Three Ounce (3 oz.) Stamps for Wedding Invitations
Many wedding invitations are heavier than the weight of a standard card & envelope. Often invitations for weddings are printed on heavier paper (80-110lb paper weight) and weigh more than standard paper you find in typical letters. In some cases these invitations will need a three ounce stamp in order to be delivered.
You'll need a three ounce stamp to mail your wedding invitation if It weighs between 2.1 oz -3 oz.
The USPS currently only offers one three ounce stamp and it is not wedding-themed. These postage stamps will always be equal to the cost of mailing a 3 oz first-class letter even if the price increases.
The current cost of three ounce stamps from the post office in 2024 is $1.16 each.
Buy Three Ounce Stamps Online
You can skip the long lines at your local post office by ordering three ounce stamps online from Amazon or eBay. Both sell valid US postage stamps. Amazon offers the fastest delivery but stamps cost a little extra. Ebay sells postage stamps at the same price as your local post office but shipping is significantly slower (5-7 days). If speed and convenience is important, we recommend Amazon. If you're in no rush and want to save a little money, we recommend Ebay instead.
Here are the current three ounce stamps available for purchase:
Ursula K. Le Guin
FREE 2-Day shipping & FREE returns with Prime
Delivery: 5-7 days; No returns; Lowest prices
This three ounce stamp issued in 2021 honors the American author Ursula K. Le Guin. Available at your local post office or on the USPS website.
Previous Three Ounce Stamps (Only Available Online)
The USPS no longer offers these stamp designs at local post offices or on their website. However, since these postage stamps are valid "forever" and do not expire you can still order and use them as postage for three ounce mail:
Walt Whitman
FREE 2-Day shipping & FREE returns with Prime
Delivery: 5-7 days; No returns; Lowest prices
This three ounce stamp issued in 2019 features a portrait of Walt Whitman for the Literary Arts series. Not available at the post office. Online only.
Henry James
FREE shipping & FREE returns with Prime
Delivery: 5-7 days; No returns; Lowest prices
American Novelist Henry James is featured on this three ounce stamp issued in 2016.
Online only. Not available at your local post office.
Flannery O'Connor
FREE shipping & FREE returns with Prime
Delivery: 5-7 days; No returns; Lowest prices
Author Flannery O'Connor is honored on this three ounce stamp that was issued in 2015.
Online only. Not available at your local post office.
Ralph Ellison
FREE 2-Day shipping & FREE returns with Prime
Delivery: 5-7 days; No returns; Lowest prices
In 2014 the USPS honored author Ralph Ellison with this three ounce stamp.
Online only. Not available at your local post office.
Minted's Three Ounce Stamps ($1.16 Stamps)
Minted.com had 2,000 custom postage stamp designs that could be used on three ounce letters. Sadly, the USPS ended their custom postage program in June of 2020 and Minted no longer offers custom postage stamps. The stamps you see above are the only available designs for three ounce stamps.
Stamps for Odd Size (Non-machineable) 3 oz Letters
A wedding invitation or letter weighing 3 ounces but considered an "odd-size" or "non-machineable" mailpiece will need enough postage to cover both the base three ounce rate and the non-machineable surcharge. The USPS considers letters with any of the characteristics below as non-machineable:
- square envelopes
- envelopes that are too rigid
- envelopes that don't bend easily
- envelopes that have clasps, strings, or other non-standard closures
In 2024, the current rate for non-machinable 3oz letters is the non-machineable surcharge of $0.44 added to the base rate of $1.16 (for a 3 ounce letter). A letter that weighs three ounces and is considered non-machineable will cost you $1.60 in total postage.
For more information, see stamps and surcharges for non-machineable mail.
A Word of Caution: Make Sure You Have Enough Postage
If you don't include enough postage on your envelope then the USPS may return all of your invitations back to you, voiding the postage you paid for and preventing your letters from being delivered.
"How much postage do I need?"
"How many stamps do I need on my envelope?"
If you are unsure about the amount of postage you need, our postage calculator will help you determine what postage rate your invitations require. (Remember, always take your mail piece to your local post office and have them weigh and measure the item to be sure of the exact amount of postage needed.)
Using Multiple One Ounce Stamps
It is acceptable to use three 1oz forever stamps on your envelope in place of one 3oz stamp. This is allowed by the USPS and will be delivered. Note that this will actually cost you more in postage (3 x $0.68 = $2.04 in postage vs. 1 $1.16 stamp) but does give you more design choices to coordinate with your invitations. It can also be helpful to use postage you already have instead of buying three ounce stamps.