Crafting Wedding Thank You Cards: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding thank-you cards are a thoughtful way to express gratitude to your wedding guests. They can be personalised with photos, messages, and different paper styles, sizes, and orientations. You can design your own cards or use pre-designed templates, with the option to add your own unique touches. It is advisable to send wedding thank-you cards within three months of the wedding, and it's best to include a heartfelt message mentioning specific moments and acknowledging the presence and contributions of your guests.

Choosing a card design

Optimalprint offers a range of design options, including floral and nature themes, rustic themes, lace themes, and funny and original styles. You can also choose from different paper types, edging, and envelopes to create a personalised card.

Artifact Uprising offers simple card designs with ample room to write a personal message or add a brief sign-off. Their cards are printed on 100% recycled paper and come with recycled kraft envelopes.

Canva also provides a library of stylish, modern layouts, including banners, icons, and frames. You can upload your own photos or choose from their collection of stock images.

Minted offers a range of classic, simple, and minimalistic card designs, while Ann's Bridal Bargains has affordable options with various designs, including floral, rustic, and elegant styles.

Consider the overall style and theme of your wedding and choose a card design that reflects your personality and taste. You can also match the colours, themes, or details of your wedding to create a cohesive look.

Adding photos

When adding photos, you can either use a photo from your wedding photographer or choose from stock images. If you want to use a photo from your wedding photographer, consider giving them access to your card designs so they can upload the photos as soon as they are ready. This will help speed up the process. If you are unable to get photos from your wedding photographer in time, you can use a sneak-peek photo or one of the preview photos they may provide within a week of the wedding. You could also ask your photographer for some sneak-peek photos to use while you wait for the rest.

If you don't have any suitable photos, you can search for stock photos that match your special day. For example, you could look for images of lace, flower petals, or champagne glasses. Many card design platforms offer a large collection of stock photos and images that you can use to complement your design.

When adding photos to your cards, you can edit and adjust them to match the mood and style of your card. You can crop, edit, or filter the photos to ensure they look just right. You can also consider adding real foil accents and choosing between rounded or traditional corners to enhance the overall look and feel of your cards.

Using a quote

Choose a Meaningful Quote

Select a quote that resonates with you and reflects your appreciation for your guests' presence and gifts. Opt for something that aligns with your personality and wedding theme. You can use a quote from a famous figure or a line from a poem or literary work. For instance:

> "Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same." —Emily Brontë

> "I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks..." —William Shakespeare

> "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." —Marcel Proust

> "Gratitude is the memory of the heart." —French Proverb

Personalize Your Message

Combine the quote with a personalized message to create a heartfelt thank-you note. Mention specific details, such as the guest's presence at the wedding, a shared memory, or how you plan to use their gift. Here are some examples:

> "Dear [Guest's Name],

>

> 'Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.' Emily Brontë's words remind me of how grateful we are to have you as a part of our special day. Your presence and support meant the world to us, and we cherish the memories we created together. Thank you for your thoughtful gift, which we will always treasure. We hope to see you again soon and share more joyful moments.

>

> With love,

> [Your Names]"

>

> "Dear [Guest's Name],

>

> 'I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks, and ever thanks...' William Shakespeare's words express our deepest gratitude for your presence at our wedding and the generous gift you sent our way. We are truly touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness. We hope to create more memorable moments with you in the future.

>

> Warm regards,

> [Your Names]"

Include a Closing Message

After incorporating the quote and your personalized message, finish your thank-you card with a warm closing. You can use phrases such as "With love," "Warm regards," or "Gratefully yours." Don't forget to sign both your names at the end, following the wedding thank-you card etiquette.

Remember to adapt the tone and wording to suit your relationship with the recipient. By combining a meaningful quote with a personalized message, you can create heartfelt wedding thank-you cards that your guests will cherish.

Printing and paper type

When it comes to printing and paper type, there are a few options to consider for your wedding thank-you cards. Firstly, you can choose between flat or folded cards. Flat cards offer ample room on the back for a personal message, or you can keep it brief with a simple sign-off on the front. Folded cards provide more space for additional photos or text and can be a unique way to showcase your personality.

The type of paper you choose will also impact the overall look and feel of your cards. Silk paper is a popular choice for wedding thank-you cards as it offers a smooth surface and beautiful finish. Glossy paper is another option that enhances the colours, making it ideal for couples who want to include custom photos. If you're not using photos, matte paper is a great choice, especially when paired with rounded edges and premium envelopes for a luxurious impression.

Optimalprint, a company that offers wedding thank-you card printing, provides three different paper types: silk, glossy, and matte. They also offer standard and premium envelopes, with the latter boasting natural fibres and a visible texture for a luxury finish.

In terms of printing, you can choose to print your cards at home or use a professional printing service. Canva, for example, offers an easy way to design your cards online and then download them as high-quality PDFs ready for printing. Alternatively, you can send your file to a print professional who can help you achieve the desired result.

When it comes to paper size, the standard option is 5" x 7", but you can also find other sizes available, such as 5" x 5" or 3.5" x 5". Optimalprint, for instance, offers a range of sizes to choose from.

Sending etiquette

The first step in sending wedding thank-you cards is to ensure you have an up-to-date list of everyone you need to thank. This includes all your guests, as well as anyone who sent a gift but couldn't attend. It's also a good idea to note down who gave what gift to help you when writing your messages.

It is considered good etiquette to send your wedding thank-you cards promptly. Aim to get them in the mail within three months of your wedding, and ideally within four to six weeks. Sending them out sooner rather than later ensures your guests feel acknowledged while the memories of your special day are still fresh.

When it comes to the design, opt for personalised cards with your custom names and colours. You can include photos from your wedding or honeymoon, or simply go for a stylish, modern layout. If you're including photos, consider giving your photographer access to your card designs so they can upload images as soon as they're ready. This will help speed up the process.

Finally, take the time to handwrite each note. This adds a thoughtful, personal touch to your cards. Mention the gift received and express sincere gratitude for your guests' presence, support, and any contributions they made to your wedding.

Frequently asked questions