The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the ultimate authority when it comes to who, what, when, where and how you can send your wedding invitations, save the date cards, and all other wedding-related mail. While they offer a few wedding-themed stamps, custom postage stamps from Zazzle give you infinite possibilities, giving you complete control of the look of your stamps.
We’ve outlined some of the most important things couples need to know about the USPS before buying custom postage.
2010 Rates
According to the USPS, here are the current rates for 1st class mail (most invitations):
| Type/Weight | Rate |
| Postcard | $.28 |
| Letter | |
| 1st class, 1 oz | $.44 |
| 1st class, 1 oz - odd size | $.64 |
| 1st class, 2 oz | $.61 |
| 1st class, 3 oz | $.78 |
| 1st class, 3.5 oz | $.95 |
| 1st class, 4 oz | $1.39 |
(Custom postage is available for the weghts above but keep in mind that you’ll pay a small premium above the face value of the stamp when buying or creating custom stamps.)
The post office charges a nonmachinable surcharge of 20 cents per item for:
- square letters
- items that are too rigid
- items that don’t bend easily
- items that have clasps, strings, or other non-standard closures
Remember: Always take your mail piece to your local post office and have them weigh the item to be sure of the exact amount of postage needed.
The USPS Postmaster General has announced that there will be no rate increase for postage stamps in 2010 so if your wedding is in 2010 then you don't have to worry about a price increase.
2009 USPS Wedding-Themed Stamps
In 2009 the USPS offered three 1st class 1oz (44 cent) wedding-themed stamps at face value (the 2010 stamps have not yet been announced):
Wedding (Rings) and Love: the Kind and Queen of Hearts:
They also offer one 1st class 2oz stamp (61 cents) featuring a white wedding cake:
Zazzle offers over 100,000 different wedding-themed stamps plus you can create your own! You’ll pay a small premium above the face value of the stamp, but you’ll have complete control over the look of your postage stamp. All stamps are valid USPS postage, feature a self-adhesive backing, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
