# 4764b - 2013 First-Class Forever Stamp - Imperforate Wedding Series: Where Dreams Blossom

U.S. # 4764b
2013 46¢ Wedding Bouquet Imperforate

Weddings Series

While the types have changed, flowers have been an important part of weddings for thousands of years.  In ancient Greece, the bride’s bouquet contained bulbs of garlic and sprigs of dill or sage.  The garlic warded off evil spirits, the dill ensured the bride would only desire her husband, and the sage promised wisdom and goodness.  Herbs were also used in Swedish weddings.  The groom put thyme in his pocket to discourage trolls from becoming uninvited guests.  Young girls walked down the aisle carrying small bouquets of herbs.

In England, a small girl led the bride and groom to the church, sprinkling blossoms along the path to bring long life and happiness to the couple.  This tradition has survived through time, and the flower girl is a common sight at many modern weddings.

In 1840, England’s Queen Victoria began a fashion trend when she carried a “Tussie Mussie” at her wedding.  This small bouquet included flowers with special meaning, such as roses for love and poppies that represented the pleasure her new husband would bring to her life.

Whether the bride’s bouquet includes garlic or poppies, this long-standing tradition is a symbol of future joy.

As with the “Yes I Do” Heart of Roses stamp, the “Where Dreams Blossom” Wedding Bouquet stamp was designed by Ethel Kessler using an illustration by Michael Osborne.  This stylized bouquet stamp was issued for use on the save-the-date notices, response cards, and thank-you notes. 

Value: 46¢ 1-ounce first-class letter rate

Issued:  April 11, 2013

First Day City:  New York, NY

Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Method: Photogravure printing in sheets of 160 in 8 panes of 20
Perforation: Imperforate

Self-Adhesive

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.

Scarce Modern Imperforates

The modern imperforate stamps are one of the hottest stories around.  In 2012, the U.S. Postal Service released some issues as press sheets.  The sheets with die cut perforations were issued in limited quantities. 

To the surprise of many collectors, officials then issued a small number of press sheets without perforations.  The uncut sheets were only available in Kansas City, Missouri, yet most sold out immediately.  In an instant, the imperforate stamp sheets became modern rarities.  For example, only 75,000 Baseball All-Star se-tenant sheets were issued compared to 118,000 Bugs Bunny sheets with the 10th stamp imperforate.

In a controversial move, the editors of Scott Catalogue announced they would not list or give numbers to these stamps because they did not fit Scott guidelines.  This decision was strongly debated since the imperforate stamps are valid for postage.  They eventually decided to give the stamps minor numbers.

Because they were issued in such limited quantities, these scarce modern imperforates can be difficult to find.  Luckily Mystic purchased a small number of each imperforate stamp issued so you can add these modern rarities to your collection.  Be one of the lucky few – order today.