- Custom Nautical Stamps photographed by Fat Cat Paperie
- Romantic Vintage Stamp Suite photographed by Angela Zion Photography
Work with Fat Cat from your Couch
Over-scheduled? Live out of town? Just don’t feel like changing out of your sweatpants to attend another wedding appointment? WE GET IT. We offer video consultations to make your life easier. And, it’s also a great way to work with a bunch of key family members who can’t be in the same place at the same time.
