Interview with Loly from Little Postage House

We have an awesome Q&A from our wonderful Vintage Stamp Collector, Loly from Little Postage House! She is absolutely fabulous at matching stamps for my custom invitations and I always head to her page to watch her to some printing on IG! She knows all things stamps and postage, so we picked her brain and got some answers!

 
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Carol: I absolutely love your backstory! Can you please introduce yourself and tell a few of our readers about how you became to be known for vintage stamps.

Loly: Hi there! My name is Loly Orozco and I am the owner and founder of Little Postage House, where we tell our clients’ unique stories through postage and paper design.

Before Little Postage House even existed, I worked professionally as an attorney in New York City for a “big” law firm. My practice specialized in financial restructuring (which is just a fancy way of saying corporate bankruptcy) and I maintained a strong pro-bono practice working with human trafficking victims on their cases. During my time as a lawyer, I was fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to clerk for two federal judges in the Southern District of New York.

I did not have any plans of leaving my career. It was not until 2016 that my life started taking a different path and I stumbled into the stationery world. I remember that I was at the post office one day and saw a bride with beautiful invitations that had handwritten calligraphy. I wondered what postage stamp she would choose and realized that none of the options complemented her invitations. It was at that moment that Little Postage House was born,

Today, Little Postage House is a one stop shop and resource for brides. We do everything from wedding invitation design to vintage postage curation. With vintage postage, we work with couples to curate custom postage collections that reflect their wedding themes and stories.

Carol: Aren't Vintage Stamps “vintage”?! How are we able to use them now?

Loly: Vintage postage stamps can be really old! I have curated designs for brides that have included postage stamps from the early 1900s. Postage stamps never expire (think of them as currency, you can still use money even if it is super old). As long as the postage stamps are unused, you should all be set and can use them to mail wedding invitations! The one big thing to keep in mind (regardless of whether you are using modern or vintage postage stamps) is that the stamps on the envelope need to add up to the right postage amount!

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Carol: Walk us through the amount of postage you need per a Save the Date vs an Invitation?

Loly: The first thing to keep in mind is that the amount of postage that you need to mail out any letter (regardless of whether it is a fancy wedding invitation or a regular piece of mail) will depend on the weight and the shape of the mailing. If you are sending out a regular, rectangular envelope with a standard card inside (think your average birthday, holiday card, even Save the Date), you are going to need 55 cents of postage under the 2021 postage rates. Now, if you add a wax seal or ribbon to that same mailing, USPS is going to require extra postage.

Most wedding invitations will require extra postage due to the number of inserts, weight of the paper used, and the embellishments (e.g., silk ribbon, wax seals, etc.) and calculating the specific postage rate for a wedding invitation can be tricky because of all of these factors. As a general rule of thumb, if an invitation uses a heavy cardstock, is square shaped, or has a wax seal (or anything that makes it rigid/lumpy), you’re going to need extra postage (at least 75 cents under the 2021 rates and possibly more depending on the details).


Carol: Do postage rates change?

Loly: Yes, I was just getting to that! At the end of each year, the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) reviews postage rates and determines whether or not to increase (or decrease) their prices. The proposed changes are announced at the end of each calendar year and usually take effect in late January of the next year. So it is important to keep this in mind if you are reading any blogs or articles online about postage rates (because the information could be stale). It is also extremely important to always confirm the postage amount with USPS prior to mailing out your invitations. If you follow me on Instagram or are subscribed to my newsletter, I always send out alerts regarding postage changes!

Carol: Are large quantities ever a problem when you’re using vintage? What if a bride has 200 invitations? Can she still use vintage postage?

Loly: That is not a problem at all! I keep thousands and thousands of vintage postage stamps (and modern postage stamps) in my collection and work with brides, stationers, wedding planners, and calligraphers on all postage things! If you are ever looking for something specific or would like me to curate a postage design for you, just send me a message!

Carol: HANDCANCELing!! Talk to us about it and how to GET IT DONE right :) Sometimes people say the post office won't let them do it.

Loly: Let's start with a basic question - What is handcancelling, anyway? When you drop off your letters at the post office, they need “cancel” out the postage so that it can’t be used again. This just means that they physically leave a mark on the stamps. If you look at any piece of mail that you receive that has postage on it, you will see that the postage has marks through it. Those stamps have been cancelled! Usually, letters are cancelled by machines. However, you can ask to have your mail “hand cancelled” instead. This just means that a postal worker will manually mark the postage stamps using a rubber stamp and ink to “cancel” them.

