U.S. # 5001
2015 71¢ Heart of Roses – Yes, I Do

Wedding Series

Weddings are a time to carry on traditions. Some customs in modern ceremonies have histories that date back thousands of years.

Ancient Romans wore wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand. They believed a vein in the ring finger ran directly to the heart. The ring’s never-ending circle represented everlasting love back then, and it still does.

A big concern during weddings many years ago was evil spirits disrupting the celebrations. In Rome, the bride wore a veil to disguise herself from these creatures who were jealous of her happiness. In other countries, female friends of the bride dressed like her and walked down the aisle to confuse any presence that wanted to do harm to the future wife. Irish weddings included the ringing of bells to keep the evil spirits away and encourage a harmonious marriage. Brides also carried small bells in their bouquets.

Medieval Europeans were concerned the spirits would enter the newlywed’s home on the soles of the bride’s feet. The groom carried his new wife over the threshold to keep out the unwelcomed guests.

Many old wedding observances remain, though some meanings have been lost over time. These remnants of the past add to the enjoyment of the couple and loved ones who share their special day.

The “Yes I Do” Heart of Roses stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler using an illustration by Michael Osborne. This stylized heart stamp, with “Yes I Do” nestled within the colorful flowers, paid the rate for wedding invitations (which are often heavier than regular envelopes as they include reply cards and more) and other oversize cards. Osborne has designed a number of U.S. stamps over the years including the Patriotic Banner, Our Wedding, and Where Dreams Blossom.

Value: 71¢ 2-Ounce First-Class Letter Rate

Issued: June 1, 2015

First Day City: Kansas City, MO

Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Ashton Potter
Method: Offset with microprinting in sheets of 120 with 6 panes of 20 per sheet
Perforation: Serpentine Die Cut 10 ¾

Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 15,000,000 stamps

The U.S.P.S. has been issuing Wedding stamps since 2004. The stamps always feature images of love, romance, and wedding traditions. These include bouquets, hearts, rings, and cakes.

The 2015 Yes, I Do stamp is the third issue since 2013 to bear this design. It was re-issued each year to meet the raising postage rates. The 2015 issue is the first Forever stamp in the set. Instead of the denomination, it says “Two Ounce,” the rate for wedding invitations and other oversize cards.