Thank You Messages to Write in Cards for Weddings

Simple Thank You Messages to Write in Cards for Weddings

Basically, excellent thank you messages to write in cards for weddings consist of naming the item the recipient of the card gave you, telling them why it's perfect for your home and new life with your spouse, and of course a "thank you." Keep them short and sweet.

Choose a few key phrases and alter the tone as appropriate depending upon the recipient of the thank you card. You don't have to get fancy or too detailed. A quick couple of sentences that lets the gift-giver know that you do remember which gift is from them--and why you love it--will suffice.

Friend or Relative

If your message is for a friend or relative, you can write in a conversational, informal tone. Here's an example:

Dear Aunt Lucy, How did you know it would mean so much to us to receive that espresso machine??? We absolutely love it and can't wait to use it! We'll have to master it and invite you over sometime for coffee and dessert. We'll use the recipe for pumpkin pie you love so much.

Love you, Your Names

Acquaintances

Sometimes people you don't know very well feel compelled to give you wedding gifts. In that case, keep the tone light and not as informal as you would if the gift-giver was your best friend. Here is an example:

Dear Francis, Thank you so much for the beautiful engraved picture frame! It is absolutely gorgeous and we will think of you every time we see it on our mantle. We were so excited when we opened it that we couldn’t wait to send you a thank you.

Sincerely, Your Names

Group Note

In some cases, like with work or a close-knit group of friends, lots of people will chip in to give the happy couple one extravagant gift. In that case, you should write everyone an individual note (unless total head-count's over ten!).

Friends, Thank you guys for the gift card. Now we can decorate our home with your kindness in mind, making it an even warmer place for us to live. We will forever be surrounded by tokens of your friendship, whether in the form of a beautiful rug or a hand-sculpted vase. We appreciate each and every one of you.

Sincerely, Your Names

Thank You Message Tips

A few other tips:

• If they sent you cash and you're saving up for something as a couple, tell them how much you appreciate the money they sent that will help out with your future purchase.
• If they couldn't come, tell them how sorry you were not to see them at the wedding.
• If you don't like the gift, don't make up an elaborate story about why it's perfect for you or your home. Thank them for being so thoughtful and then thank them for sharing your special day with you.

When to Send Thank You Cards

Most people may think you're only supposed to send out thank you cards for gifts you receive at showers or the reception. Wrong! One of the most valuable things a person can give is their time.

If you're planning your own wedding, you know how much time it takes to plan an event. You'll need to thank people for giving you their time as well as material things. That doesn't mean you have to write a thank you card for each individual guest for coming, but that does mean you need to thank the people who volunteered their time to plan an event for you.

So, when exactly should you send cards?

• When someone gives you a gift
• When someone throws you a shower or bachelor/bachelorette party
• When someone coordinates a party to celebrate your union, before or after the wedding

The next question is: What is the deadline for sending out thank you cards after an event or the receipt of a gift?

Generally, you can follow a ten to fourteen day rule. Ten days after an event that occurs before you leave town on your honeymoon, or after you get back in the case of post-honeymoon wedding receptions.

For those gifts received on your wedding day, your guests will forgive you if you wait up to two weeks after returning from your honeymoon to get their thank you cards into their hands. After all, chances are good that you're busy settling into a new home and adapting to married life.

Thank you cards are easier to manage if you write them as the gifts trickle in. Otherwise you'll find yourself sitting in the middle of gifts, lists, stacks of thank you cards and addresses, and black or blue pens with dwindling ink supplies. Write the cards as quickly as possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed.