Writing Wedding Gift Thank You Notes
How to Write Thoughtful, Personalized Notes After the Big Wedding
Sep 10, 2009
Whether the wedding will be big or small, traditional or modern or casual, thank you notes are a necessary part of the aftermath. Personalized notes are a way to show gratitude, not only for the wedding gifts, but for the presence of family and friends on the big day and in the couple's lives.
The Importance of Wedding Thank You Notes
Some couples think of wedding gift thank you notes as a necessary evil, and they are. They're also an opportunity to reach out to friends and family with sincere appreciation for the gifts of their time and involvement in the big wedding day – and in the rest of day to day life. It's not that thank you notes need to be overly emotional or mushy, but they do serve an important function and are appreciated by wedding guests.
- The writing of wedding thank you notes often falls to the bride, but in this modern era of greater equality the groom may also be involved.
- According to formal ettiquette, the notes should be sent out within a time frame of two to three weeks after the wedding, ideally, or two months at the very most.
Thank You Note Cards
Some couples opt for monogrammed, specialty printed note cards, while others choose generic cards.
It's easy to buy thank you note cards in the same style as the wedding invitations, and order them personalized with your married names or initials at the same time the invites are printed. This is one of the more expensive options but makes an elegant, personal impression.
Another option is to print "do it yourself" bridal thank you notes from a computer, if the right software and a good printer is available.
As a simpler, budget alternative, it's possible to pick up packages of beautiful note cards from a stationary store (or even some dollar stores) in a variety of designs and price points.
How to Write Personalized Thank You Notes
There's no set rule for the "one right way" to right thank you notes, but there are a few tips that will help newlyweds to say thank you sincerely and graciously.
- Handwrite each card. There's nothing more tacky or impersonal than a computer printed thank you note.
- Thank guests for their gifts, as well as any other special contributions they might have made to the wedding. If someone supplied flowers for the reception, or was part of the wedding party, or even travelled a long distance to attend the wedding, these are all worth acknowledging.
- Mention to guests who sent a gift but didn't attend the wedding that their presence was missed.
- Thank everyone in writing – even the friends you've already thanked in person.
- Plan time every day to write the thank you notes, or they'll never be done. This might seem like an unnecessary step, but anyone who has been through a big wedding will say the same. It takes time and endurance to get the gift thank you cards done in a reasonable amount of time – and it's a huge relief once they're completed.
For more useful advice on addressing envelopes, planning, thank you note wording, and stamps, see Wedding Thank You Note Tips and Tricks.
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