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So you've picked your wedding date, narrowed down the guest list, and selected the stationery. Congrats! Now it's time to spread the good news and start collecting RSVPs. But you want the outside of your invitations to look as good as the inside (we get it), but how are you supposed to do that? Beyond the addressing of your envelopes, you've got lots of options when it comes to postage. Here are 5 ideas for how to make a statement with your postage.
1. Vintage Stamps: Having a classic wedding that will be full of vintage details? Showcase the theme from the very start! Etsy and Underwood Letterpress are great online resources for finding beautiful, vintage stamps. Your local stamp shop or antique store might also have a good selection available as well. An important thing to keep in mind is that if you're thinking of using these old beauties, you'll need to use a lot more of them to add up to the 49 cents (or more) that it costs to mail your invitations. If you're using a calligrapher, you should probably tell them that you'll need some space to be able to accommodate all the stamps.
2. Forever Stamps: Believe it or not, the post office was thoughtful enough to come up with its own line of wedding-themed stamps. Whether you're looking for something simple like the word "forever" or a tasty looking wedding cake, you may find that your local Post Office has you covered. Head down to the store or search online. They might not match your invitations perfectly, but it's an easy option that minimizes any postage headaches. Sometimes being practical is important!
3. Go Custom: Who says you can't play with your postage? Just because you're getting married doesn't mean you can't have a little bit of fun with things. Include a photo of your dog, your hometown, the place that you met or the two of you! Sites like Wedding Paper Divas, Storkie, and Zazzle allow you to create your own stamps from scratch. Simply create an account, upload your photo (engagement photos make for oh-so-cute stamps!), and in a few weeks you will have your customized postage. Just be sure to plan ahead and allow enough time for your stamps to arrive before you need to send out those invites.
4. "Your Name Here" Stamps: Initials or a cute coupling of your names would look great on the outside of your invitations. Plus, your guests won't be able to stop themselves from tearing open the envelope as soon as they see that it's a formal letter from you! You might also consider including your wedding date to really help get the message across. Find a stamp that works with your stationery colors and design for a cohesive look.
5. Work with your stationer: Okay, you want some chic stamps, but you're not looking to take on yet another project for the big day. We totally get it. So what are your options? Talk to the pros! Work with your stationer to design custom postage that matches your invitation perfectly.
They can create something uniquely you for both your invitations, your RSVP envelopes, and all your thank you notes. No matter what style of stamps you settle on for your invitations, make sure you have enough postage to ensure your letters can be delivered . Take a completed invitation (fully stuffed) to the post office to have it weighed for accuracy's sake. Bring a RSVP card so you can make sure you have the sufficient postage for that as well. The last thing you want is for your invitations and responses to be returned to sender — you've got other things on your mind!
Also, inquire about hand canceling your invitations. You spent some serious time (and money) on those bad boys, so make sure they show up to your guests looking as pretty as when you sent them. Hand cancelling basically means that your invitations will be processed by a human being (who can handle them delicately) rather than being run through the Postal Service's automated machines and running the risk of getting caught or jammed in the machines.
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