New Postage Rates Start Next Month

Earlier this year, the USPS announced new postage rates which will go into effect on April 17. Luckily, the normal first class stamp (1 oz. or less) will stay at $0.44 and they'll even be introducing some new Forever Stamp designs, like this wedding themed one (available later this year):

Unfortunately, the rest of the rates will be increasing slightly (the new designs for these stamps have not yet been announced):
- Postcards will go from $0.28 to $0.29
- 2 oz. mailings (like invitation outer envelopes) will go from $0.61 to $0.64
- 3 oz. mailings (for more complex invitations) will go from $0.78 to $0.84

If you're sending out your invitations in the next month and you're planning to use an RSVP postcard, this applies to you! If your "return by" date for your RSVPs falls on or after April 17, you'll need a $0.29 stamp on the postcard.  Currently there isn't a $0.29 stamp so you'll have to add a $0.01 to the $0.28 stamp or use a $0.44 stamp like this beautiful spring one:

And if you have a heavier invitation (most are over 1 oz.) then try to get them in the mail before April 17th to same yourself a little bit of money.

I recommend taking a sample invitation to your local Post Office to have it weighed before you buy stamps so that you know how much and what type of postage to plan on. I will keep you updated as soon as the USPS releases the designs for the new stamps! Fingers crossed for some elegant wedding styles!