Matching Thank You Cards To Wedding Invites: A Guide

Wedding thank-you cards are an important element of wedding stationery. They are a way to show gratitude to your guests for attending your wedding and for any gifts they may have given. While there is no requirement to send a thank-you card to those who didn't give a gift, it is still a nice gesture, especially for those who travelled long distances to attend the wedding. It is also not mandatory to send a thank-you card to someone who didn't attend the wedding but sent a gift, but it is a thoughtful way to express your gratitude.

Matching thank-you cards and invitations: design options and customisation

Matching thank-you cards and invitations can be a thoughtful way to tie together the theme of your wedding. From bohemian and botanical to minimalist and modern, there are various design options and customisation possibilities to explore.

Design Options

Matching thank-you cards and invitations can be a great way to maintain a cohesive aesthetic for your wedding. If you're looking for design ideas, consider the following:

• Floral and Botanical Themes: Opt for thank-you cards adorned with watercolour flowers, greenery, or whimsical botanical illustrations.
• Minimalist and Modern: Go for a sleek and simple design, perhaps with a monogram or a classic colour scheme.
• Rustic: Thank-you cards with a rustic theme might feature barn illustrations, country landscapes, or vintage-style fonts.
• Elegant and Formal: Opt for a more sophisticated look with elegant scripts, luxurious paper, or foil accents.
• Destination: If you're having a destination wedding, consider thank-you cards that feature illustrations or motifs of your chosen location.
• Seasonal: Choose a design that reflects the season of your wedding, such as autumn leaves, spring flowers, or winter snowflakes.

Customisation Options

To customise your matching thank-you cards and invitations, consider the following options:

• Colours: Choose a colour scheme that complements your wedding theme. Whether it's classic white, pastel hues, or a bold colour palette, you can find thank-you cards to match.
• Fonts: Select a font that reflects the tone of your wedding, whether it's elegant and cursive or modern and minimalist.
• Paper Type: Opt for luxurious paper, such as letterpress or high-quality cardstock, to make your thank-you cards feel extra special.
• Size and Shape: Choose from various sizes, such as classic 5" x 7" cards or folded thank-you notes. You can also explore options like square or postcard-style cards.
• Photos: Personalise your thank-you cards by uploading a photo, such as a favourite shot from your wedding day or an engagement portrait.
• Custom Messages: Many companies offer custom printing services, allowing you to include a personalised message, quote, or even your wedding vows within the design of the thank-you card.

By exploring these design and customisation options, you can create matching thank-you cards and invitations that perfectly reflect the style and theme of your wedding.

Handwritten vs printed: the pros and cons of each

Handwritten vs. printed: the pros and cons of each

There are two main options for writing thank-you cards: handwritten or printed. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your personal preferences, schedule, and guest list length.

Handwritten thank-you cards are the traditional option and are often considered more appropriate, especially for weddings. They allow you to personalise each card and show that you took the time to write a thoughtful message. This can be especially meaningful for guests who may have travelled long distances or made a particular effort to attend your wedding. However, handwriting cards can be time-consuming, especially if you have a large number of guests.

On the other hand, printed thank-you cards are a convenient option for couples with busy schedules or long guest lists. They allow you to express your gratitude without having to hand-write individual notes to every guest. Printed cards can still be personalised by including a photo or motif that matches your wedding invitations. However, they may be seen as less thoughtful or sincere than handwritten notes.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to express your gratitude sincerely and promptly. Whether you choose to handwrite or print your thank-you cards, be sure to mention the gift you received and how you plan to use it. Don't forget to thank your guests for their presence at your wedding and for any contributions they made to your special day.

What to include in your message: a checklist of essential elements

The structure of a well-written wedding thank-you note is simple and can be broken down into three essential elements:

• Say "thank you": Ensure your gratitude is front and centre so your guests know exactly what the card is for.
• Name the gift: Mention the gift you received to ensure the guest knows you received it. If you received a monetary gift, it's a nice touch to mention what you plan to spend it on. However, it is best not to mention the exact amount.
• Say something about the gift: This could be why you love it, where you plan to put it, or how you will use it. If you don't like the gift, focus on the giver and share a fond memory with them during the wedding.

Other things to include in your message:

• Thank the guests for attending, especially if they travelled long distances.
• Mention any unforgettable moments during the ceremony, speeches or reception.
• If the guest didn't attend the wedding but sent a gift, mention how much you missed them at the festivities.
• If the guest didn't attend and didn't send a gift, you can still thank them for their support and well-wishes.
• Use a sentimental sign-off such as "All our love and gratitude" for close friends and family, or "Warmest regards" or "Best" for more casual friends, colleagues or acquaintances.

Timing is everything: when to send your thank-you cards

The timing of your wedding thank-you cards is important. While old-school etiquette gives you up to a year to send them, modern guidance suggests sending them within two to three months of your wedding date. It's best to get them done as soon as possible—the faster, the better!—and definitely before your one-month anniversary.

For gifts received before the wedding, it's recommended to send thank-you notes within two weeks. For gifts received after the wedding, aim to send them within three months.

It's a good idea to order your thank-you cards at the same time as your invitations to ensure you can send them promptly after your wedding.

If you're struggling to find the time, set aside 30 minutes every night to tackle your thank-you cards. Dividing and conquering with your partner is also a good strategy.

Addressing the envelopes: formalities and informalities

When it comes to addressing envelopes, there are a few things to keep in mind in terms of formalities and informalities. The outer envelope is typically more formal, with guests' full names and titles included. This is also where the guests' addresses are placed. The inner envelope is more informal, giving you the option to leave out certain elements of the formal name format, such as titles and last names.

For a more formal approach, write out the recipient's full name, including their personal title. This works for couples of all genders, regardless of whether they share a surname, and still feels traditional. However, if personal titles feel restrictive, you can opt for a more modern approach by using only first and last names. Remember to double-check each attendee's preferred personal title if you plan to include them.

When addressing a single person, use their preferred title. If you're unsure, it's safer to forgo the title. For unmarried couples living together, include both names on one or two lines, with appropriate titles. The same goes for same-sex couples. Unmarried couples who don't live together should receive separate invitations.

For married couples with the same last name, traditionally, the man's full name is written first, followed by "Mr. and Mrs." and the wife's first name. Alternatively, you can list their first names individually for a less traditional approach. For married couples with different last names, simply write out their full names with "Mr." or "Mrs."

When addressing a family, the outer envelope is usually reserved for the parents' or guardians' names, while the inner envelope lists each child's name. If you don't want to invite children, avoid including their names, but be prepared for some guests to assume their kids are welcome. If you're inviting children over 18, they should receive their own invitations unless they live with their parents.

In the case of distinguished titles, such as doctors, lawyers, judges, or military personnel, it's proper to address them by their title on the envelope. For married couples with distinguished titles, address them as "The Doctors" or spell it out. If one person in a heterosexual couple is a doctor, her name is listed first with the title "Dr." followed by her husband's full name. For other couples with distinguished titles, the person with the higher-ranking title is usually listed first.

While it's not necessary to address your wedding invites by hand, doing so adds a nice touch. Alternatively, you can print guest address labels, buy pre-printed envelopes, or hire a local calligrapher.

Frequently asked questions