Crafting Heartfelt Wedding Thank-Yous: A Guide To Expressing Gratitude

Writing wedding thank-you cards is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude to your guests for their attendance and gifts. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:

Tips for Writing Wedding Thank-You Cards:

- Get organised in advance by creating a spreadsheet with your guests' names, addresses, and gifts received. This will make it easier to keep track of who to thank and what gifts you received.

- Start writing thank-you notes early, especially for gifts received before the wedding.

- Take photos of each gift to easily reference them when writing your notes.

- Write notes in batches to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Divide the task with your partner and set aside dedicated time to work on them together.

- Use stationery that matches the theme, colours, or style of your wedding.

- Include all names of the gift-givers in the card and be specific about the gift to make your appreciation more personalised.

- Send out thank-you cards promptly, ideally within three months after the wedding.

Suggested Wording for Wedding Thank-You Cards:

- Thank you for adding to the joyful spirit of our wedding with your presence and lovely gift.

- Thank you for celebrating with us on our wedding day! Your company, love, and wishes made our day complete, and we appreciate your love and support.

- We sincerely thank you for your company, gift, and good wishes, and for helping us make our wedding day an occasion we will always remember.

- Thank you for being there on the most important day of our lives. We only hope that you had as much fun at our wedding as we did!

- We would like to thank you for sharing in our wedding celebration. We are grateful for your presence, warm wishes, and your generous gift. We look forward to our future together and to making more memories with you.

- Your presence at our wedding has added so much love to our special day. Your gift has brought us joy and will help us build our life together.

- Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding day with us. It truly was the best day ever, and it wouldn't have been the same without you! We are so grateful for your generosity and for sharing our most special day ever with us.

- Thank you for your incredible generosity! Your gift will help us make our dream honeymoon a reality. We'll be sure to share some photos with you when we get back.

- Thank you for making our wedding day so special! We are beyond happy with how everything turned out, and we couldn't have done it without your expertise.

How to thank guests for their attendance

Thanking your wedding guests for their attendance is an important part of your post-wedding duties. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started:

Handwritten vs Printed

There are two types of thank-you cards: handwritten and printed. The former is the traditional way of expressing gratitude and is considered the only appropriate option in some circumstances. It allows you to personalise each card and is ideal for thanking guests for their presence and any gifts they may have given. Printed cards, on the other hand, are great for couples with busy schedules or long guest lists. They are a convenient way of expressing gratitude without having to hand-write individual notes.

What to Include in Your Message

There are a few key points to include in your thank-you message:

• Thank guests for their attendance. Let them know that their presence made your wedding day extra special. Make a particular note of those who travelled long distances or made a special effort to be there.
• Thank guests for their gifts. Whether you had a gift registry or wishing well, be sure to express your gratitude. Mention the gift that was given (without noting any monetary amounts) so that guests know their gift has been appreciated.
• Mention memorable moments. Was there something unforgettable during the ceremony or the speeches? Was the dancing over the top? Include these details in your thank-you card to remind your guests of the wonderful time you shared.

Wording Examples

• "Thank you for adding to the joyful spirit of our wedding with your presence and lovely gift."
• "Thank you for celebrating with us on our wedding day! Your company, love and wishes made our day complete and we appreciate your love and support."
• "We sincerely thank you for your company, gift and good wishes and for helping us make our wedding day an occasion we will always remember."
• "Thank you for being there on the most important day of our lives. We only hope that you had as much fun at our wedding as we did!"
• "We would like to thank you for sharing in our wedding celebration. We are grateful for your presence, warm wishes, and your generous gift. We look forward to our future together and to making more memories with you."
• "Your presence at our wedding has added so much love to our special day. Your gift has brought us joy and will help us build our life together."

Remember to adapt these examples to suit your circumstances and personal style.

Timing and Other Considerations

Most people expect to receive a reply within 2-3 months, so it's a good idea to order your thank-you cards at the same time as your invitations. Write notes to everyone, even if they didn't give a gift. You might also like to send thank-you messages to guests who weren't able to attend but sent well wishes, as well as to suppliers who made your day extra special.