If you want your invitations handcancelled, I would recommend that you reach out to your local post office (where you plan to take your invitations to mail them out) and ask them whether they will handcancel the invitations. Also, ask them whether they require additional postage for handcancelling. While some post offices will handcancel the postage stamps for free, some post offices will require extra postage (especially if it’s a large number of invitations).

Another tip is to see if the post office will let you borrow their rubber stamp for a few minutes (especially if they’re busy) and let you hand-cancel the postage yourself! In some post offices, they really appreciate this because it saves them work later! However, some post offices are sticklers and will not hand cancel your mail, but they will do it for you.

Carol: Anything else you'd like to share?

Loly: The number one takeaway that I want readers to take away from this is that postage rates are not one size fits all and it all comes down to the details! Always double check postage amounts with your local post office. If you have any questions, you can always email me! I’m always happy to help!

Thank you SO much for sharing your expertise with us. You are so awesome and I LOVE your work and can't wait to collaborate with you more!

Pop over to IG & follow Little Postage House for more!

Save the Date

Save-the-Date Examples

Save-the-dates are meant to give your guests a heads-up about your wedding date and location, so they can mark it on their calendars and start making plans to attend. They don't have to perfectly match your wedding theme or include every detail about the big day. It's more important to convey the basic information and get your loved ones excited to celebrate with you!

Formal

Save the Date
for the wedding of
Sally Jane Smith
and
John Paul Jones
Saturday, the twelfth of June
Two thousand and twenty-one
Los Angeles, California
Formal invitation to follow

Traditional

Save the Date
Lauren and Andrew
are getting married!
September 4, 2021
New York City
Formal invitation to follow

Casual

He asked and she said “Yes!”
Zoey and Josh
2.20.21
Las Vegas, Nevada
Invitation to follow

Destination

Save the Weekend!
July 23–25, 2021
Emma and Alex
are getting married
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Please see further wedding details at
[weddingwebsite].com

National Park Seating Charts, Escort Cards and Table Numbers are here!

If you follow me on Instagram @themapchick, you’ll know that my family and I are passionate about traveling, particularly to National Parks. Our adventures have inspired these seating charts, escort cards, and table numbers. Take a look!

These two weddings below jad two seating charts, they had a room layout, then the other had the names of the seats.

Kelsey & Erik’s Wedding had two seating charts, they had a room layout, then the other had the names of the seats.

How to Word Wedding Programs

Each wedding ceremony is unique, so your wedding program is an opportunity to reflect your style as well as provide the necessary details. Most wedding ceremonies are divided into four main sections: Introduction, Order of Events, Participants and Final Messages.

A program will include the couple’s names, wedding date, start time and wedding venue. Other details include the procession, welcome message, readings, vows, presentation, and recessional. 

Wedding Program Structure

Wedding Programs follow a similar structure, though there is always room to add your own personality and preferences. Use the following list to organize your program into sections. Make sure to include the essential details, and customize it from there.

Section 1: Introduction

This is the place for your special details! Include the Bride and Groom’s first and last names, wedding date, start time and ceremony venue.

Section 2: Ceremony Order

Wedding ceremonies begin when the bridal party steps down the aisle and end when they make their way out. Here are the elements to include:

Prelude – Escort and seat family members and mention the title of the song that will play.

Processional – Escort the bride (or both partners in same-sex weddings) down the aisle and list the song that plays. 

Greetings – Welcome the officiant and all guests for attending the wedding. 

Opening Prayer or Greeting – Begin the ceremony on a positive note with a prayer of blessing on the couple or an encouraging greeting.

Readings – List the reading(s) and speakers

Wedding Message – You can recognize the person (officiant or a loved one) giving the wedding message or sermon. 

Music – Mention the song that will play along with the performers. 

Exchange of Vows – The exchanging of vows and rings. If you have customized wedding vows, you might consider listing them here. 

Unity Ceremony – You can choose to include a unity ceremony, which usually involves the lighting of a unity candle or another alternative such as unity sand.

Presentation of the Couple – This is when the officiant declares you officially married and the crowd cheers!

Recessional – Lastly, mention the song that plays while the bride party recesses. 

Section 3: Recognizing the Wedding Party 

Honor all guests, including the officiant, your parents, maid/ matron of honor, bridesmaid/ groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, and any other members participating in your ceremony. 

For example, Janette Stewart – Maid of Honor

Section 4: Final Message for Guests 

Finally, don’t forget to appreciate all guests for gracing the wedding with their presence. A short and sweet note – Thank you for your blessings and support. Today and always, with love Pam and Mike – works best. 

