To Write a Wedding Thank You Card
A personal thank you note is the only appropriate way to say "Thank You!" At one time, notes were not considered necessary when you thanked someone in person. Today, with guest lists being longer and guests busier, a personal thank you note is the only way to make sure sincere appreciation is expressed. Just telling someone who has given you a gift, how much you appreciate it, does not "cut the cake!"
Wedding Thank You Do's and Don'ts
Never start a note with "I” when writing thank you notes. Always use "you" more than "I" or "me" in your notes.
It is never appropriate to send a preprinted thank you card. Handwritten notes express your sincerity, where a preprinted card tells the person receiving your appreciation that their gift didn’t even mean enough for you to take a moment to mention it in your card. Regardless how brief your note, tell your guests how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness and how you will treasure the gift for years to come.
When sending a thank you notes to your family and friends who arranged showers and parties for you, it is appropriate to thank them for the party in the same card you send thanking them for their generous gift.
When you receive more than one gift from a friend or loved one, each gift should be recognized appropriately with its own thank you card. For instance, if you receive a shower gift from a friend or relative and then, a few weeks later receive a wedding gift from the same person, it is not proper to thank them in one card.
Shower gifts should be acknowledged within seven to ten days of the party and wedding gifts within two weeks following your return from the honeymoon.
Wedding gifts that have arrived in advance of your wedding should be responded to immediately, so that an extended period of time does not pass between receiving the gift and thanking those who so thoughtfully gave it.
Be sure you have included your new return address on all thank you cards. Your guests will be grateful for having your correct and current address.
Always write your notes in black or dark blue ink. Although colored ink is readily available, the darker color is more easily read.
Wording Ideas for Wedding Thank You Cards
When writing to a close friend or relative.
Dearest Aunt Evelyn
It's beautiful and we love it!!!!! How thoughtful of you to give Ken and me such a lovely family treasure. Grandmas' hand-crocheted bedspread will be my most prized possession. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Love Always!
Marie
When writing to a group of friends who have gone together on a gift.
Dear Friends
Thank you all very much for the beautiful place setting of blue Spode dinnerware, that you have so generously given to us for our new home. Robert and I now have a service for eight and are so looking forward to using it for every special occasion in our life. What a kind and thoughtful idea. You’re such a great group to work with and I appreciate each one of you.
Affectionately,
Missy Paulson
When fewer than ten people have gone together on a gift, it is proper to send a personal note to each person contributing to the item. When more than ten have participated and signed the enclosure card, as in the case of co-workers in the same office, it is proper for one note to be placed on a bulletin board where it can be seen by those contributing. Be sure to thank each person individually as the opportunity arises and express your gratitude.
When writing to a person you don't know very well...
Dear Mrs. Jamison
Mother just gave me the beautiful crystal cake pedestal you left and I couldn't wait to tell you how lovely it is. Don and I will think of you each time we use it. Thank you so very much.
Yours truly,
Lou Ann Cunningham
Appreciation for a monetary gift...
Appreciation for a monetary gift, of any amount, is expressed in the same way you would say thank you to a friend or loved one for a purchased item. If you have a something special you intend to buy with their gift, be sure to include that in your thank you note. Example:
Dearest Aunt Airen
James and I want to thank you so much for the check you sent for our wedding. We are so excited and have been saving for a down payment on our first home. We’ve added your gift to our new home account. It was so kind and thoughtful of you. I can’t wait to someday soon invite you to our housewarming!!!
Love,
Bayleigh
When writing a thank you note for a gift not really cared for...
Dear Brad and Natalie
Thank you so much for the mini one-armed bandit. We'll be sure you're among our first guests to visit, so don't forget your nickels and dimes! Hope to see you soon.
With Love
Miranda and James
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