Expressing Gratitude: Crafting A Simple And Sincere Wedding Thank You

Writing a simple wedding thank-you card doesn't have to be daunting. It's a chance to express your gratitude and show your guests how much their presence and gifts were appreciated. Here are some tips to keep it simple:

- Plan ahead: Set aside time after your wedding to write the cards and send them out within three months.

- Start with a greeting: Address your guests by name and thank them for attending and/or for their gift.

- Personalise your message: Include a shared memory or a special moment during the wedding.

- Look to the future: Mention how you plan to use their gift or express excitement to see them again.

- End with a closing: Use phrases like Warm regards, With love, or Sincerely, and sign your names.

Keep the message simple, brief, and heartfelt, and your guests will surely appreciate your thoughtful gesture.

Handwritten vs. printed

There are differing opinions on whether wedding thank-you cards should be handwritten or printed. Some people believe that handwritten notes are more personal and thoughtful, while others think that printed cards are more convenient and still express gratitude. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you think your guests would appreciate most. Here are some considerations for both options:

Handwritten

Wedding gift thank-you notes are typically handwritten as they show that you took the time to personally write a thoughtful message. It is also an opportunity to use nice stationery and pens, which can make the process more enjoyable. However, handwriting notes for each guest can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of guests. In addition, if you or your partner have poor handwriting or physical limitations, handwriting notes can be challenging.

Printed

Printed thank-you cards can be a good option for couples with busy schedules or long guest lists. They can be personalised with a photo or message, and you can still sign each card by hand. However, some guests may view printed cards as less sincere or thoughtful, especially if the message is generic. If you choose to print your thank-you cards, consider adding a personal touch, such as a handwritten sentence or two, to make the recipient feel special.

A Combination of Both

You can also combine both methods by printing a general message and then adding a handwritten note at the end. This way, you can save time while still adding a personal touch. Another option is to divide the guest list between the couple, with each person handwriting notes to their guests. This can make the task more manageable and ensure that each guest receives a heartfelt message.

Thanking guests for attendance

Thanking your wedding guests for their attendance is an important way to show your appreciation and gratitude. Here are some tips and suggestions for writing simple yet thoughtful thank-you notes:

Handwritten Notes

Although it may be tempting to type or email your thank-you notes, taking the time to handwrite a message shows your guests that you have put in a personal effort. You don't need to write a lengthy essay; a short and simple message expressing your gratitude is sufficient.

Prepare in Advance

Choose a thank-you card design that represents you as a couple. Opt for good-quality stationery and pens, and stick to blue or black ink to avoid smudging or bleeding. If you have a long guest list, consider ordering pre-printed thank-you cards with a general message and then add a personalised, handwritten message.

Timing is Important

It is generally recommended to send thank-you cards within two to three months after your wedding. However, if you receive gifts before the wedding, it is a good idea to send a prompt thank-you note as soon as possible.

What to Include in Your Message

Thank your guests for their attendance and mention any gifts they may have given. If guests have travelled long distances, be sure to acknowledge their effort. You can also mention specific moments or experiences during the wedding that were made special by their presence.

Sample Thank-You Messages

• "Thank you for celebrating with us on our wedding day! Your company, love, and wishes made our day complete, and we appreciate your support."
• "We sincerely thank you for your presence, gift, and good wishes, which helped make our wedding day an occasion we will always remember."
• "Your presence at our wedding has added so much love to our special day. Your gift has brought us joy and will help build our life together."
• "Thank you for sharing in our wedding celebration. We are grateful for your presence, warm wishes, and your generous gift. We look forward to making more memories with you."
• "We can't thank you enough for your thoughtful gift! We are so grateful for your generosity and will cherish it always."
• "Thank you for your presence and support. Your presence made our wedding day even more special."

Thanking guests for their gift

Tips for Writing Thank-You Cards

• Handwrite your notes. It shows that you took the time to personally write a thoughtful message.
• Prepare everything in advance. Choose a thank-you card design that represents you as a couple and treat yourself to a high-quality pen.
• Use discretion when acknowledging cash gifts. It is not mandatory to mention the amount, but you can include how you plan to use the money.
• Be timely. Send thank-you cards as soon as possible, preferably within two weeks for gifts received before the wedding and within three months for gifts received after.
• Address them properly. On the exterior, address the guests as you did on the wedding invitations. On the interior, address each attendee by name, even if you are sending the card to an entire family or couple.

Examples of Thank-You Messages for Gifts

• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the [Gift]. [Partner's Name] and I have been wanting to get more creative in the kitchen, and this will be so helpful! We are so glad you could celebrate with us. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. Best, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the generous gift. We can't wait to put it towards [Plans for the Gift]. We are beyond grateful that you were able to celebrate with us. Love, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the [Gift]. The [Design/Colour] is so [Adjective e.g. beautiful, perfect] and it will look amazing in our [Location in Your Home]. It was so lovely to see you at the wedding and we hope to see you again soon. Sincerely, [Your Names]"
• "Dear [Guest's Name], Thank you so much for the [Gift]. We can't wait to [Plans for the Gift]! We are so grateful for your friendship and support. Having you at our wedding to share in our joy meant so much to us. Thank you again! Warmly, [Your Names]"

Mentioning memorable moments from the wedding

Highlight Special Moments During the Ceremony or Speeches

It's worth mentioning any unforgettable moments during the ceremony or speeches that your guests were a part of. This could be something lighthearted, such as a funny anecdote shared during the speeches, or a more solemn moment, like the exchanging of vows. For example:

"We will always remember the heartfelt toast you gave during the reception. It was so touching, and it meant a lot to have your support."

Acknowledge Their Presence on the Dance Floor

If your guests were grooving on the dance floor, it's worth giving them a shout-out! Dancing is a fun way to celebrate, and acknowledging their moves will surely bring a smile to their faces. For instance:

"We loved seeing you dance to the Spice Girls! Your energy added to the joyful spirit of our wedding."

Express Gratitude for Their Travel

If your guests travelled a long distance to be with you on your special day, be sure to thank them for their effort. Mention how much it meant to you that they made the journey to celebrate with you. Here's an example:

"Thank you for travelling from [place] to be with us. We know it wasn't a short journey, and we're so grateful for your presence."

Share a Sentiment Related to Your Relationship

A great way to personalise your thank-you cards is to include a sentiment related to your relationship with the guest. This could be a memory, an inside joke, or a reference to your history together. For example:

"It was so special to have you by our side on this important day. We'll always remember the times we shared as kids, and we're grateful our friendship has endured."

Mention a Gift They Gave

While it's important to thank your guests for their presence, don't forget to acknowledge any gifts they gave as well. Be specific about the gift and how you plan to use it. For instance:

"Thank you for the outdoor serving set. We can't wait to use it when we entertain in the backyard this summer. We're so glad you were able to celebrate with us."

Remember, when mentioning memorable moments, it's essential to personalise your messages to suit your relationship with each guest. These moments don't have to be grand gestures; even small details can make your guests feel appreciated and valued.

How to address the cards

The exterior of the wedding thank-you card envelope should be handwritten and addressed to guests in the same way as your wedding invitations. It is best to also handwrite the addresses, though you can use pre-printed return address labels on the back flap to save some time as you seal up each card.

If you are sending the card to an entire family or a couple, address each member who attended your wedding (and signed the card or gift tag) by name. It's perfectly fine to address guests by their first names. Ultimately, you should do what feels right based on your relationship with them.

For wedding vendors, it is always classy and appropriate to send a thank-you note following your wedding. After all, these are the folks whose hard work behind the scenes made your big day possible!

If you need to send a thank-you note to children who helped out at the wedding, keep your message short and sweet, but be sure to thank them for the special ways they helped make your wedding special.

If you are writing to a family member, such as your parents, you can address them by their role, e.g. "Mom and Dad".

Frequently asked questions