How to Mail Wedding Invitations Using Forever Stamps

Wedding invitations are rarely as simple as a single sheet of paper in a standard envelope. Between inserts, RSVP cards, and decorative envelopes, postage can get complicated fast. This guide walks through exactly how to mail wedding invitations correctly using Forever Stamps, so every invite arrives without delays or returned mail.

Why Wedding Invitations Often Need Extra Postage

A typical wedding invitation includes more than most standard letters.

Common reasons invitations exceed standard postage include:

  • Multiple inserts, such as a main invitation, reception card, and RSVP card
  • Heavier cardstock paper, which weighs more than standard printer paper
  • Decorative envelopes with liners, which add extra weight
  • Embellishments like ribbon, wax seals, or vellum overlays

Each of these additions can push an invitation over the standard one ounce weight covered by a single Forever Stamp.

Step One: Weigh a Fully Assembled Invitation

Before buying postage for your entire batch, assemble one complete invitation exactly as it will be mailed.

Include everything in your test weigh, such as:

  • The main invitation card
  • Any inserts, like directions or accommodation information
  • The RSVP card and its return envelope
  • The outer envelope itself

Weighing the full, assembled invitation gives you an accurate number to base your postage decisions on for the entire batch.

Step Two: Add Postage Based on Weight

Once you know the weight, you can determine how many stamps each invitation needs.

General postage guidelines include:

  1. One ounce or less typically needs one standard Forever Stamp
  2. Each additional ounce needs one extra ounce stamp added to the envelope
  3. Heavier invitations with multiple inserts often need two or more stamps total
  4. Square envelopes usually require an additional nonstandard surcharge on top of standard postage

Since invitation weight varies by design, checking your specific invitation before mailing the full batch avoids costly mistakes.

Step Three: Account for Square or Unusual Envelope Shapes

Many wedding invitations use square or nonstandard envelopes for a more decorative look, which affects postage differently than a standard rectangular envelope.

Keep these details in mind:

  • Square envelopes typically require additional postage beyond the standard letter rate
  • Oversized or unusually shaped envelopes may also require extra postage
  • A single Forever Stamp alone often does not cover a square envelope's full postage requirement
  • Adding an extra stamp or supplemental postage is usually necessary for these formats

Choosing a standard rectangular envelope size, if possible, simplifies postage and avoids this added cost entirely.

Step Four: Don't Forget RSVP Card Postage

Guests need prepaid postage on the RSVP envelope to make responding easy.

Tips for RSVP postage include:

  • RSVP cards typically qualify for the lower postcard rate if they meet size requirements
  • Standard RSVP envelopes usually need one Forever Stamp if they do not qualify as a postcard
  • Weigh the RSVP envelope separately, since it is mailed independently from the invitation
  • Confirm the RSVP card meets standard size requirements to avoid accidentally undercharging postage

Prepaying RSVP postage correctly helps ensure guests actually send their response back on time.

Step Five: Test Mail One Invitation First

Before sending your full batch, mailing a single test invitation to yourself or a trusted friend can confirm your postage calculation is correct.

Benefits of a test mailing include:

  • Confirming the invitation is not returned for insufficient postage
  • Verifying the envelope holds up well during transit
  • Checking that decorative elements like wax seals survive the mailing process
  • Catching any postage issues before mailing dozens or hundreds of invitations

This small extra step can save significant time and stress compared to correcting postage errors after the full batch has already been mailed.

Common Wedding Invitation Postage Mistakes

A few mistakes come up often when couples mail invitations themselves.

Avoid these common errors:

  • Assuming one Forever Stamp covers every invitation regardless of weight
  • Forgetting to weigh the invitation with all inserts included
  • Overlooking the extra charge required for square envelopes
  • Not adding prepaid postage to RSVP envelopes
  • Mailing the entire batch without testing postage on a single invitation first

Taking a little extra time upfront prevents delays, returned invitations, and last minute stress closer to the wedding date.

Stock Up on Stamps for Your Wedding Mailing

Wedding invitations often require multiple stamps per envelope, which means buying in bulk makes sense for most couples. A coil of 100 Forever Stamps easily covers invitations, RSVP cards, and any additional wedding related mailings like thank you notes.

You can view current in-stock Forever Stamp coils here.

FAQs

How many Forever Stamps do I need for a wedding invitation?

This depends on the total weight of the assembled invitation. A single stamp usually covers one ounce, so heavier invitations with multiple inserts often need two or more stamps.

Do square wedding invitation envelopes cost more to mail?

Yes. Square envelopes typically require an additional nonstandard surcharge beyond standard letter postage.

Do RSVP cards need their own postage?

Yes. RSVP envelopes are mailed separately by guests and need their own prepaid postage, usually one Forever Stamp or a postcard stamp if the card qualifies.

Should I weigh my invitation before buying postage for the whole batch?

Yes. Weighing one fully assembled invitation first helps you avoid buying too little or too much postage for your entire mailing.

Is it worth mailing a test invitation before sending the full batch?

Yes. A test mailing confirms your postage is correct and helps you catch any issues before mailing invitations to your full guest list.

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