When I design custom invitations, I offer to design custom postage for my clients to complete the look of their invitation package. The party starts when the guests open their invitations, so setting the tone of the party with the invitation is important. But even before the envelope is opened, the first impression the guest has of the invitation is what’s on the outside.
The use of a custom stamp completes the look of the invitation package, and is a fun and inexpensive way to let the recipient know that every detail counts. The guest will think “If the invitation packing is this beautiful, I can only imagine how beautiful the event will be.” And that’s exactly the anticipation you want to create!
In my previous post, I discussed how to determine the correct postage for your invitation package, taking into account the size, weight and shape of the envelope. Now that you’ve figured that out, it’s time to design a custom stamp!
There are two Internet sites where you can order custom postage. One is Zazzle and the other is PhotoStamps. They both permit you to upload your artwork to the site and allow you to purchase stamps in a variety of denominations. This is important because you might need stamps in different postage denominations for your response envelopes and outer mailing envelopes, and by ordering from these sites, your stamps will match.
And you can order matching stamps for all your pre- and post-event needs, too from Save-the-Date announcements to the all-important Thank You notes.
There is one primary difference between the two sites: the sizes of the stamps and design options. I personally prefer Zazzle. It is much more flexible, offering three label sizes to choose from. But there is one limitation: they do not currently offer a $0.81 stamp which would be used for square invitations over one ounce but less than three ounces.
If you require a $0.81 stamp, PhotoStamps is fine, but for all other custom postage orders, go with Zazzle. It’s simple and easy to use…as easy as uploading your artwork and clicking a few buttons. Plus, Zazzle is less expensive overall and frequently has sales and discounts that can reduce the cost of your custom stamps even more.
I have designed many custom stamps for my clients. A few are seen here:
Notice how this stamp only has a date. The design was intended to evoke a feeling of wonder about what was inside the envelope.
This stamp was created from an original work of art painted by the groom. But it had personal significance to the bride as well because the groom was painting it when they first met.
Making a custom stamp for the couple’s wedding invitation out of this very meaningful piece not only completed the invitation package, but brought the entire courtship full circle.
The next two samples show how the same image can be made in two different denominations. The $0.95 stamp was used on the outer mailing envelope, and the $0.44 stamp was used on the response envelope and for the thank you notes.
Each of these Zazzle stamps come in a sheet of 20 high-gloss, high quality labels, and I’ve designed them to match the fonts and colors on the insides of the invitations.
Custom stamps can be created using a photograph of the couple or baby, too. The options are unlimited!
As part of my service, I design a custom jpeg image as a bonus. The image can be incorporated into the invitation design (kind of like a logo or monogram), printed on the back of the mailing envelope, or used to order custom stamps and a variety of other event-related items.
I created the next stamp by hand-lettering the bat mitzvah girl’s name, created a jpeg from my original artwork, and then uploading the jpeg into Zazzle. This same artwork was used throughout the invitation package including on the reception and response cards, on the thank you notes and as part of the return address. My client was very pleased with how everything matched.
It’s amazing how something as simple as a custom stamp can really pull together the entire invitation package. My clients have all loved their custom stamps, and I look forward to creating one for you!