You guessed it – as of July 13, 2025 USPS postage rates have increased.
We’ve applied thousands of postage stamps over the years. We’ve mailed thousands of envelopes. And yet, thanks to annual USPS stamp rate increases, we’re always kept on our toes. We can’t control what happens to envelopes once they’re dropped off at a USPS post office, but we can do our very best to ensure each envelope carries enough postage to take it all the way to its final destination!
If you’re in the midst of planning your own wedding or event and you find 2025 USPS postage rates confusing, I’m glad you’re here! Nothing to stress about. With a bit of planning, you can ensure your USPS mailing experience is smooth sailing.
2025 USPS Postage rates:
| Weight / Type | Rate | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz / Forever Stamp | $0.78 | + $0.05 |
| 1 oz, non-machinable | $1.27 | + $0.08 |
| 2 oz | $1.07 | + $0.06 |
| 2 oz, non-machinable | $1.56 | + $0.09 |
| 3 oz | $1.36 | + $0.07 |
| 3.5 oz | $1.65 | + $0.08 |
| 3 oz, non-machinable | $1.85 | + $0.10 |
| 1 oz, international | $1.70 starting | + $0.05 |
| Postcard | $0.62 | + $0.06 |
| Postcard, international | $1.70 | + $0.05 |
| 1 oz, flat / large envelope | $1.63 | + $0.13 |
| 2 oz, flat / large envelope | $1.90 | + $0.13 |
| 3 oz, flat / large envelope | $2.17 | + $0.13 |
| 4 oz, flat / large envelope | $2.31 | + $0.13 |
Types of postage and rates
Forever stamps are what you’re probably most familiar with. You might notice that unlike other stamps, they don’t feature a face value denomination — this is because Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current price of 1oz First-Class Mail, regardless of later rate increases. If you purchased original Forever stamps at $0.41 each back in 2007 when they were first introduced (source), they are now worth $0.78. Hold on to these stamps as they’re good for, well… ever!
Extra-ounce stamps are for First-Class Mail that weighs over 1oz. They’re a bit cheaper than Forever stamps at $0.29 for each extra ounce.
Non-machinable surcharge stamps are for pieces of mail that can’t go through USPS sorting machines. This includes square envelopes as well as rigid/thick envelopes.
Postcard stamps are specifically for mailing standard-sized postcards without an envelope.
How much postage do I need to mail my save the dates?
Unless you’re thinking totally outside of the box (in which case, call me, I’m your girl), this mailing is fairly simple!
Our standard save the date packages include one card with one envelope. Even with an added envelope liner and/or double-thick paper stock, the finished, assembled product is *probably* under 1oz. That means we will need at least $0.78 face value postage, or one Forever stamp.*
Want to add a wax seal or ribbon? Make sure you tack on that non-machinable surcharge ($1.27 total) to account for the extra bulk.
*You might notice this image only shows $0.75 in postage. If this same wedding were held in late 2025, we’d add an additional stamp(s) worth at least 3 cents to bring the total face value up to $0.78.
How much postage do I need to mail my wedding invitations?
This is where it gets a bit harder to predict! Postage depends on the weight, shape, and thickness of your invitation envelope. We typically wait to give a postage recommendation until your full suite is printed and assembled so that we may weigh it accurately.
If your invitation is light, simple, rectangular, and under 1oz, one Forever stamp will usually do the trick. However, more postage will be necessary if the envelope is square, rigid, or bulky (non-machinable surcharge), or if it weighs over 1oz (extra-ounce stamp per additional ounce).
Over 3.5oz or exceptionally bulky? Your invitation suite may count as a “flat envelope,” requiring even more postage.
No matter what, we highly recommend bringing a fully assembled suite to the post office before sealing or stamping your envelopes. That way, you’ll get an official postage recommendation and avoid any surprises (like returned or underpaid mail) on mailing day!
How does this affect my invitation mailing budget?
Let’s say you’re mailing out 100qty save the dates and envelopes, followed by 100qty wedding invitation suites. You opted out of most embellishments and both sets weigh under 1 oz each.
| Item and Weight | Postage Cost per 100qty | Change from 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Save the dates, <1oz | $78.00 | + $5.00 |
| Save the dates, <1oz, non-machinable | $127.00 | + $8.00 |
| Wedding invitation suites, <1oz | $78.00 | + $5.00 |
| Wedding invitation suites, <2oz | $107.00 | + $6.00 |
| Wedding invitation suites, <3oz, non-machinable | $185.00 | + $10.00 |
| RSVP envelope, <1oz | $78.00 | + $5.00 |
Purchasing directly through the USPS Store is highly recommended. Not only are you able to ensure that the stamps are real and legitimate (watch out for shady online stores selling counterfeits!), but you’ll pay the face value of each stamp without any markups.
Or? You could skip the math altogether and just let the experts (ahem, us) handle it. Get in contact now about your custom wedding stationery and let’s make some magic!
