Showers And Gratitude: Thanking Your Bridesmaids

A bridal shower is a happy and exciting occasion, and it's only right to show your appreciation to your bridesmaids for helping make it special. While you've likely thanked them in person, it's important to put pen to paper and write a heartfelt, handwritten note. There aren't any set-in-stone rules, but here are some tips to make your thank-you cards special: show your appreciation, include printed snapshots from the wedding, personalise each card, and explain why they are one of your closest friends.

Thank them for their presence

Thanking your bridesmaids for their presence at your bridal shower is a thoughtful and meaningful gesture. Here are some ways to express your gratitude:

Handwritten Notes

The first way to thank your bridesmaids is through handwritten notes. Sending personalised, heartfelt messages to each of your bridesmaids is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. These notes don't have to be long; a few sincere paragraphs will do. Mention how much it meant to you that they took the time to celebrate this special moment with you. You can also share your excitement for their presence at your upcoming wedding.

Gifts

Another way to thank your bridesmaids is by giving them gifts. These can be given at the rehearsal dinner or mailed to them after the wedding. The gifts should be specific and personalised to each bridesmaid, reflecting your gratitude for their unique contribution to your special day.

Photos

Including printed photographs from the bridal shower or wedding in your thank-you cards is also a lovely idea. This adds a personal touch and creates a keepsake for your bridesmaids to cherish.

Timing

It is considered good etiquette to send your thank-you cards promptly, preferably within a week or two of the bridal shower. This ensures that your appreciation is expressed in a timely manner, and it also helps you stay organised as you tackle other wedding-related tasks.

Remember, the most important aspect of thanking your bridesmaids is to be genuine and heartfelt. Your bridesmaids are your closest friends, so tailor your messages to reflect your unique relationships with them.

Thank them for their gift

Thanking your bridesmaids for their gifts is an important way to express your gratitude and show them how much you appreciate their presence in your life and at your bridal shower. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft thoughtful and heartfelt thank-you messages:

• Personalize your message: Address each bridesmaid by name and use nicknames if you're comfortable doing so. This adds a personal touch and makes your message more intimate.
• Express sincere gratitude: Begin your message by sincerely thanking your bridesmaid for their gift. Be specific about what you are thankful for, and mention the gift by name. For example, "Thank you so much for the beautiful set of cheese knives. They will be such a great addition to our cheese and charcuterie date nights."
• Share why you love the gift: Explain why you appreciate the gift and how it will fit into your life. For instance, "We think of you every Saturday when we pour ourselves a glass of wine and work on our wedding planning."
• Show appreciation for their presence: Thank your bridesmaid for being a part of your special day and for their ongoing support. Let them know how much their presence means to you, especially if they travelled a long way to attend.
• Include a warm closing: End your message with a heartfelt closing that expresses your ongoing appreciation and excitement for the future. You can also mention your wedding day or other upcoming events that you look forward to sharing with them.

"Dear Sarah,

Thank you so much for the gorgeous wine glasses. They are so elegant and will be perfect for our romantic dinners at home. I can't wait to raise a toast with them on our first anniversary. It was so special to have you at my bridal shower, and I'm truly grateful for your presence and your thoughtful gift. Your friendship and support mean the world to me, and I can't wait to continue celebrating with you at the wedding.

With love,

[Your name]"

"Hi Rachel,

I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the set of bath towels. They are so soft and luxurious, and I know they will bring me comfort and relaxation for years to come. It was wonderful to have you at my bridal shower, and I'm so glad we got to spend time together and catch up. Your presence and your thoughtful gift mean so much to me. Thank you for being a part of this special time in my life, and I can't wait to celebrate with you again at the wedding.

Love,

[Your name]"

"Dear Emily,

Thank you so much for the set of cookbooks. I've already started trying out some of the recipes, and they are absolutely delicious! It was fantastic to see you at my bridal shower, and I'm so glad we got to spend time together. Your presence and your thoughtful gift mean the world to me, especially since I know how busy you are with your new baby. I'm so grateful for your friendship and support, and I can't wait to see you again at the wedding.

Lots of love,

[Your name]"

"Hi Lauren,

I wanted to thank you for the beautiful picture frame. It's so elegant and will perfectly showcase one of our favourite wedding photos. It was so special to have you at my bridal shower, and I'm truly grateful for your presence and your thoughtful gift. Your friendship and support have meant so much to me over the years, and I can't wait to continue making memories with you by my side.

With love and gratitude,

[Your name]"

Share what you love about their present

When it comes to thanking your bridesmaids for their presence and presents, it's important to make your bridal shower thank-you notes personal and heartfelt. Here are some ideas for what to write when sharing what you love about their gifts:

"Thank you so much for the set of cheese knives. They've already proven to be a fantastic addition to our weekly cheese and charcuterie date nights. We think of you every Saturday when we use them and plan our upcoming wedding!"

"I can't wait to use the crystal serving bowl you gifted us. It will be perfect for our holiday dinners and family gatherings. Every time we use it, we will be reminded of you and your thoughtfulness."

"The espresso machine you gave us will make our mornings so much brighter and easier. You know how much we love our coffee, and we can't wait to start our days with a fresh brew from our new machine. Thank you for thinking of us and our interests!"

"The handmade quilt you made is so special to me. I love that it's in my favourite colours and it will bring me comfort and warmth for years to come. I can feel all the love and time you put into making it, and I will always cherish it."

"Thank you for the beautiful cake stand. It will be perfect for displaying our signature bakes and desserts. We can't wait to show it off at our next dinner party and think of you every time we use it."

Show your appreciation for them as a person

Showing your appreciation for your bridesmaids as people is an important part of your thank-you notes. Here are some ideas for how to express your gratitude for their presence in your life and at your bridal shower:

• "Your friendship means so much to us. Thanks again for your support as we journey into married life together."
• "It was so fun to see you at the shower. We can’t wait to continue the celebration with you at our wedding."
• "It was great to see you there and catch up. Thank you again for being there to honour this special time with us."
• "Your warmth and generosity will be with me always."
• "Spending time with you on my special day was the best gift I could ever receive."
• "Your love has meant so much to us over the years."
• We can’t wait to share our special day with you, adding to our list of amazing memories together.
• It will be great to be family with you soon.
• "You truly outdid yourself, and I appreciate it!"
• "Your support means more to me than you know, and I can't wait to continue on this journey to the aisle with you by my side."

End with a warm closing

"With heartfelt thanks,"

"If you had your bridal shower already, your wedding is quickly approaching! Find wedding ideas and inspiration."

"Lots of love, Gabi"

"Sincerely, Shondell"

"With love, Finny & Spencer"

"Cheers, Lynne & Toby"

Frequently asked questions