how to write your wedding thank you cards.
There were months of endless planning, a whirlwind day of perfect celebration, and a romantic honeymoon, but when it’s all over there is still one important task on your to-do list. The thank you card is one of the most forgotten parts of a wedding, but it is one of the more important details because it lets your guests know how appreciative you are for their attendance and generosity. Yes, it is a time-consuming process, but instead of seeing it as a chore, look at it as a great way to spend some time remembering the people and moments that made your wedding day extra special and bask in the last little piece of wedding planning you will get to do.
Here is a little bit of advice to ensure you thank your guests properly.
BE ORGANISED
Collect your guests’ mobile numbers and/or postal address on your RSVP form, this way you will have the key information ready to go when it comes time to send out your thank you cards. As you open your gifts, use your guest list as a checklist to record each gift received next to the people who gifted it so you know what you are thanking each guest for.
TIMING
As a general rule, you should send out your thank you cards no longer than 3 months after your wedding, but guests will always appreciate them sooner. If it so happens that time gets away from you, remember that a late thank you is always preferable to no thank you at all.
DESIGN
Complete the overall impression and tone of your big day with thank you cards that coordinate with the rest of your wedding communication. You could also consider using your thank you cards as an opportunity to show off your first pictures together as newlyweds. Though be wary of the amount of time it will take to get your photos back from the photographer and how this will affect your timeliness.
WHO GETS ONE?
Regardless of whether or not a gift was given, anyone who attended your wedding, helped you plan, set up, ran errands, listened to a bridal rant, or helped look after your drunk uncle at the wedding should receive a thank you card. Don’t forget your wedding vendors. If you really loved your vendors and they went above and beyond for you, one of the greatest gifts you can give them is not just a note of thanks, but a public testimonial via Google or social media.
WHAT DO I WRITE?
You don’t need to write much, just follow this simple formula: address the giver, express your gratitude, making sure you reference the gift specifically, and say how you plan to use it. For monetary gifts, it is not necessary to mention the dollar amount, but it’s nice to allude to how you plan to use the money. Keep the sentiment meaningful from one card to the next by including a memorable anecdote, acknowledging any help given during the planning process, or mentioning your appreciation for long distances traveled. Wrap it up with a final statement of thanks and a nod to when you may see that person again. Sign it off with love and you’re done.
DIVIDE & CONQUER
Dividing the note-writing duties will ensure the task doesn’t become too overwhelming. Let your spouse write to their family and friends whilst you write to yours and don’t attempt to write them all in one sitting - your hand will cramp, your handwriting will go downhill and you’re ability to be original will fade.
