Thank You Notes: How to Show Appreciation for Your Wedding Gifts

Thank you notes are a classic tradition meant to help you stay in touch with friends and family after an important gift-giving event has passed. Thank-you notes are especially essential after a wedding, when you've received presents from people that you may only see once or twice across your life. Follow these steps to send a wonderful note that your guest will want to cherish forever.

Choosing the Paper

The paper that you send your thank-you notes on is almost more important than the message. When you're writing notes after a wedding, you'll probably have to work through a large stack. Instead of buying individual cards at the store, consider ordering a set of personalized note cards. Try monogramming them with your new married initials, or select a style that matches the theme of your wedding. Make sure you order enough cards for everyone on your guest list.

Writing the Words

Thank-you notes are wonderful because they contain a personal message written by the gift recipient. Give yourself plenty of time to write a unique message for every one of your guests. Thank them for coming to the event, mention what you liked about their gift, and add a personal thought or memory that lets the reader know how much you care. Consider drafting your notes on a separate piece of paper before you use your note cards; that way, you won't ruin the card with an indecisive message or sloppy handwriting.

Adding a Gift

Although it's not necessary, many people like to include a small gift with their thank you notes. A bag of chocolates, a commemorative bracelet, or even a gift card for a drink at your favorite coffee shop can all be great additions to this kind of package. Make sure the gift is thematic, and don't choose something too large or expensive. Remember, thank-you gifts aren't required; they're just a small way to show the person on the other side that you appreciate their time and attention.

Following Up

After you've dropped your thank-you notes in the mail, mark your calendar for one to two weeks in the future. When the date arrives, go back through your contact list, and call around to see if your guests got your note. This conversation is a great chance to speak to everyone in person, reminisce about the wonderful wedding, and re-establish connections with distant family members. If the person didn't receive your note after a few weeks, try sending them another one; these kinds of mementos are important and shouldn't be missed.

Whether you send a handful of thank-you notes or an entire stack, remember to put care and effort into each and every one. Mail is personal to many people, and thank-you notes are often cherished for years. With a little love and effort, you can create wonderful memories that connect everyone in your family.