Thank you cards. It’s been my experience that it isn’t rare to hear those three words followed by an exuberant sigh or a collective eye roll. They seem like just one more thing on the ever-growing wedding to-do list and, quite frankly, are often at the bottom of the priority list when it comes to post-wedding life. But, to your guests, those little notes are much more than a polite “thank you” for a present. For some who may have sent gifts from out of town, its confirmation that it was received. For those who ordered or even made customized gifts, it’s recognition that their four hours at the sewing machine or numerous lunch breaks searching Etsy did not go unappreciated. And for others, it’s the nod to their fifteen-minutes-before-the-wedding-praying-there-are-still-things-on-their-target-registry rush. And let’s be honest, it’s just plain polite. Don't worry we’re here to help. Thank you cards don’t have to be anticipated with anxiety or postponed until your great-aunt starts calling hinting about the blender she gave you. Check out some of our tips to help ease your thank you note anxiety!
1. Order thank you cards that match your other wedding stationery when you sit down with us to talk invitations. You will be using these throughout the entire process (think showers, gifts that come in the mail, etc.), so it’s best to have them on hand.
2. Along with that, write notes for gifts as you go. If you receive a gift in the mail a month before the wedding, write up that thank you card right away so it’s one less after the wedding. And if you’re going to pretend you waited until the wedding to open it (seriously, I have no self-control) then write it up and wait to send it with the rest.
3. Keep names and addresses from the invitations and print double the labels, if you’re going the label route.
4. In our ever-growing technological world this rule is becoming a challenge, but it’s very important and absolutely stringent: thank you notes should be hand-written on real paper with a real writing utensil. Yes, it would be so much easier to e-mail your uncle, Facebook message your college roommate, or print the notes from Word, but there is something irreplaceable about a hand-written note.
5. On that same token, you should reference the person’s gift specifically in the note. See stay tuned for some ideas and examples.
6. Everyone who attended the wedding should receive a thank-you note, even if they did not bring a gift. Attending weddings can be expensive, and we never know what someone may have sacrificed to be there – their time and presence should be appreciated!
7. Write separate notes for each wedding event, even if they’re from the same person. That means your mom gets a note for your shower gift AND your wedding gift.
8. Split it up into several different sessions. You will become overwhelmed if you try to write 100 notes at one time.
9. Thank yous should go out two weeks after the event pre-wedding and no later than two months post-wedding. This means you have two weeks after your bachelorette party to send, but two months after your wedding date.
So don’t fret. They may seem insurmountable, but with a little time, a comfortable pen, and help from us, they’re totally doable. And your grandma will be proud.