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Sending thank-you cards after a wedding is considered a necessary part of wedding etiquette. While it's not compulsory, it's a polite way to express gratitude to your guests for their attendance and gifts. It's recommended to send thank-you cards within two weeks of receiving a gift before the wedding, and within three months of the wedding date for gifts received during or after the wedding. These cards can be handwritten or digital, depending on your preference and relationship with the recipient.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who to send thank-you cards to | Everyone who gave a gift, including for engagement, bridal shower, and wedding |
| People who contributed to a group gift | |
| People who gave money | |
| People who hosted a party or shower | |
| People who housed or entertained wedding guests | |
| Parents or whoever hosted the wedding | |
| Vendors and suppliers | |
| Anyone who did a kindness, e.g. accepting deliveries or supervising parking | |
| All wedding guests, or only gift-givers | |
| How to send thank-you cards | Handwritten notes are best, but digital is acceptable, especially if you usually communicate with the recipient that way |
| Include a photo from the wedding or honeymoon | |
| Mention any gifts received by name | |
| When to send thank-you cards | For gifts received before the wedding, within two weeks of receiving the gift |
| For gifts received during or after the wedding, within three months of the wedding date |
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What You'll Learn
- Timing is everything: send thank-you cards within two weeks for pre-wedding gifts and within three months for gifts received on or after your wedding day
- Digital vs handwritten: digital thank-you notes are acceptable, but nothing beats a handwritten note
- Who to thank: anyone who gave a gift, helped with the wedding, or supported you on your big day?
- What to write: a simple “thank you” will do, but you can also mention the gift and how you plan to use it?
- Keep it neat: use blue or black ink, and avoid smudges or crossed-out words
Timing is everything: send thank-you cards within two weeks for pre-wedding gifts and within three months for gifts received on or after your wedding day
Sending thank-you cards is an essential part of wedding etiquette. While there are no hard and fast rules about when to send them, it is generally recommended to send thank-you cards within two weeks for pre-wedding gifts and within three months for gifts received on or after your wedding day. This includes gifts received during the wedding reception and those delivered to your home.
It is considered good manners to acknowledge each gift with a separate thank-you card, even if one person gave you multiple gifts at different pre-wedding events. It is also a thoughtful gesture to send thank-you cards to those who helped make your wedding day special, such as your parents, godparents, grandparents, bridal party, vendors, suppliers, and anyone who went out of their way to assist you.
To stay organised, consider sending out thank-you cards as you receive gifts, rather than waiting until after the wedding. This will help you avoid a pile of thank-you cards that need to be written all at once. Additionally, it is a good idea to keep track of who sent what and make a note of those who have already received a thank-you card to avoid sending duplicates.
While handwritten thank-you notes are classic and heartfelt, digital thank-you cards are also becoming increasingly acceptable. Especially if you want to include wedding photos or if you are conscious of your wedding's environmental impact. However, nothing replaces the charm of a handwritten note, and it is always best to consider your relationship with the recipient when deciding between a digital or handwritten message.
Remember, there is no need to stress too much about the timeline. Your loved ones will understand if it takes a little longer to receive a thoughtful and personalised thank-you card that expresses your sincere gratitude.
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Digital vs handwritten: digital thank-you notes are acceptable, but nothing beats a handwritten note
While digital thank-you notes are acceptable in this digital age, nothing beats a handwritten note. Wedding thank-you notes are an important aspect of showing your gratitude and appreciation for your guests' presence and gifts. It is considered good etiquette and is a task that should be prioritised.
There are no hard and fast rules about whether to send handwritten or digital thank-you notes. However, it is worth noting that some sources suggest that handwritten notes are more personal and meaningful. They are considered sweeter and show the extra care taken to sign, seal, and deliver them. On the other hand, digital thank-you notes are also recognised as a part of modern society and are more environmentally friendly.
When deciding between the two, consider the recipient. For instance, if you are sending a thank-you note to grandparents or godparents, a handwritten note might be more appropriate, especially if they are used to doing things by hand. On the other hand, if you have been communicating with someone via email, it is perfectly acceptable to send a digital note.
To make the task of writing thank-you notes more manageable, it is recommended to send them out as you receive gifts or within two weeks of receiving a gift before your wedding. For gifts received after the wedding, aim to send thank-you notes within three months. Additionally, it is important to personalise each note and mention the gift received.
