Weddings are a time when family and friends shower the happy couple with love in the form of thoughtful gifts. A beautifully handwritten “thank you” is the way to express your appreciation.
A kind gesture calls for a personal expression of gratitude. There’s simply no substitute for a handwritten note on a beautiful card or monogrammed stationery. Just as people give gifts in a spirit of love and generosity, your thank you should be written in the same way. You want your note to make them feel as honored as you felt receiving their gift.
The thought of writing dozens (or hundreds) of thank you notes after your wedding can seem overwhelming. Follow these tips to let the people in your life know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness.
Make a List
Not only do you need to acknowledge those who gave you give gifts or money, but also those who contributed their time or talents to your wedding. Maybe your cousin sang a song during your ceremony or your best friend hosted out of town wedding guests at his home. These acts are just as significant than an item purchased from your registry.
Stock Up on Stationery
Stationery monogrammed with your new initials is ideal; order in advance of the ceremony to avoid delaying your note-writing. Store-bought cards or pretty stationery are also appropriate. Decorative stamps are a nice touch; with so many options available, it’s worth selecting a unique design. Photo cards are a popular trend, but don’t let the printing process create a delay in sending your thanks. The design should not interfere with your ability to write a personal note. When possible, avoid “Thank You” on the front of the note card. It appears a bit common or may be interpreted as lacking effort to personalize each note. While there are beautiful cards on the market with the words “thank you” imprinted on them, a wedding invitation calls for a more formal note.
Write it Down
Avoid thanking people digitally. That means no emailing, texting or a general statement on your social media accounts. Verbal thanks, while appropriate and appreciated, do not replace the need for written thanks. Don’t use poor handwriting as an excuse; make an effort to write a few legible sentences and do the best you can at keeping it neat. Taking the time to write your thoughts down on paper creates a warm, friendly feeling that can’t be achieved with a laser printer.
Get Personal
A well-written note doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should specify the gift given and your appreciation for it. A note that says “thank you for the gift” makes it appear that you aren’t sure what they gave you, which can be a let down after someone has taken the time and effort to select a something special for you. Mention the gift specifically and a thought about how much you like it. If acknowledging a monetary gift, explain how you will use it.
Get Started
There’s a pervasive myth that newlyweds have one year to send thank-you notes. The ideal time to send a thank you is within 24-48 hours of receiving a gift or thoughtful gesture. Weddings are the exception because there are often many guests to recognize and the couple may be taking a honeymoon. Do your best to get them out within a few weeks, and certainly as promptly as possible upon your return. Writing a few a day can make the task more manageable. Don’t let a late start prevent you from expressing your gratitude for the love that others showed you on your big day.
For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, you may enjoy The Importance of a Handwritten Thank You Note. Read her posts on Inc., and HuffPost, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Diane’s latest book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life is available on Amazon.
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