Thank you card etiquette
Weddings are largely run on rules of etiquette and tradition. One of the oldest and most widely followed traditions is the sending of thank you cards. If someone gives you a gift it is expected that you will acknowledge them with a thank you card expressing your sincere gratitude for their kindness. Whether you actually like the present or not doesn’t really matter, you still have to send the card because it’s a matter of etiquette and of being polite. These are some other things you should realize about the thank you card process so you don’t end up offending anyone by mistake.
Timing is key
Thank you cards should be sent out as soon as possible. Traditional etiquette says you have up to one year to send them out but most people expect a thank you card within two months of the wedding. If you wait longer some people may think you’re ungrateful. Yes, they can be a pain to write at times but it must be done and the sooner the better. Guests will appreciate your prompt response and know that you really do feel grateful for the gifts.
Use nice note cards
Don’t go cheap on your thank you cards. Use actual thank you cards for starters. Some people try to get away with one sheet notes, blank cardstock or even lined paper. Make sure you use actual thank you cards to show your guests you care about what they think and want to show them some sort of class in your gift receipt etiquette.
State the specific gift
In your note make sure you state exactly what the gift was that you received versus just saying “thank you for the present.” This is where proper management of your gift opening list comes into play.
Acknowledge their presence or absence
If they attended your wedding acknowledge that and state that it was nice to see them and you hope they enjoyed themselves. If they didn’t attend the wedding then tell them you missed the fact they weren’t there but appreciate the gift.
How to accept money
If you are given money or a gift card then tell the person how you intend to use it. Whether it’s saving up for a large item or purchasing some linens, if you have an idea of how it will be used then let them know, it’s nice to know where their money is going.
Include a special item
Put some photos from the wedding in the thank you card. If you have photos with them in it then include these. Or if they couldn’t make it to the wedding insert the program or other special materials so they still feel included.