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Who to thank: anyone who gave a gift, helped with the wedding, or supported you on your big day
Writing and sending wedding thank-you cards is an important task after your big day. It is considered proper etiquette to send out thank-you notes to let your guests know that you received their gift, appreciate the gift, and how you plan to use it.
You should thank anyone who gave you a gift, helped with the wedding, or supported you on your big day. This includes people who gave you presents from the moment you got engaged, throughout milestone pre-wedding events, and at the wedding itself. Even if one person gave you multiple gifts, it is recommended to write separate thank-you notes for each one.
It is also a good idea to thank those who helped make the day happen, such as parents, godparents, or grandparents, as well as vendors like your florist, caterer, DJ, and venue coordinator. You can also thank your bridal party, although this is optional as you likely already gave them thank-you gifts.
If you had a large number of guests, writing individual notes to each person can be overwhelming. In this case, consider using "the onion method", where you send notes to the innermost layers first (those closest to you and those who played a significant role) and work your way outward.
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What to write: a simple “thank you” will do, but you can also mention the gift and how you plan to use it
Sending thank-you cards to your wedding guests is an important way to express your gratitude for their presence and their gifts. While it is a common courtesy, it is also an opportunity to let your guests know that their contribution to your special day was appreciated.
When it comes to what you should write in these cards, a simple "thank you" will certainly suffice. However, it is a nice touch to mention the gift and how you plan to use it. This adds a personal element to your message and shows that you are genuinely grateful for their thoughtfulness. For example, you could say something like, "Thank you so much for the espresso machine! We can't wait to try it out and fuel our morning coffee dates."
If you received a monetary gift, you can also mention how you plan to spend it. For instance, "Thank you for your generous gift. We are excited to put it towards our new garden project and will think of you both every time we relax in the hammock." However, there are differing opinions on whether to specify the amount of money received. Some consider it appropriate to ensure the giver knows their intended gift amount was received, while others view it as poor form to state the dollar value. Ultimately, it is your decision, and you can choose what feels most comfortable for you.
It is also worth noting that you can send thank-you cards to guests who were unable to attend the wedding but sent gifts or well wishes. In these cases, you can mention that you missed their presence at the celebration.
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Keep it neat: use blue or black ink, and avoid smudges or crossed-out words
Sending thank-you cards to your wedding guests is an important way to express your gratitude for their presence and their gifts. While the mode of sending thank-you notes has evolved, with digital options now available, nothing beats a classic handwritten note.
When it comes to writing these notes, it's essential to keep them neat and tidy. Use blue or black ink, as these colours are the most formal and correct. Avoid using other ink colours, as they may not look as professional. Keep your writing neat to prevent smudges or crossed-out words. If you make a mistake, start over with a fresh piece of paper or cardstock. This attention to detail will ensure your thank-you notes look polished and well-presented.
Additionally, it's a good idea to invest in personalised stationery or note cards. Using your own personalised stationery engraved with your name or initials demonstrates that you are always prepared to send a thank-you note and adds a touch of elegance to your correspondence. It's also recommended to use a nice fountain pen, as real ink looks wonderful on high-quality paper. You can find disposable fountain pens preloaded with ink at an affordable price.
Remember, while it's important to maintain neatness and presentation, the most crucial aspect of your thank-you notes is sincerity. Write with sincerity and let your personality shine through, as if you were talking with the recipient in person. Thank-you notes are a heartfelt way to express your appreciation, and your guests will surely appreciate the thought and effort you put into them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, thank-you notes are always appropriate and expected.
It's recommended to send thank-you cards within two weeks of receiving a gift if it arrives before your wedding. For gifts received on or after your wedding day, send thank-you cards within three months of your wedding date.
It depends. While some send thank-you cards to every attendee, others reserve them for gift-givers only. However, it's a good idea to acknowledge those who went above and beyond to help with your wedding, like your parents or whoever hosted your wedding, your bridal party, and your vendors.
Handwritten thank-you notes are considered more personal and thoughtful. However, digital thank-you notes are becoming more acceptable, especially if you've primarily communicated with the recipient via email or other digital means.
The thank-you notes should include a big "thank you" first and foremost. Address each guest by name and express your gratitude for their presence at your wedding and any gifts received. If you received a monetary gift, you can mention what you plan to use the money for.