You can also honor a deceased member and place a note in your wedding program – The candle (or flowers) on the altar is the memory of our beloved friend or family member. 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the idea is to be extra clear and not too fancy about the wedding program wording. The goal is to lead your guests through the day, using language that goes well with the overall design, personality and program structure. Take your time, decide what is essential and keep it clean.

Alex & Lucy

Lucy & Alex wed at the beautiful Palmwood Event & Conference Center in Dallas. I had a terrific time designing for months starting with her invitation suite. What a wonderful women! While I didn’t meet her until our pickup party, we chatted on the phone ALL the time to make sure everything was PERFECT for her! From her suite, to napkins to signage, we designed it all! Enjoy!

CW Designs Signage

Invitation Suite

These beautiful wedding vendors made this happen for Lucy & Alex!

Venue/Catering: @palmwoodevents

Florist: @angelinasfloralandevents

Photographer: @nhanphoto

Videographer: @splendorfilms

Hair & makeup: @blashedbbb @naniegartistry @mmaryyb @makeupbymelissav

DJ: @leforcedj @the_murda_mixtape

Cake: @cremedelacremecakecompany

Ice cream cart: @melticecreams

Macaron favors: @bywoops

Flower wall: @dfwflowerwall

Photo booth: @thesocialproduction

Marquee letters: @alphalitfortworth

Ceremony vocals: @nita_darling

Dance lessons/performance: @reding_dance

Invitations/signs/canvas/favor tags: @cwdesignsinvitations

Flats: @rescueflats

Dress: @blissbridal @martinalianabridal

Alterations: @tailoringbyrios

Bridesmaid dress: @azazieofficial @verawangbride

Bridal jewelry: @oliveandpiper

Suits: @menswearhouse

Send off: @crosstimberscarriage

4 Key Points to Make in a Wedding Thank You Card

Wedding thank you cards are meaningful, classy, and timeless objects that help acknowledge people who were impactful on your big day. Crafting the right heartfelt gratitude note to each guest is paramount after the wedding. But how do you share your honest appreciation in a personalized yet etiquette manner?

Tip: Monogramed Notecards are the most popular and come in 2 sizes, 5x7 or 4.25x5.5. Bride Tip: Purchase Monogramed cards for Thank You cards so you can use them after the wedding!

Tip: Monogramed Notecards are the most popular and come in 2 sizes, 5x7 or 4.25x5.5


Bride Tip: Purchase Monogramed cards for Thank You cards so you can use them after the wedding!

At a minimum, wedding thank you cards should recognize that you received gifts, acknowledge any monetary assistance and any other efforts by your guests.

For guests who gifted you

Traditionally, a significant number of guests will offer different wedding gifts. A good rule when appreciating those guests:

• Acknowledge the gift
• Explain why you love the gift
• Elaborate on how you plan to use the gift
• Compliment and a send personalized message for the gifter

Example

Dear Racheal and Robert,
Thank you so much for the cutlery set you gifted us for our wedding! The knives are incredibly sharp and are quite handy when chopping onions and vegetables. We're mesmerized by your kindness. Also thank you for going out of our way to make our big day a big success. Thank you again!

Warmly,
Nellie and Travis

For guests who made a financial contribution

Monetary contributions are open-ended gifts, it is intrinsic to mention the plans you have for the money, but it is not mandatory. Rather than citing the specific amount of money, refer to the token as a generous gift.

For Example:

Dear Gladys,

We are so honored for the generous gift you made at the wedding. You made our honeymoon a fantastic experience, and your kindness wows us. You will always be a fun part of our union and memories.

We are looking forward to catching up and sharing our beautiful honeymoon stories!

Lots of love,
Jullie and Benson

For your bridal party

Rather than sending a joint thank you card for your bridal party, make it personalized by sending a special card to each member. Remember to include how much you value their presence and friendship.

For Example:

Dear Milly,

Thank you so much for being our best maid! Your contagious smile, humor, organization skills, and advice made our wedding spectacular. We are so lucky to have such a supportive and incredible friend who played the most crucial role in our big wedding!

Lots of love,
Gladys and Joseph

For your parents

A handwritten note to your parents is thoughtful and an incredible lifetime memory for your special day. Express your gratitude for their undying love and ongoing financial and emotional support.

For example:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Your encouragement, support, and heartfelt advice before and during the wedding have been so comforting. We appreciate you for being a significant part of our wedding day. Travis and I have been so lucky to have you by our side and being at the forefront of organizing our special day.

Lots of Love,
Jenny and Travis

Who else should receive a wedding thank you card?

Thank you cards are not explicitly reserved for specific people- but for anyone who played a role in your special day. Others you can send to are;

• Wedding vendors
• Guests who didn't make it to attend
• Guests who traveled