A wedding is a special event that brings together family and friends to celebrate the love and commitment between two people. It’s a day filled with love, joy, and happy memories. After the wedding, you must appreciate those who helped make your day special. One way to do this is by sending out wedding thank you cards. In this article, Viva Wedding Photography will explore wedding thank you card etiquette and how to express your gratitude in style.
Who to Send Wedding Thank You Cards To
One of the most common questions that newlyweds have is who should receive a wedding thank-you card. The answer is simple: anyone who attended your wedding, sent you a gift, or contributed to your wedding in any way deserves a thank-you card. This includes:
- Your family members, who are the supporters and helpers throughout your wedding planning and celebration
- Your friends (bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man, maid of honor, etc.)
- Your coworkers, neighbors, acquaintances, or anyone else who attended your wedding or sent you a gift
- The officiant (priest, rabbi, minister, etc.)
- The vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, caterer, DJ, etc.)
Sending wedding thank-you cards is not only a matter of etiquette but also a matter of courtesy and kindness. Expressing gratitude through thank-you cards is a wonderful way to acknowledge and honor those who contributed to the success and significance of your wedding, including gifts received. You also establish a lasting impression and foster a strong relationship with your guests and suppliers.
When to Send Wedding Thank-you Cards
According to the thank you card etiquette time frame, you should send your wedding thank you within three months of your big day. This is a reasonable and respectful time frame that allows you to prepare and send your cards without too much delay or pressure. You can take your time to buy, write, address, sign, and mail your cards, and make sure they reflect your gratitude and personality.
However, it is never too late to show your gratitude and appreciation to your guests and suppliers. Even if you are sending wedding thank you cards a year later, you can still make them personal and sincere. After all, people understand that life can get busy and unpredictable.
Proper Wedding Thank You Card Etiquette You Should Follow
1. Write Your Wedding Thank-You Note With Care And Attention To Detail
Sending personalized thank-you notes is a wonderful way to show your appreciation and follow proper wedding etiquette. Because your guests spent effort (and, frequently, money) to be a part of your big day, it’s polite to mention them by name and thank them for their gift, attendance, etc., in your thank-you notes. Don’t forget to keep track of who gave you what and when.
Since this might take a lot of time, many contemporary couples with 150 people or more are choosing to use preprinted thank-you notes that are more generic. In contrast, it’s far simpler to write wedding thank-you notes that are sincere for more intimate gatherings like wedding showers and bachelorette parties.
Guests will appreciate a thank-you note in the mail either way, but a personalized touch will go a long way. There is no need to go to great lengths or go too creative with the thank you note. Personalizing your thank-you notes to your gift-givers is a must.
2. Make Sure You Didn’t Leave Anyone Out
Create a list and double-check to whom you want to send a thank-you note twice. No one wants a special wedding guest to feel disrespected because of a minor mistake like forgetting to send a thank-you note in the mail, even though mistakes do happen. You can be sure that you have done everything possible to send a thank-you note to everyone who deserves one by being methodical and thorough.
3. Use a Polite and Sincere Tone and Avoid Generic Phrases
One of the most important wedding etiquette for thank you notes, is to use a polite and sincere tone and avoid generic phrases. Your tone should reflect your gratitude and appreciation for the gift or service that you received, as well as your relationship with the recipient.
You should avoid using phrases that are too formal, casual, or impersonal, such as “Thank you for your gift” or “Best wishes”. Instead, you should use phrases that are specific, warm, and heartfelt, such as “We are so grateful for your generous gift” or “We hope to see you soon”. To enhance the impact of your thank you cards, focus on using a genuine and courteous approach while steering clear of cliches.
4. Choose Quality Thank-You Cards and Legible Handwriting
Choosing quality cards is just as important as the message inside, following etiquette for sending wedding thank you cards. A high-quality card with an elegant design and thick cardstock will make a lasting impression on your guests and show them how much you care. According to a survey by Dayspring Pens, 72% of respondents said that the quality of the card affects their perception of the sender.
Similarly, legible handwriting that is neat and clear will convey your gratitude and personality. A sloppy handwriting that is hard to read and messy will make your message seem careless and rushed.
