Crafting Wedding Thank You Cards: A Guide To Getting Personal

Writing wedding thank-you cards can be a daunting task, but it's a great way to show your gratitude to your guests. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Preparation

Before you begin writing, it's a good idea to get organised. Create a spreadsheet with your guests' names, addresses, and any gifts they gave you. This will make it easier to keep track of who you need to thank and what they gave you. It's also a good idea to have all your stationery and supplies ready, such as thank-you cards, pens, and stamps.

Timing

It's best to send out your thank-you cards as early as possible, preferably within two weeks of receiving a gift or, at the latest, within three months after the wedding. Writing a few cards each night can help you stay on top of this task without feeling overwhelmed.

What to Write

The key elements of a well-written wedding thank-you card are:

1. Say thank you: Express your gratitude and make it clear what you are thanking the person for.

2. Name the gift: Mention the specific gift you received to show that you appreciate it and have put thought into your cards.

3. Say something about the gift: This could be how you plan to use it, why you love it, or where you'll put it. You can also mention how the gift will be used if it's a monetary gift.

Remember to add a personal touch to your cards, such as a memorable moment you shared with the guest at the wedding. And don't forget to sign the card from both you and your partner!

How to address the card

Addressing your wedding thank-you cards is a very important step in the process. Here are some tips to ensure you're doing it right:

Be Specific

When addressing your thank-you cards, be sure to include the names of all individuals within the party/household. For example, if your aunt and uncle attended, address the card to both of them. If your best friend attended with a plus one, address the card to both of them, even if you aren't well-acquainted with the guest.

Mention the Gift

If your guest gave you a gift, whether it was from the registry, something they chose themselves, or a cash gift, be sure to mention the specific gift in your thank-you card. This helps to verify that you received the right gift and shows that you're putting effort into your cards. You can also add a personal touch by mentioning how the gift will be used.

Add a Personalised Note

Taking the time to add a personalised note makes your thank-you card extra special. Include a specific anecdote or memorable moment from your wedding to show your gratitude and make your guests feel appreciated.

Thank Them for Attending

It's important to express your gratitude for your guest's attendance, not just their gift. Not everyone you invite will be able to come, so acknowledging the time, effort, and expense it took for them to be there is both polite and kind.

Sign Off from Both Parties

When writing a thank-you card to your wedding guests, it's important to sign off from both parties. Whether you write the cards by hand or use a digital template, remember to include both of your names on every card.

Address Them Properly

Like your wedding invitations, make sure you address your guests properly on the envelope. Guests' names should be written in full (title, first name, middle name, and last name) and try to avoid initials or nicknames. However, if you're writing to a close friend or family member, a nickname can be appropriate!

What to write when you receive a physical gift

Writing a wedding thank-you card for a physical gift you received can be a daunting task, but it's important to express your gratitude to your loved ones. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft the perfect message:

Tips for Writing Wedding Thank-You Cards:

• Handwrite your notes: A handwritten note shows that you took the time and effort to personally write a thoughtful message. It is more personable and thoughtful than a typed or emailed message.
• Prepare in advance: Choose a thank-you card design that represents you as a couple. Opt for cards that match your wedding theme, colours, or style. Also, select a high-quality pen with blue or black ink that won't smear or bleed through the paper.
• Be specific: Mention the exact gift you received and share your plans for using it. This lets the giver know that you received their gift and appreciate it.
• Add a personalised note: Include a specific anecdote or memorable moment from your wedding or your relationship with the giver. This adds a special touch and shows your gratitude.
• Thank them for attending: Express your gratitude for their presence at your wedding. Acknowledge the time, effort, and expense they incurred to be there.
• Sign from both parties: Include both your names on the card, even if only one of you is writing the message.
• Address them properly: Write the recipient's full name and title on the envelope, avoiding initials or nicknames unless they are for close friends or family.
• Be prompt: Send out thank-you cards as early as one week after the wedding, and ideally before your one-month anniversary. For gifts received before the wedding, send thank-you notes within two weeks, and for gifts received after, aim for within three months.

Examples of What to Write:

• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the [Gift]. [Partner's Name] and I have been wanting to get creative in the kitchen, and this will be a great addition to our cooking adventures. We'd love to have you over for dinner soon so we can cook up a feast! Thank you again for your thoughtful gift and for being a part of our wedding day. Best, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you for the gorgeous [Gift]. It will look perfect in our living room. We are so glad you could celebrate with us at the wedding. It meant a lot to have you there, and we hope to see you again soon! Sincerely, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the generous gift of [Gift]. We are so excited to put it to good use for our upcoming [plans for using the gift]. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and support. We wish we could celebrate with you again soon! Love, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the wonderful [Gift]. It was so kind of you to think of us, and we truly appreciate your generosity. We will think of you every time we use it. We are so happy you could be a part of our special day. Love, [Your Names]"

What to write when you receive a cash gift

When writing your wedding thank-you cards, it's important to personalize each message and express your sincere gratitude, especially when acknowledging monetary gifts. Here is some guidance on what to write when you receive a cash gift:

Paragraph 1:

Start by thanking them for their generous contribution and mentioning how you plan to use it. Be specific and let them know how their gift will make a difference in your life as a newlywed couple. For example, "Thank you for your incredibly generous wedding gift. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and support. We plan to use your gift to help furnish our new home and create a cozy space to make lasting memories."

