Writing Heartfelt Thank-You Notes For Your Wedding Gifts

Writing thank-you notes to your wedding guests is a thoughtful way to express gratitude and show your appreciation for their presence and gifts. It is good etiquette to send these notes within two to three months of the wedding, and they should always be handwritten to show that you took the time to craft a personal message. A good thank-you note will acknowledge the gift, elaborate on how you'll use it, and express your appreciation for the guest's presence and thoughtfulness. It's also a nice touch to mention any special effort they made to attend, such as travelling a long distance.

Handwritten vs printed

When it comes to writing thank-you notes for wedding invitations, there are two main options: handwritten or printed. While both options have their advantages, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and how much time you're willing to spend on this task. Here are some details and instructions for each approach:

Handwritten Notes

The first option is to handwrite each thank-you note individually. This approach is often considered the most thoughtful and personal. It shows that you took the time to craft a unique message for each guest, expressing your gratitude for their attendance and any gifts they may have given. Here are some tips for handwritten notes:

• Prepare in advance: Choose thank-you cards that match your wedding theme or colours. You can also include a photo of the wedding or a picture with each guest, which can be a lovely personal touch.
• Be timely: Send the notes within two to three months after the wedding. It is also a good idea to write and send the notes as soon as possible, especially for gifts received before the wedding.
• Address properly: On the exterior of the envelope, handwrite the addresses, just as you did for the invitations. Address the guests by their first names or however you addressed them on the invitations.
• Include all names: If you received a gift from a couple or family, be sure to include both names in the thank-you note.
• Mention the gift: Thank the guests for their gift and, if possible, mention the gift by name. This lets them know that you received and appreciated their present.
• Share a memory: Include a personal touch by mentioning a special moment or memory you shared with the guest at the wedding. This could be a funny anecdote or a heartfelt moment during the ceremony or reception.
• Express gratitude for their presence: Thank the guests for attending your wedding and mention any long distances they travelled or special efforts they made to be there.

Printed Notes

The second option is to send printed thank-you cards. This approach can be more convenient, especially for couples with busy schedules or long guest lists. Here are some tips for printed notes:

• Personalise: Even if you choose printed cards, try to include a handwritten element, such as your signatures or a short personalised message for each guest. This adds a special touch and makes the recipient feel appreciated.
• Order in advance: If you opt for printed cards, it is a good idea to order them at the same time as your invitations to ensure timely delivery.
• Include a photo: Consider including a printed photo of the wedding or a picture with each guest. This can be a nice alternative to a fully handwritten card.
• Be timely: Similar to handwritten notes, aim to send the printed notes within two to three months after the wedding.
• Express gratitude: Whether handwritten or printed, be sure to express your sincere gratitude for your guests' attendance, gifts, and support.

How to address guests

Now that you've decided to write thank-you notes to your wedding guests, it's time to think about how to address them. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:

• Use their names: Begin your note with "Dear [Guest's Name]" or "Dear [Family Name]" if you're addressing an entire family. Using names shows that you've taken the time to personalise each card.
• Be informal: While the exterior of the envelope should match the format of the wedding invitation, the tone of the message inside can be informal. You can address guests by their first names or use nicknames if you have a closer relationship with them.
• Mention their attendance: Thank your guests for attending your wedding and sharing your special day with you. Let them know their presence made a difference and that you're grateful for their time and support.
• Acknowledge their effort: If guests have travelled long distances or made a particular effort to attend your wedding, be sure to mention this in your note. It shows that you noticed and appreciated their extra effort.
• Express gratitude for their gift: Whether it's a physical gift, monetary contribution, or charitable donation, thank your guests for their generosity. Mention the gift specifically (without noting monetary amounts) to let them know you received and appreciated their thoughtful gesture.
• Share a personal memory: Include a personal touch by mentioning a shared memory or a special moment you experienced with the guest during the wedding. This could be a heartfelt toast they gave, a fun dance they performed, or simply the joy of celebrating together.
• Look to the future: Add a sentence or two about how you plan to use the gift or how you're looking forward to seeing the guest again. This creates a sense of connection and anticipation for future gatherings or shared experiences.

Here's an example of how you might address a guest in your thank-you note:

"Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you for being a part of our wedding celebration. We are truly grateful for your presence, warm wishes, and your generous gift. It was wonderful to share this special day with you, and we hope to create more memorable moments together in the future.

With love,

[Your Names]"

Remember, the key is to be sincere and heartfelt in your messages. Your guests will appreciate knowing that you valued their attendance and that their presence contributed to making your wedding day even more meaningful.

Thanking guests for attendance

Thanking guests for their attendance is an important element of your wedding stationery. Here are some tips and suggestions for writing thoughtful and heartfelt thank-you notes to your wedding guests:

Plan Ahead

It is recommended to send out thank-you notes within one to three months after your wedding. Before you begin writing, create a list of all the guests who attended and the gifts they gave. This will help you keep track of who you have sent notes to and ensure that you don't leave anyone out.

Greeting and Expression of Gratitude

Start your note with a simple "Dear [Guest's Name]" and then express your gratitude for their attendance. Let them know how much their presence meant to you and your partner. You can mention if they travelled a long distance or made a particular effort to be there. For example, "Thank you for being there on the most important day of our lives. We only hope you had as much fun at our wedding as we did!"

Mention the Gift

Whether your guests gave you a physical gift, a monetary gift, or a charitable donation, be sure to mention it specifically and express your appreciation for their thoughtfulness. For example, "Thank you for the espresso machine! We have become serious coffee fiends and we are excited to make our own drinks at home." If you received a gift from a guest registry, you can mention how excited you are to receive something from your wish list.

Personalise Your Message

Include something specific about the guest, such as a shared memory or a special moment during the wedding. This will show that you took the time to reflect on their presence and that it meant something to you. You can also mention how you and your partner plan to use the gift or how you are looking forward to seeing the guest again.

Closing

End your thank-you note with a warm closing, such as "Warm regards," "With love," or "Sincerely." Be sure to sign both your name and your partner's name at the bottom of the card.

Thanking guests for gifts

Express Gratitude for the Gift

The key element of your thank-you note is to express your appreciation for the gift. Be sure to mention the gift specifically and why you love or appreciate it. This could be as simple as saying, "Thank you for the espresso machine. We have become serious coffee fiends and are excited to make our own drinks at home." You can also mention how you plan to use the gift, such as "We plan to use it for a home renovation project." This lets the guest know that their gift is valued and will be put to good use.

Mention the Guest's Presence at the Wedding

In addition to thanking them for the gift, express gratitude for their presence at your wedding. Let them know how much it meant to you and your partner that they were there to celebrate with you. You can say something like, "Thank you for sharing our special day with us. Your presence and support meant the world to us." This adds a personal touch and makes the guest feel valued.

Personalize Your Message

Take the time to personalize your message to the guest. Mention a shared memory or a special moment you spent with them during the wedding. For example, "It was wonderful to see you at our wedding. Thank you for taking the time to come and share in our joy." This shows that you took the time to reflect on their presence and that it was meaningful to you.

Look to the Future

Give the guest a sense of connection and anticipation by mentioning how you plan to use the gift in the future or expressing your excitement to see them again. For instance, "We can't wait to see you again soon and share more happy moments." This adds a warm and friendly touch to your thank-you note.

Sample Thank-You Messages for Gifts

"Thank you so much for the set of wine glasses. It was so kind of you to think of us! We wish you could have been at the wedding—it wasn't the same without you. We look forward to more celebrations together in the future!"

"We are so grateful for your generous gift of $100. Thanks to you, we were able to book the cooking class we'd been eyeing for our honeymoon. It was wonderful to celebrate with you at the wedding, and we look forward to seeing you over the holidays!"

"Thank you for the gorgeous crystal bowl. It will look beautiful on our coffee table. It was lovely to see you at the wedding. My mother always speaks so fondly of you, and we were delighted to finally meet you in person!"

"Thank you for the Airbnb gift card. We're always excited for our next adventure, and this generous gift will help us plan the cross-country road trip we've been dreaming of. It was great to celebrate with you, and we hope to see you again soon!"

Remember to adapt these examples to fit your personal relationship with the guest and the specific gift you received. By following these tips, you'll be able to write heartfelt and meaningful thank-you notes that express your gratitude for your guests' attendance and their thoughtful gifts.

When to send thank-you notes

The timing of sending out your wedding thank-you notes is important. It's best to send them out within three months after your wedding. For gifts received before the wedding, it's recommended to send thank-you notes within two weeks. Sending out thank-you notes promptly shows that you took the time to personally write a thoughtful message.

That being said, it's also important to note that you shouldn't feel rushed or pressured to get them done all at once. Writing wedding thank-you notes can be time-consuming, so set aside 30 minutes or so every night to tackle your list. Dividing the task with your partner can also make it more manageable.

If you receive gifts ahead of the wedding, consider writing those thank-you notes as soon as the presents arrive. This will help you avoid an overwhelming amount of work later on.

Be sure to also send thank-you notes to guests who weren't able to attend but sent well wishes, as well as to suppliers who made your day extra special.

Frequently asked questions