What Are You Supposed to Write in a Thank-You Note for Wedding Gifts?

Make your guests feel appreciated by sending thoughtful, personal thank-you notes.

It is important to keep track of the wedding gifts you receive, because traditional etiquette requires you to write thank-you notes. A thank-you card is your opportunity to express gratitude to your guests for helping you celebrate your special occasion; put thought into what your thank-you notes say.

Personalize the Greeting

You should not send a thank-you note without a greeting. Acknowledge the gift-giver at the beginning of your note. Address the individual or family by name. For example, you might start by writing, "Dear Jane" or "Dear Smith Family." This lets the recipient know that you are talking directly to them, rather than sending out generic thank-you cards to all of your guests. It will help them feel appreciated because it shows that you noticed their gift or presence at your wedding.

Express Your Gratitude

Your thank-you notes should express your gratitude to your guests. Start by thanking them for attending your wedding. Acknowledge the efforts they made to be there. If guests had to travel, be sure to mention it in the card and show that it meant a lot that they could be there. Whether they had to travel or not, you might write, "I really enjoyed seeing you at our wedding. Thank you for coming." If someone was unable to make it to your wedding but sent a gift, let them know that you received it and that you appreciate it.

Mention the Gift

Personalize your thank-you cards by acknowledging specific gifts. For example, if your grandmother sent you a set of baking pans, you could write, "We really love the baking pans you gave us, Grandma." This shows your guests that you took the time to notice what they brought and will help them feel even more appreciated. If applicable, you can mention that you have already used the gift or intend to use it very soon. "The brownies we baked in them yesterday tasted wonderful!"

Sign Your Note

Thank the recipient again for coming to your wedding and for giving you a gift. Add another personal touch by signing your thank-you card yourself. Your signature is your stamp of approval. Cards that simply say, "Thank you for coming to my wedding," with no salutation or closing sentiment, feel rushed and impersonal. Signing your cards shows your guests that you cared enough to write to them directly.

References

• "The Morning News"; How to Write a Thank-You Note; Leslie Harpold; October 2003