How to Write Thank You Notes for Invitations
A thank-you note is proper anytime you want to express appreciation for an invitation. If you have been invited to a party or reception take the time to send a thank-you note to your host or hostess. If you were the guest of honor at the party, sending a thank-you note not only expresses your appreciation but is simply proper etiquette. Writing a thank-you note is simple and should take only a few moments.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Thank-you note or card
- Envelope
- Stamp
- Seal, if desired
- Pen (black or blue ink only)
- Ruler
- Scrap paper
Instructions
-
Steps To Writing Your Thank-You Note
-
1
Determine whom the thank-you note should be addressed to. Thank-you notes should be addressed to the person or people who issued the invitation.
-
2
Practice writing your thank-you message on scrap paper until you know exactly what you want to say. Be sure to personalize your message, including something specific about the event, such as "Thank you for inviting us to dinner on Saturday, the salmon you served was wonderful!" The Emily Post Institute advises, "Take the time to yourself for writing out thank-you notes: don't try and wedge it in between laundry, a TV show and extra work from the office. You'll be able to think more clearly and your focus will translate to the page."
If the invitation was extended from more than one person, include a reference in the body of the note. For example, if you are thanking a family, the envelope should be addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," and in the body of the note you can say, "Please let Alan and Sam know what a good time we had at the BBQ playing volleyball with them." If you address the note to your host or hostess only, you can make reference to others in the same way: "Please let Bob know how much we appreciated his BBQing skills---everything was delicious!"
-
-
3
Transfer your message to the note or card, writing as neatly as possible. Use a ruler if needed to make sure your writing is straight.
-
4
Address your envelope, including a return address.
-
5
Insert your written thank-you into the envelope. Affix the seal if you are using one and stamp and mail your card.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Send your thank-you note as soon as possible after the event you were invited to.
Let the ink on your note or card dry for a minute or two before you close it and place it in the envelope. If you are using a folded card you may want to slip a small piece of tissue paper inside to prevent smudging.
Thank-you notes can be on stationery or on a card. They may be informal in style but don't write a thank-you on a piece of torn or scrap paper.
Thank-you notes should always be handwritten. Don't print anything out from a computer.
Be careful to not smear the ink with your hand as you are writing your thank-you note.
Don't go overboard if you did not have a particularly good time. Thank your host or hostess graciously but simply. Do not gush about how you enjoyed the food or music if you didn't!
