Crafting A Wedding Thank You Card: Template Tips And Tricks

Wedding thank-you cards are a great way to show your guests that you appreciate their attendance and gifts. While it can be a daunting task, there are many ways to make the process easier. Firstly, it is important to be timely with your thank-you notes, ideally sending them out within 2-3 months of the wedding. Secondly, it is recommended to send thank-you notes to everyone who attended, even if they didn't bring a gift. Thirdly, be sure to include details in your notes, mentioning the gift or expressing gratitude for their presence. Finally, don't forget to include a personal touch in each note, such as a brief detail about your relationship with the recipient. With these tips in mind, you can create heartfelt wedding thank-you cards that your guests will surely appreciate.

How to word the card

The wording of your wedding thank-you cards is important. It should be heartfelt and personalised, showing your guests that you appreciate their thoughtfulness. Here are some tips and templates to help you get started:

• Be timely: It is considered good etiquette to send your thank-you notes within 2-3 months of your wedding day. However, if you receive gifts before the wedding, it is more than acceptable to write and send thank-you notes before the wedding.
• Write notes to everyone: Consider writing notes to all your guests, even those who didn't bring a gift. You can simply thank them for their presence and for sharing in your special day.
• Include details: When thanking guests for a gift, mention the item specifically. This shows that you received and appreciate the gift. If you received a cash gift, you may choose to mention the amount, but this is not necessary. Instead, you can focus on how you plan to use the money.
• Handwrite your notes: Handwritten notes are more personal and thoughtful than typed or printed ones. They show that you took the time and effort to write a special message.
• Prepare in advance: Choose a card design that represents you as a couple, and stock up on stationery, pens, and stamps. Having everything ready will make the task more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
• Use a template: Using a template can make the process easier and ensure you include all the essential elements. A basic template should include:

• A salutation: "Dear [Guest's Name(s)],"
• A thank you: "Thank you for [specify the gift or their presence at the wedding],"
• How you intend to use the gift or why you appreciate it: "We will think of you every time we use this,"
• A sentence about celebrating with them: "It was wonderful to have you there,"
• A closing phrase: "Thank you again,"
• A thoughtful sign-off: "Love/Best/Warm wishes, [Your Names]."

For a standard gift or off-registry gift you love:

> "Thank you so much for the [gift]! [Details about how you will use it or why you love it]. We loved seeing you on our wedding day and look forward to getting together again soon! Thank you again for being a part of such a wonderful day."

For an odd off-registry item:

> "Thank you so much for helping to make our big day so special! We loved seeing you, and the [gift] is lovely. We are both so lucky to count you as a friend! Thank you for the thoughtful gesture."

For a cash gift:

> "Thank you for spending our wedding day with us; you truly made it special! We really appreciate your generous gift of [amount] and look forward to using it on our [plans for the money]. We’ve been eyeing [specific purchase] and will be sure to send you pictures! Thank you again for celebrating with us."

For a group gift:

> "Thank you for making our day so special, and thanks for the [group gift]! We’ve been using it to [how you've used it or plan to use it]. Once we get the hang of it, we can’t wait to have you all over to [future plans involving the gift]. Thank you again for thinking of us and helping us celebrate."

For attendees that didn’t bring a gift:

> "We are so glad you made it to our wedding! It truly made the day that much better! [Include a personal story or memory from the wedding]. Your attendance meant a lot to us."

For those who sent a physical gift but couldn’t attend:

> "Thank you so much for the [gift]! It was so thoughtful of you to send a gift. We missed you at the wedding. It just wasn’t the same without you there. But we look forward to seeing you for [future plans] and can’t wait to show you the pictures!"

Remember, you can adapt these templates to fit your personal style and the specific gifts you received. Adding a personal touch will make your thank-you cards even more meaningful.

How to address the card

Addressing your wedding thank-you cards is an important step in showing your gratitude to your guests. Here are some tips and guidelines to ensure your cards are properly addressed:

Names

When addressing your cards, be sure to include the names of all gift givers, even if you are only close to one of them. If you are sending the card to a family or a couple, address each member who attended your wedding by name, using their first names. For example, "Dear John and Mary".

Informal Tone

The interior of the card can be informal, reflecting the warmth and gratitude you feel towards your guests. A simple "Thank you" followed by a personal message is sufficient. You can also mention specific details, such as how you plan to use the gift or a memorable moment you shared with the recipient at the wedding.