How to thank guests for their gifts

Writing thank-you notes to your wedding guests is a great way to express your gratitude for their presence and gifts. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft thoughtful and heartfelt messages:

Tips for Writing Thank-You Notes:

• Handwrite your notes: While it may be tempting to type or email your thanks, handwritten notes are more personal and appreciated.
• Prepare in advance: Choose a card design that reflects your style as a couple, and invest in good-quality pens and stationery.
• Use discretion with cash gifts: While it's no longer considered inappropriate to mention the amount, use your judgment based on your relationship with the guest.
• Acknowledge how you'll use the money: Guests appreciate knowing how their cash gift will be spent, whether it's for a home renovation, honeymoon, or something else.
• Send notes promptly: For gifts received before the wedding, send thank-you notes within two weeks. For gifts received after, aim for within three months.
• Divide and conquer: Writing notes can be a team effort with your partner. You can split the list or assign notes based on who knows each guest better.
• Address them properly: On the card, use informal language and address guests by their first names. On the envelope, follow the same format as your wedding invitations.

Examples of Thank-You Notes for Gifts:

• "Thank you so much for the crystal wine glasses. We now have a complete set—and you know how much we love our wine! We're looking forward to your next visit so we can enjoy a drink together. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness!"
• "We are so grateful for your generous gift. We're one step closer to our dream kitchen remodel, which we plan to start this spring. It was wonderful having you at the wedding, and we appreciate you making the trip. We hope to see you again soon!"
• "Thank you so much for the Airbnb gift card. We're always eager for our next adventure, and your gift will help us plan the cross-country road trip we've been dreaming of. It was fantastic celebrating with you, and we look forward to seeing you again!"
• "We're so thankful for your contribution to the ASPCA. As proud parents of rescue pups, this organization holds a special place in our hearts. We're grateful that our wedding could support such a meaningful cause. We can't wait to celebrate with you soon!"
• "Thank you for the awesome backyard fire pit. We can't wait for summer nights to make s'mores and create new memories. We feel so lucky to have such thoughtful friends. Thank you again for your kindness and for sharing in our joy."
• "We are so grateful for your generous gift. We love experimenting in the kitchen, so we'll think of you every time we use this amazing knife set. Thank you for joining us on our special day and helping us celebrate."
• "Thank you for the colourful serving bowls—they're so fun! We'll think of you every time we use them and remember this happy time in our lives. Thank you for sharing in our joy and celebration."

How to thank guests who couldn't attend

It's important to thank guests who couldn't attend your wedding for their warm wishes and gifts. Here are some tips and examples to help you write thoughtful thank-you notes:

Tips for Writing Thank-You Notes

• Express Gratitude: Begin your note by thanking the recipient for their gift and wishes. Let them know how much it means to you.
• Share Memories: Include a brief mention of the wedding festivities and how much you missed their presence. You can also add a personal touch by sharing a funny or heartfelt moment from the day.
• Keep it Simple and Sincere: There's no need to write a lengthy message. A short and sincere note expressing your gratitude is enough.
• Avoid Disappointment: Refrain from mentioning any disappointment about their absence. Focus on gratitude and keep the tone positive.
• Add a Personal Touch: If possible, try to add something unique to each card, such as a memory or an inside joke. This will make the recipient feel special.
• Address Absence Thoughtfully: If a guest was unable to attend due to illness or other commitments, acknowledge their absence gently. You can simply say, "We missed you at the wedding."

Examples of Thank-You Notes for Guests Who Couldn't Attend

• "Thank you for your warm wishes and the generous gift. We hope to celebrate with you soon and create more joyful memories together."
• "We are so sorry we couldn't share our special day with you in person, but we hope these photos bring a smile to your face. Thank you for your thoughtful gift and for being a part of our journey."
• "Your kindness and support mean the world to us. Thank you for always being there and celebrating this happy time in our lives. We hope to see you soon!"
• "Thank you for the beautiful gift. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness during this special time. We missed you at the wedding, but we hope to catch up with you soon and share some memories."
• "We were so excited to celebrate with you, but we understand that life sometimes gets in the way. Thank you for your warm wishes and for being a part of our wedding celebration from afar. Your support means a lot to us."

How to thank wedding vendors

There are many ways to thank your wedding vendors, and it is a thoughtful thing to do as they have put so much effort into your special day. Here are some ideas to show your appreciation:

Write a Thank-You Card

A handwritten, personalised card is a great way to express your gratitude. You could say something like: "Thank you so much for being a part of our wedding day! We loved working with you to bring our dream day to life. We sincerely appreciate everything that you have done to create unforgettable memories for us that will last a lifetime. [Address specific moments] Our love and gratitude, [Your names]."

