Wedding Thank You Cards Etiquette

For some people, writing can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to writing thank you notes. Wedding thank you notes are no different. The key to writing good wedding thank you cards or any thank you note for that matter, is to never try too hard. To avoid sounding corny, apply the 'KISS' rule: Keep It Short and Simple. We'll first start with the basics of writing thank you notes and then move on to wedding thank you cards etiquette.

Thank You Note Etiquette

• Never send an already printed thank you card/note. It shows you didn't make an effort. To truly express how you feel, always send a warm handwritten note.
• You can send your thank you notes on informal stationery but in case of wedding thank you cards, etiquette states that you use formal stationery.
• Avoid spelling mistakes in the names and generally too.
• While addressing the thank you note to a couple, make sure you address both of them.

Thank you notes vary according to the occasion. If you are writing it to thank someone for a favor do mention it. For example if you received a gift from your grandfather you could just say, "Thanks so much for the tent! It is perfect for the trip that I have been planning. It was very thoughtful of you, to remember I needed a new one. No wonder you are my favorite." On the other hand, if you are writing to you boss keep it brief and avoid using flattery. Just stick to the point. A simple note to thank him could say, "Just wanted to thank you for the promotion. I absolutely love working here. I truly appreciate your confidence and support". More on Thank You Note Etiquette.

Wedding Thank You Cards Etiquette

• Take care while choosing the thank you card. Make sure it doesn't look like something you picked in a hurry. It shouldn't be tacky or loud. A good suggestion for a wedding thank you card would be one that has a picture of the couple on it.
• Wedding thank you cards must be hand written. Do not print them out. The same rule applies to envelopes. Handwrite the address.
• A simple "thank you for the gift" will not cut it. You must mention the gift and make the note personalized. Also let them know that you loved sharing you wedding day with them.
• While writing the thank you card try keeping the focus away from you. Focus on the person you are sending the card to.
• Perhaps the most important wedding thank you card etiquette is: Do not delay sending the thank you note. Etiquette demands that you send it as soon as possible.
• Make sure you not only thank them for the gift but also for the help they provided during the wedding, such as showers and parties. Do not delay acknowledging shower gifts for more than ten days after the party and the wedding gift should be acknowledged within 2 weeks of the occasion.
• Don't forget to put your return address on the envelope. That way, your friends and family are updated about your whereabouts.
• Vary the tone of the card according to your relationship with the receiver. For example, if you are sending it to your boss or colleagues, the note should sound formal. For family and friends, semi formal will work.
• For monetary gifts, do mention how you would spend the amount. Also never mention the amount of money gifted.
• If less than ten people sent you a single gift, send each one a separate thank you card. For more than ten, one card will suffice.

More on Wedding Thank You Notes.

Samples of Wedding Thank You Cards

To a Person You Know Very Well

Dear James and Sandra, It was a pleasure having you there at such an important day of our lives. We couldn't imagine going ahead with it without you. Thank you so much for the beautiful candlestick and thanks to you, we can now enjoy candle light dinners at home. Love, Sharon and Tim

To a Person You Don't Know Very Well

Dear Mr and Mrs Twain, Thank you so much for your generous gift. We plan to utilize it for the down payment of our house. It was a pleasure having you at our wedding. Regards, Sharon and Tim

To Your Colleagues

Dear Penny, Thank you so much for such a generous gift from all of you. We are really excited to use the gift card and are already planning on what to buy. It was really nice of you all to take a day off and attend the wedding. Love, Sharon and Tim

To Your Close Relatives

Dear Aunt Sally, I can't even begin to tell you how much I love the crystal glasses. Perhaps, you know how to make my day! Thank you so much for all the help during the wedding especially with the shower. Without you the wedding would have been incomplete. Love, Sharon and Tim

Hopefully the above mentioned tips will make wedding thank you card etiquette less puzzling. Armed with writing thank you note etiquette, you can finally end the procrastination, and get on with showing gratitude to the people who really matter.