Paragraph 2:

Express your appreciation for their presence at your wedding or their thoughtfulness in sending a gift if they couldn't attend. Mention a specific detail or two about their attendance, such as how much you enjoyed catching up with them at the reception or how their kind message in the card touched your heart. For instance, "It meant so much to us that you were able to celebrate our special day with us. We loved having the opportunity to catch up with you and create new memories together."

Paragraph 3:

If appropriate, include a personal note about your relationship with the gift-giver. This could be a fond memory you share, an expression of how much their presence in your life means to you, or a reference to your history together. For example, "I will always cherish the memories of our coffee dates and long conversations about life. Your friendship has brought so much joy and support during this exciting time."

Paragraph 4:

Reiterate your thanks and end on a warm note. You could also add a sentence or two wishing them well or expressing your hope to see them soon. For instance, "Once again, thank you for your thoughtful generosity. We are so blessed to have you in our lives, and we hope to see you soon at our next get-together."

Remember to use a sincere and heartfelt tone, and avoid sounding generic. Personalize each card to reflect your relationship with the gift-giver, and always acknowledge the impact of their gesture. Your gratitude will surely be felt through your thoughtful words.

"Dear Aunt Margaret,

Thank you for your incredibly generous wedding gift. We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and support. We plan to use your gift to help furnish our new home and create a cozy space to make lasting memories. It meant so much to us that you were able to celebrate our special day and were a part of those memories.

I especially loved catching up with you at the reception and sharing stories of your own wedding day. It brought us closer and created a new, cherished memory. Your presence and support mean the world to us, and we are forever grateful for your role in our lives.

Once again, thank you for your generosity and the difference you've made as we start this new chapter. We hope to see you soon and share more wonderful moments together.

With love and gratitude,

Mary and John"

Such a message conveys gratitude, acknowledges the gift, and emphasizes the importance of the relationship.

What to write when you receive a gift card

When it comes to writing wedding thank-you cards, it's important to express your gratitude sincerely. Here are some tips and examples specifically for thanking guests who gave you a gift card:

Tips for Writing Wedding Thank-You Cards

• Handwrite your notes. While it may be tempting to type or email your thank-you messages, a handwritten note shows that you took the time and effort to personally express your gratitude.
• Prepare everything in advance. Choose a thank-you card design that represents you as a couple, and treat yourself to a high-quality pen. Stick to blue or black ink, and make sure it won't smear or bleed through the paper.
• Be timely. It is recommended to send thank-you notes within two to three months after the wedding, but it's even better to send them as soon as possible.
• Include all names. Make sure to address each person who contributed to the gift.
• Be specific. Mention the gift card and share your plans for using it.

Examples of What to Write for a Gift Card

"Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you so much for the [type of gift card] gift card. You know we're always up for our next adventure, and we're excited to use it for our upcoming [destination] trip. It was so great to celebrate with you at our wedding, and we hope to see you again soon!

Thank you again,

[Your Names]"

"Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you for celebrating our wedding day with us and for the generous gift card. We plan to put it towards our dream kitchen renovation, which we're so excited about. We're so glad you were a part of our special day, and we hope to see you again soon.

With love,

[Your Names]"

"Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you for the thoughtful gift card. We're looking forward to spoiling ourselves with it on our honeymoon. We're so happy that you were able to be a part of our wedding, and we hope to create more memorable experiences together soon.

Best wishes,

[Your Names]"

"Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you so much for the gift card. We truly appreciate your kindness and generosity. We plan to use it for a special date night to celebrate our marriage. It was wonderful to have you at our wedding, and we hope to see you again in the near future.

Gratefully,

[Your Names]"

What to write when you don't receive a gift

It's not mandatory to send a thank-you card to a guest who didn't bring a gift, but it's still a nice gesture to express gratitude for their presence and support. Here are some tips and examples for writing wedding thank-you cards when you didn't receive a gift:

Tips:

• Thank each and every attendee, even if they didn't bring a gift. Include a personal anecdote or a special moment from the wedding to make it more personalised.
• Express gratitude for their attendance and support. Mention the time, effort, and expense they incurred to be a part of your special day.
• Add a personalised note or a specific anecdote from the wedding to make your guests feel extra special.
• Sign the card from both you and your partner.

Examples:

• "We are so grateful you could make it to our wedding. Your presence made our day extra special. We especially loved seeing you dance to the Spice Girls! We hope you enjoyed our day as much as we did! Sincerely, [Your Names]."
• "Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding day with us. It was so great to have you by our side as we welcomed the next chapter in our lives. We hope to see you again soon! [Your Names]."
• "We are so thankful you joined us at our wedding. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to celebrate our special day. It was wonderful to see you, and we hope to catch up soon! [Your Names]."

Frequently asked questions