When Should You Send Wedding Thank You Cards And What To Include?
One of the last things you will have to do in your wedding planning journey is send thank you cards to your wedding guests. Sending wedding thank you cards is a crucial part of wedding etiquette. Not only does it show appreciation for the gifts and support you received, but it also helps you maintain strong relationships with your guests. This post will guide you on the ideal timing for sending thank you cards and the key elements to include to ensure your gratitude is conveyed sincerely and effectively.
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Importance Of Sending Thank You Cards
Sending wedding thank you cards is a crucial part of wedding etiquette. Not only does it show appreciation for the gifts and support you received, but it also gives your wedding guests peace of mind letting them know their presence was noted and their gift reached you. Thank you cards also acknowledge the effort your guests made to attend your wedding, often traveling long distances and spending considerable time and money. They also provide an opportunity to express your heartfelt gratitude and to strengthen your relationship with your friends and family.
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Timing for Sending Wedding Thank You Cards
General Timeline
It’s generally recommended to send thank you cards ASAP (ideally, within a month) or with 2-3 months of your wedding date. This timeframe allows you to show your appreciation while the memory of the gift and the wedding day is still fresh. However, as per wedding etiquette, you have up to a year to send your thank you cards.
Importance of Promptness and Gratitude
Sending thank you cards promptly demonstrates your appreciation and respect for your guests’ generosity. Delaying too long can give the impression that their gifts or presence were not valued or received. A timely thank you card reinforces positive feelings and shows that you are considerate and grateful for their contribution to your special day.
Special Cases For Thank You Cards
Thank You Cards for Engagement Gifts
Engagement gifts are often given shortly after the announcement of your engagement. Aim to send thank you cards within two to three weeks of receiving these gifts. This prompt response shows that you are appreciative and thoughtful, setting a positive tone as you begin planning your wedding.
Thank You Cards for Bridal Shower Gifts
Bridal shower gifts are typically given during the bridal shower event. Send thank you cards within two to three weeks after the shower. This quick turnaround is important because it acknowledges the effort your friends and family put into attending the shower and selecting thoughtful gifts for you.
Thank You Cards for Early Wedding Gifts
Some guests may send wedding gifts before the actual wedding day, especially if they cannot attend the wedding. For these gifts, aim to send thank you cards within two to three weeks of receiving the gift. This timely response ensures that your gratitude is communicated well before the wedding festivities take over your schedule.
YES, every wedding event that you receive a gift for requires a thank you card!
Essential Elements to Include in Wedding Thank You Cards
Personal Greeting
Begin your thank you card with a friendly and warm greeting. Something like, “Dear Aunt Jane,” or “Hi John and Sarah,” sets a personal tone and makes the recipient feel special and appreciated.
Specific Gift Mention
Mention the specific gift you received and how it will be used in your thank you card. This shows that you are genuinely grateful and that you remember what the recipient gave you. For example, “Thank you so much for the beautiful set of wine glasses. We can’t wait to use them for our first dinner party as a married couple!”
Gratitude Expression For The Gift And Their Presence
Clearly express your gratitude for the gift. Phrases like “We are so grateful for your thoughtful gift” convey your genuine appreciation. If the guest attended your wedding, mention how much their presence meant to you. For example, “Your presence at our wedding made our day even more special.”
D. Closing Remarks
End your thank you card by expressing a desire to see the recipient again or to keep in touch. This adds a friendly and forward-looking element to your note. Close with a warm and friendly sign-off, such as “With love,” or “Best wishes,” followed by both of your names. This shows unity and shared appreciation from both partners.
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Tips for Writing Meaningful Thank You Cards
Personalizing Each Card to the Recipient
Avoid using generic phrases or templates. Tailor each thank you card to the recipient by mentioning specific details related to their gift or their role in your wedding. For example, instead of saying “Thank you for the wonderful gift,” say “We absolutely love the coffee maker you gave us and can’t wait to use it every morning.”
Handwriting the Notes
Handwritten notes add a personal and authentic touch that printed or digital messages lack. Your handwriting shows that you took the time and effort to personally thank each guest. Invest in quality stationery that reflects the style and theme of your wedding. This makes your thank you cards feel more special and thoughtful.
Make Your Wedding Thank You Card Stand Out
One of our favorite ways to make your wedding day even more special is to have your wedding photographer get everyone on the dance floor to take a group photo. Not only is this a great way to transition into the dance portion of the night but you can use that group photo as the face of your thank you cards.
Dividing the Task
Divide the thank you card writing between you and your partner. This ensures that the workload is manageable and that both of your voices are represented. Set a realistic daily goal for writing thank you cards, such as writing five to ten cards each day.
Concluding Thoughts:
Writing and sending wedding thank you cards is an essential part of your post-wedding responsibilities. By adhering to a timely schedule and including personalized, heartfelt messages, you show your appreciation for the gifts and support you received on your special day. Remember to personalize each card, mention specific gifts, and express your sincere gratitude. Following these guidelines will help you convey your thanks in a meaningful way that will be cherished by your guests.
