When Should You Send Your Thank You Notes?
Wedding thank you notes are such a simple way to show your wedding guests just how much you appreciate them. You should write a thank you note for any gift that you receive whether it was given at the wedding, bridal shower, or even a year later.
If you’re writing a lot of thank you notes (and after your wedding day, you probably will), make sure to keep a list of all the gifts and who they were from. This way, each note will be unique and specific to each guest and their present.
When To Send Thank You Notes?
When it comes to thank you notes, the general rule of thumb is that they should be sent within three months of receiving a gift. In fact, sending a note as soon as possible can actually make a better impact! If your loved one sent their gift well in advance of your wedding, send that note as soon as possible after you receive it. In this way, they won’t be left wondering whether you received it or not.
Wedding Thank You Notes: Who Gets Them?
You should send thank you notes for every gift you receive, regardless of whether it's a physical gift or a monetary contribution to your honeymoon fund. Your guest list can be divided into three categories:
Guests who attended the wedding. You should send a note to everyone who traveled to attend your special day, even if they didn't give you a gift.
People who gave you a gift but weren't able to attend the wedding. It's always nice to write a note to those who sent their good wishes from afar.
Guests who attended the shower or bachelor/bachelorette party. It's not absolutely required that you send notes for these events, but if someone hosted the party in your honor, or gave you a large or expensive gift, it's always best practice to say thank you.
What To Write In The Thank You Note
As for what to say, try to be personal and specific. Acknowledge the gift, note how you plan on using it, and express your gratitude. If the gift was cash or a check, you don't have to mention the amount but do mention what you've decided to spend it on.
If you are thanking someone for their time (for example, if they helped make your wedding day go smoothly), mention specific things that they did and tell them how much it meant to you.
If the person who sent you the gift has done something that has made an impact on your life, share a thought about how he or she has changed things for the better. This will make your thank you note more heartfelt and meaningful.
Most wedding guests would feel honored to receive a thank you note. Put your notes together ahead of time, and have them stamped and ready to go on the big day. The sooner you get them out, the better!