How to Use Vintage Stamps on Wedding Envelopes: Adding Timeless Charm to Your Invitations

You’ve probably seen those gorgeous photos of wedding envelopes decked out with vintage stamps and thought, “How do I mail my invitations with vintage stamps?” Well, you’re in luck! Using vintage stamps is an easy way to make your wedding invites stand out with a touch of nostalgia and personality. Whether you’re going for a romantic, classic, or quirky vibe, these tiny pieces of history can elevate your envelopes into something truly special. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to use vintage stamps for your wedding invitations, plus share some trusted vendors to get you started.

Step 1: Source Your Vintage Stamps from Reputable Vendors

Finding unused vintage stamps is straightforward with the right sources. Here are a few reputable online vendors specializing in unused US postage stamps, ideal for wedding envelopes:

• VintagePostageStamps.com: This vendor offers tens of thousands of unused vintage stamps, searchable by theme, color, decade, or face value. They excel in custom orders, allowing you to request specific quantities or designs to match your wedding vision.

• Little Postage House: Known for curated vintage postage collections, this vendor emphasizes personalized selections. They offer stamps like the John F. Kennedy or Susan B. Anthony series, which add a classic touch. Their focus on storytelling makes them a great choice for couples wanting stamps that reflect their unique love story.

• Flourish Fine Writing: Specializing in custom vintage postage sets for weddings, this vendor is praised for its design expertise and responsiveness. They curate stamps based on your color palette or theme, with glowing reviews from stationers and brides for their personalized service and fast delivery.

• Additional Options: eBay (search for “unused US vintage postage stamps”) and Etsy (look for sellers like Postage Stamp Studio) are reliable marketplaces, but verify seller ratings and ensure stamps are unused.

Pro Tip: Always confirm that stamps are unused with intact adhesive and valid for US postage. The United States Postal Service (USPS) accepts all unused stamps at their original face value, regardless of age.

Step 2: Calculate Postage Needs

Before buying stamps, determine the postage required for your invitations. As of April 2025, USPS rates for a standard 1-ounce letter start at $0.73, but wedding invitations can sometimes need more due to weight or shape.

• Weigh Your Invitation: Assemble a full invitation suite (invitation, RSVP card, enclosures) and weigh it at your local post office. Most wedding invitations require 1-2 ounces ($0.73-$1.00).

• Consider Shape and Size: Square or oversized envelopes may incur a non-machinable surcharge (around .46 cents). You can confirm with your local post office if your envelope would incur this surcharge.

Pro Tip: Select vintage stamps that slightly exceed the required postage. For example, to cover $0.73, you could combine a $0.50 stamp and a $0.25 stamp.

Step 3: Curate Your Stamp Collection

Choose stamps that align with your wedding’s aesthetic. Here are some ideas to inspire your selection:

• Romantic Themes: Seek out stamps with hearts, doves, or love motifs, like the USPS “Love” series from the 1970s-1990s.

• Floral Designs: Stamps featuring roses, orchids, or wildflowers suit garden or bohemian weddings.

• Timeless Elegance: Opt for stamps commemorating historical figures, landmarks, or art for a sophisticated feel.

• Color Coordination: Match stamps to your wedding palette, such as pastels for spring or jewel tones for fall.

Pro Tip: Order enough stamps for save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP envelopes (if opting for mail back), and thank-you notes to maintain a cohesive look.

Step 4: Design Your Envelope Layout

Arranging vintage stamps is a creative process that enhances your envelope’s charm. Here are a few tips:

• Create Balance: Use a mix of stamp sizes and denominations for visual appeal. Place larger stamps as anchors and smaller ones to fill spaces.

• Complement Other Elements: Ensure stamps harmonize with calligraphy, wax seals, or other envelope details without overwhelming the design.

• Test Your Layout: Create a mock-up envelope to perfect your arrangement. Don't glue until you are certain you have the perfect layout!

Step 5: Adhere and Mail Your Invitations

• Adhering Stamps: Most vintage stamps are self-adhesive, however, I have found that an 8mm permanent tape dispenser is the best option and ensures the stamps are adhered to the envelope.

• Protect Your Design: To prevent machine marks on your envelopes and stamps, you can request to hand-cancel at the post office. This is as simple as taking them inside the post office and requesting to hand-cancel by one of the employees. This is the same as your envelopes being “non-machineable”, as mentioned above, and there will be a surchage (as of July 2024, the surcharge is .46 cents).

• Verify Postage: Have a postal clerk confirm your stamp combinations meet the required amount to avoid delays or returned mail.

Other Tips for Success

• Plan Ahead: Sourcing vintage stamps can take weeks, so start 2-3 months before mailing invitations.

• Set a Budget: Vintage stamps may cost more than face value due to collector demand. Expect to spend $10-$50 per set of 100, depending on rarity.

• Blend with Modern Stamps: If vintage stamps don’t cover the full postage, pair them with current USPS Forever stamps that match your vibe.

• Save Leftovers: Keep extra stamps for thank-you notes or future correspondence to extend your wedding’s aesthetic.

Vintage stamps transform your wedding envelopes into keepsakes that reflect your love story with charm and character. By sourcing from trusted vendors, you can curate a stunning collection that elevates your invitations. Start exploring these vendors today, and let your wedding stationery make a lasting impression!

Note: Prices and vendor availability are based on information as of April 2025. Always check with vendors for current stock and shipping details. If you need more vendor recommendations or specific stamp examples, let me know!