Thank You Notes: Do's and Don'ts
Even when thanking guests in person or on the telephone, it is still customary to send a thank you note. While this may seem too formal for some, it is considered to be a faux pas to ditch the written note. Many guests travel from out of town to come to weddings or search tirelessly for the perfect gift, so taking a moment to write a brief thank you is necessary.
Do's
Do make sure to write thank you notes as soon as possible. Writing thank you notes as mailed gifts are received is a good way to lessen the load after the wedding. According to traditional wedding etiquette, thank you notes should be sent within one month of the wedding. You can stay organized by photocopying the list of addresses used for invitations and then writing which gift was sent next to their name. For couples who open presents at the reception, appoint a friend or family member to keep up with the list. If you want to be extremely organized, you can address the envelopes ahead of time.
Do have the right materials. High-quality stationary is a nice option, as are thank you cards. Be sure to have a pen that does not drag or leave ink spots, such as a roller ball or gel pen. Find a steady, comfortable surface on which to write your notes where you can stay organized, and check guests off of your list as notes are completed.
Do make it personal. Even if you chose a card that has a thank you message included, you should write, at least, a brief note that has a personal touch. Ideally, thanking people for the specific gift that they chose for you is the best way to accomplish this. If the guest gave money, mention how you plan to spend to spend it. Even when given gifts that you don't care for, you should still thank your guests for their thoughtfulness.
Don'ts
Don't procrastinate. After the stress of wedding day is through and the honeymoon is over, it may be tempting to brush thank you notes aside. The best approach is to do it as soon as possible. This way, they won't be forgotten, and they won't be so late as to appear tacky. It is important to thank your guests for taking the time to share your day, as well as the gifts they chose for you and your spouse.
Don't write the same message for each person. Guests may feel slighted if they discover that they received the same, cookie-cutter message that every other guest received. If you are using cards with a printed message on them, be sure to sign your names by hand and write a small personal note.
Thank you notes are an important part of any wedding, and should not be overlooked. Taking the time to write a note to each guests is much more of a thoughtful gesture than verbally thanking them. A proper thanks shows how much you appreciated each guest's presence, and presents, on your wedding day.
Posted by Anna K.
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