Give a Gift

If you want to give a gift, make it thoughtful and personalised. You could give them a gift card, a bottle of wine, a gift basket, or something related to their interests, like a wine subscription box or a spa voucher.

Leave a Tip

Tipping is not mandatory but is highly encouraged and appreciated. It is a good idea to include an estimated gratuity in your wedding budget and to organise envelopes with tips and thank-you notes before your wedding day.

Share Their Work and Leave a Review

Share your vendors' work on social media and be sure to tag them. Also, leave reviews on online platforms like Wedding Wire, The Knot, Google, Yelp and Facebook. Word-of-mouth is huge in the wedding industry, so recommend your favourite vendors to engaged friends and family.

Offer to Be a Reference

You could offer to be a reference for a testimonial on your vendors' websites. They may feature your review directly or have potential clients contact you to ask about your experience.

Purchase a Gift Card

You can continue to support your vendors' businesses after your wedding by purchasing a gift card. This is especially meaningful if you plan to use their services again in the future.

How to thank wedding guests in general

Writing thank-you cards to your wedding guests is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and acknowledge their presence and gifts. Here is a guide to help you get started:

Preparation Tips

Before you begin writing your thank-you cards, there are a few preparatory steps to ensure the process runs smoothly:

• Create a spreadsheet: Organise your guests' names, addresses, and any gifts they gave in a spreadsheet. This will make it easier to keep track of who you need to thank and what gifts they gave.
• Start early: Begin writing thank-you notes as soon as you receive gifts, especially if they arrive before the wedding. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed later.
• Open gifts mindfully: Take your time when opening gifts, noting the sender and the gift details. It's easy to mix up senders, especially if you're opening multiple gifts at once.
• Work in batches: Schedule dedicated time slots to write a few cards at once rather than trying to tackle them all at once. Divvy up the task with your partner to make it more manageable.
• Choose appropriate stationery: Opt for thank-you cards that match your wedding theme or colours. You can even include a photo from the wedding for a personalised touch.

Etiquette Tips

When writing your thank-you cards, keep these etiquette tips in mind:

• Handwrite your notes: Avoid printed or digital thank-you notes. Handwriting adds a personal touch and shows your sincerity.
• Include all names: Make sure to address both members of a couple who gave a joint gift.
• Be specific: Mention the gift by name and, if possible, include a sentence or two about why you appreciate it or how you plan to use it. This makes your gratitude more meaningful.
• Send cards promptly: Aim to send thank-you cards within a week after the wedding or as soon as possible after receiving a gift. For gifts received before the wedding, send a prompt thank-you note expressing gratitude for the gift itself.
• Thank everyone: Send thank-you cards to all your guests, even those who didn't bring gifts. Their presence and well-wishes are worth acknowledging.

Wording Examples

• "Thank you for adding to the joyful spirit of our wedding with your presence and lovely gift."
• "Thank you for celebrating with us on our wedding day! Your company, love, and wishes made our day complete, and we appreciate your love and support."
• "We sincerely thank you for your company, gift, and good wishes and for helping us make our wedding day an occasion we will always remember."
• "Thank you for being there on the most important day of our lives. We only hope that you had as much fun at our wedding as we did!"
• "We would like to thank you for sharing in our wedding celebration. We are grateful for your presence, warm wishes, and your generous gift. We look forward to our future together and to making more memories with you."
• "Your presence at our wedding has added so much love to our special day. Your gift has brought us joy and will help us build our life together."
• "Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding day with us! We are so grateful for your love and support as we embark on this new chapter in our lives together."
• "Thank you for making our wedding day so special! We were so thrilled to have you in attendance."
• "We so appreciate you attending our wedding and sharing in our joy. We are honoured to call you a friend, and we can’t wait to see you again soon!"
• "Thank you for traveling such a long distance to share in our wedding day! We know it took extra effort, and we are grateful for your presence."
• "Thank you for your generous gift. We can't wait to put it towards our dream honeymoon. We will be sure to share some photos with you when we return!"
• "Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift! We love it and can't wait to use it this summer. We are so glad you could celebrate with us."
• "Thank you for sending us a gift! We missed having you at the wedding, but we felt your love and support from afar."

Frequently asked questions