How to Write Thank You Cards After the Wedding

Many people dread the thought of having to write thank you cards. Mainly, they don't know what to say. Actually, it's pretty easy and not a mystery at all. In order to write thank you cards after the wedding, you just have to know the basics.

1. Printed Wedding Thank You Cards or Not?
You should order preprinted thank you cards, especially if you had a formal wedding. A printer or stationery shop can help you choose the design. They're rather pricey, but they're a nice touch for your special occasion. Order a few more printed thank you cards than you think you'll need. That way, you'll have some to acknowledge any wedding gifts you get later.

Or, if your wedding was small and not real fancy, you can buy general thank you cards from a local stationery shop. They're much cheaper and still are nice. If you want to personalize them, you can buy stickers with your monogram on them.

Don't forget to order return address stickers to place on your thank you cards after the wedding too. That way, the giver of the gift will have your new name and your current address.

2. Handwrite, Never Use Your Computer For Thank You Cards
It's just proper etiquette to handwrite each and every thank you card for your wedding presents.
To write thank you cards after the wedding, handwritten cards are more personal than printing them out on your computer.

3. What Should You Write In Your Thank You Cards After the Wedding?
Ideally, you should sit down to write your your wedding thank you cards with a gift list. The list should include the name of the giver and the gift they gave. Also, having the list of the names and addresses of everyone you invited to your wedding will help. That way, you'll have addresses handy without having to look them up. And, of course, don't forget to purchase a roll of first class stamps so you can finish them and get them mailed out right away.

Start each wedding gift thank you card by addressing the card to the giver of the wedding gift. Thank them for their gift by including a brief description of it. If the gift was money, for example, tell them how you and your new husband or wife will use it.

Besides thanking them for the gift, you should also thank your guests for coming to the wedding. Especially add a sentence or two if they traveled a long ways to attend your wedding. People will appreciate this sort of kind gesture from you. Afterall, if they had to travel a long distance, and maybe even rent a hotel room to stay in to attend your wedding, they went out of their way just to be there on your special day.

Here's an example of an informal wedding thank you card to help you out:

"Dear Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol,
Thank you for coming to Mike's and my wedding! We hope you enjoyed the occasion!

Also, thank you for the French coffeemaker you gave us. We really appreciate it. You know how much Mike and I love coffee. We'll use it every day and think of you two when we do!

Love, Kim and Mike"

When you write thank you cards after the wedding for the gifts you received from absent guests, be sure to tell them how sorry you are that they couldn't attend.

4. Who To Send Thank Cards After the Wedding To
Of course, you'll write and send out cards to everyone you got a gift from. But don't forget to thank people who performed a service, such as hosting a party for you. It's also proper etiquette to thank everyone in your wedding party for their participation in your wedding day.