You can find many options for thank you cards, including different sizes, shapes, and colors. Consider matching the style of your cards to the theme of your wedding or incorporating elements that were present in your wedding invitations. For example, if you had a rustic wedding, you can choose cards with natural textures and earthy tones. If you have a modern wedding, you can choose cards with sleek fonts and geometric patterns.
5. Don’t Forget To Sign Your Names on Thank You Note
Another important aspect of wedding thank-you card etiquette is signing your name on each card. It adds a personal touch to the message and shows that you took the time to write each card yourself. Be sure to sign both your names, and if you have many cards to write, consider splitting the task with your spouse or enlisting the help of friends or family members.
>>> Recommend reading: Wedding Dress Shopping Etiquette| 10 Tips For A Smooth Experience
Some Examples of Wedding Thank You Card Wording
You appreciate all the guests who joined in the celebration and stood by your side. Unfortunately, not all guests were able to make it to your wedding, but some of them chose to send cash gifts instead of physical items.
How can you craft a genuine and warm thank you card for these guests, following the proper etiquette for wedding thank you cards? Here are some examples for you. Feel free to use these wedding thank-you card messages as they are, but remember to add your own personal touch to make them feel uniquely tailored to each recipient.
Wedding Thank You Card Wording for Someone Who Didn’t Attend
While sending wedding thank you cards is a general rule of etiquette, some special cases may require a different approach or a more thoughtful message. For example, if you received a wedding gift from someone who couldn’t attend your wedding, you should acknowledge their absence and express your hope to see them soon. It would be great to express your gratitude for their thoughtfulness and generosity and share how you plan to use or enjoy their gift. Here is our suggestion:
“Dear [receiver],
We were sorry to hear that you couldn’t make it to our wedding, but we understand that things happen. We hope everything is okay with you and your family. We are so grateful for the beautiful crystal vase you gave us. It is a perfect addition to our home and we will cherish it for years to come. Thank you for your kindness and friendship. We can’t wait to catch up with you when things settle down.
Sincerely, [sender]“
Wedding Thank You Card Wording for Cash Gifts
Another particular case that requires following the etiquette for thank you cards after the wedding is if you received a cash gift from a guest. While cash gifts are becoming more common and acceptable, some people may feel awkward or uncomfortable about mentioning the amount or the purpose of the money.
However, you should still thank the giver for their contribution and let them know how you plan to use it. For instance, you could mention plans like using it for your honeymoon, your house, your savings, or any other meaningful purpose. Consider adding a personal touch by including a photo or a story about how you used the money.
“Dear [receiver],
We are so thankful for your generous cash gift for our wedding. It was very kind of you to contribute to our future. We used the money to pay off some of our student loans and feel more financially secure. We appreciate your help in achieving this goal.
We are so glad you could join us on our special day. It was wonderful to celebrate with you and catch up on old times. You are great [friends/family] and we cherish your friendship.
Warmly, [sender]”
Wedding Thank You Card Wording for Honeymoon Fund
One of the most exciting parts of getting married is planning and enjoying your honeymoon. A honeymoon fund is a great way to ask your guests to contribute to your dream vacation, instead of buying you something you don’t need or want. However, you should still thank your guests for their contributions and let them know how much you enjoyed your trip, following the wedding thank-you note etiquette. Here is how to do that:
“Dear [receiver],
Your presence on our special day meant the world to us. We had a wonderful time with you and we hope you felt the same. Your kind gift warmed our hearts and we will use it to make our honeymoon unforgettable. We can’t wait to immerse ourselves in the history, the art, and the romance of Italy. Thank you for celebrating with us and being our true friends.
Sincerely, [sender]”
>>> Further reading:
- Save-the-date Etiquette: Top 9 Rules For Proper Invitations
- The Best Guide to Wedding Etiquette for Parents of the Bride
- Destination Wedding Etiquette: A Guide For Couples & Guests
Sending out wedding thank you cards is important to expressing gratitude for your guest’s attendance and gifts at every wedding. Follow these wedding thank-you card etiquette tips from Viva Wedding Photography to ensure your thank-you cards are personalized, thoughtful, and stylish. Remember to send them out promptly and choose quality cards to make a lasting impression.