Wedding Thank You Card Messages

You must write thank-you cards for all gifts you receive during your wedding and showers even if the gift was small or undesirable, or you don't know the giver very well. Personal notes that address the gift specifically are ideal. All thank-you notes should be handwritten -- never typed -- and should include the names of both the bride and the groom. Send the cards out within two weeks after the honeymoon.

Mass Mailing

If you received a large amount of gifts from people you barely know or can no longer match the gift to the giver, a mass-mailing-style thank-you card is appropriate. While not ideal, if you have more then 500 cards to send out, they are the best option. A general card does not list the gift received -- only the names. Begin the card by addressing the recipients, "Dear Mrs. (Last Name)" followed by a generic note used in all of your cards. The note should thank both the presence of the guest at the wedding and their gift. For example,

Dear Mrs. Taylor,

Thank you for your lovely gift and for being part of our special day. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated.

Yours truly,

Melody and Henry Smith

Personal Notes

Thank-you cards given to friends, family members and all guests at a small wedding should be personal and list the gift received. Personal notes can have a less-formal tone and should have an additional phrase concerning the meaning and usefulness you find in the gift. For example,

Stephanie and James,

We absolutely love the gourmet espresso machine! Knowing us and our coffee addiction, you hit the right spot! Thank you both so much; we will think of you every morning as we sip our morning lattes. Let's get together soon for an afternoon coffee at our new house!

Kisses and Hugs,

Melody and Henry

Group Messages

If you received a gift from a pool of friends, co-workers or from an entire family, you do not need to list all of the names on the inside of the card. Always address the recipient as a collective "friends," "you all" and close with a statement referencing their individual worth. For example,

Dear friends,

Your gift of a new washing machine is beyond generous, thank you all so very much. Our new home is finally coming together thanks to the generosity of great friends like you. We are so lucky to work alongside such caring people. Each one of you is individually in our hearts.

Yours,

Melody and Henry Smith

Money Gifts

Compose personal thank-you cards for gifts of money similarly to personal notes for gift, but mention what you have done or intend to do with the money. Never list the amount of money; only mention "generous gift" or "kind gift," depending on the amount. For example,

My Dear Aunt Jane,

We cannot thank you enough for your generous check you sent to us for the wedding. Our budget since the wedding has been rather slim, so we appreciate your gift greatly; we plan to put it toward the down payment on our new apartment. As soon as we move in, you must come over for tea!

Love,

Melody and Henry

References

• Our Marriage: How to Write a Thank You Card
• The Party Block: Wedding Thank You Note Verses