Timing

It is recommended to send thank-you notes promptly, ideally within 2-3 weeks for gifts received before the wedding, and within 3 months for gifts received during or after the wedding. However, if you receive gifts before the wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to write and send your thank-you notes early.

Handwritten

Handwriting your notes is essential, as it shows that you took the time to personally craft a thoughtful message. While it may be tempting to type or email your thanks, this can come across as impersonal and even rude to some recipients.

Return Addresses

On the exterior of the envelope, be sure to include your return address, either handwritten or with a pre-printed label. This ensures that your guests can easily identify the sender and adds a nice touch to the presentation.

Postage Stamps

Don't forget to stock up on postage stamps so that you can send your cards out as soon as they are ready. It's a good idea to have a stack of stamps on hand to avoid any last-minute scrambling!

How to track gifts

Tracking gifts is an important part of the wedding process. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

Spreadsheets

A spreadsheet is a great way to keep track of gifts and thank-you cards. You can create a spreadsheet with all your guests' names, addresses, and any gifts they gave you. Include columns for the gift received, any notes, and whether a thank-you card has been sent. This method allows you to stay organised and ensures you don't forget anyone.

The Knot Registry

The Knot Registry is a free service that allows you to manage your wedding registry and track gifts. You can link existing registries, and it integrates with your wedding website. The "Track Gifts" tab shows you what has been purchased, the date, the purchaser's name, and any notes. You can access this information via their app or desktop site.

The Knot Guest List

The Knot Guest List is another useful tool to track gifts, especially if there are off-registry purchases or monetary gifts. It is an extension of your wedding website, helping you track save-the-dates, invitations, and RSVPs. There is a "My Notes" column where you can record gifts received and whether a thank-you note has been sent.

Paper Wedding Gift Log Book

If you prefer a physical record, a dedicated wedding gift log book or planner can be useful. You can purchase these from sites like Amazon and Etsy, or create your own spreadsheet or template.

Other Tips

• Be ready to start right away: Some guests may send gifts before the wedding, so be prepared to write thank-you notes as soon as presents arrive.
• Have a system for opening and noting presents: Take your time to open gifts and note down who gave what. Take photos of each gift for future reference.
• Divvy up the task: Writing thank-you notes can be a team effort with your partner. Split up recipients based on who knows the guest better.
• Be prompt: It is recommended to send thank-you notes as early as one week after the wedding, and ideally before your one-month anniversary.

When to send the cards

Sending thank-you cards to your wedding guests is an important way to express your gratitude for their attendance and gifts. Here are some guidelines on when to send these cards:

Timing

It is generally recommended to send thank-you cards as soon as possible, ideally within two to three months after the wedding. For gifts received before the wedding, it is considered timely to send thank-you notes within two weeks. Sending notes early can help avoid an overwhelming amount of work later. However, it is still better to send a late thank-you than none at all.

Frequency

It is considered good etiquette to send a thank-you card to every guest who attended the wedding, even if they did not bring a gift. This includes plus ones, members of the bridal party, guests who couldn't attend but sent a gift, and vendors or service providers who contributed to the wedding.

Division of Labour

Writing thank-you cards is a task that should be shared between both partners. Dividing the list of recipients based on who knows the guest better can make the task more manageable.

What to include in the card

Now that the wedding is over, it's time to start writing those wedding thank-you cards. Here's what to include in your card:

Say "Thank You"

This may seem obvious, but a clear "thank you" should be placed front and centre in your card so that your guests know how appreciative you are.

Name the Gift

Make sure to mention the gift that your guest gave you to ensure they know you received it. This also adds a personal touch to your card.

Say Something About the Gift

This could be why you love it so much, where you plan to put it, or how you intend to use it. You could also mention why it means so much to you as a couple. For example, if you received a cash gift, let the guest know how you plan to use the money.

Mention the Moments that Made Your Wedding Special

Was there something unforgettable during the ceremony or the speeches? Was the dancing over the top? Include this in your card to remind your guests of the wonderful time you shared.

Thank Guests for Attending

Your wedding wouldn't have been the same without your guests. Be sure to thank them for their presence and mention any long distances they travelled to be there.

Thank Guests for Their Gift

Whether you had a gift registry or wishing well, be sure to thank your guests for their generosity.

Write Individual Notes to Each Person

Even if you received a group gift, it's a nice touch to send individual thank-you cards to each person who contributed.

Be Timely

Most people expect a reply within 2-3 months, so be sure to send your thank-you cards in a timely manner.

Frequently asked questions