Writing Thank You Notes

Writing Thank You Notes

Writing thank you notes for all the gifts you received is your next big challenge after your wedding.  This could be daunting, especially if you had hundreds of guests to thank.  Here are some tips to help you alleviate your fears of tackling the “thank you notes” writing:

Start from the Planning Stage

Assign someone with the responsibility of listing gifts that you received during your engagement, bridal showers and wedding gifts.  The list will contain the name of the giver, a short description of what was given, the occasion (engagement, bridal shower,  wedding), the date the gift was received and a space to place a check mark once the thank you cards are mailed.  You can use a simple Excel file to create this list.  This way, you have all the names of the persons you need to send thank you notes.

Avoid Procrastination

Refer to the gift list above and write the thank you note within two weeks after you receive the gift, but the sooner, the better.  This way you do not have to write all of them at the same time.  Your notes will sound more sincere because you do not have to rush writing them.  Once the thank you note has been mailed, place a check mark next to the guest’s name and watch your list fill with check marks.

Writing Tips

• Sending thank you notes through emails is not appropriate.

• Send handwritten thank you notes.  They do not need to be written in calligraphy, but do write legibly.

• Acknowledge each gift separately. For example, if you receive an engagement gift, a bridal shower gift and a wedding gift from your friend, Mary, send her 3 thank you notes – one for each of the gifts.

• Mention the gift specifically and how you plan on using it.

• For money gifts, acknowledge it by mentioning your  plan on how you will use it.  There is no need to mention exact dollar amount.

• Don’t forget to acknowledge your bridal party and ushers. It is also expected of you to give them gifts not just thank you notes.

• Thank you notes are not only for gifts.  Thank all those who helped make your wedding special, including any wedding professionals and family members.  Include their names in your gift list and write down the service or how they helped you on the column for “gifts”.

• Ask your fiancé/husband to share the responsibility of writing thank you notes to help you out.

Photo Credits: The White Aisle