How to Write Thank You Notes

Does the daunting, time-consuming task of writing thank you notes get you down? Not sure how or what to say to each gift giver? Well, I have written up some easy to follow ways of how to write your thank you notes.

You basically need to write three things:

1. Mention the gift (or course!)
2. It’s nice to say how you are going to use the gift
3. Always mention how well you liked it
4. (Okay, I know I said three, but it doesn’t hurt to add more) You could also mention how you enjoyed seeing them at the wedding and how you appreciated them coming all the way from across the United States to attend.

Your thank you notes should always be written by hand. Even in today’s technological world, receiving a hand-written note is always appreciated and more personal.

If you receive gifts prior to the wedding, it is best to write those thank you notes as soon as you receive the gift. If you wait until a few weeks after the wedding, they may wonder if you received the gift or not.

Since people will expect you to be on your honeymoon for a week or two, they will not expect an immediate thank you note from you. However, as soon as you return, you should begin writing the notes in order to get them out within six weeks after your wedding. Write several every night until you are finished. It really does not take that long and you will be glad to get them out of the way as soon as possible. Pick certain evenings that you and your husband can sit down together to write the thank you notes. Make it a fun date night. He can write some, too, to people he knows best. However, whether you or your husband actually write the note, both of you should sign it.

Don’t forget to send thank you notes to all those people who helped you get through your day, such as, the florist, caterer, photographer, hair stylist, wedding coordinator, parents, etc. Without these people, your day would never have happened.

To help you get started, here are some writing examples:


To parents:

Dear Mom and Dad,

John and I just arrived in Hawaii and we spent the last several hours talking about our wedding. We had the best time. Everything was so beautiful and what we had dreamed it would be. Thank you for everything you have taught me over the years. I hope I can make our home as enjoyable as you both have made your home. When we return, we will look forward to seeing you and showing you our pictures.

With much love,

Jane



To your maid or matron of honor:

Dear Kimberly,

I cannot begin to express my feelings to you for being a part of my wedding. You helped me so much with my wedding plans and keeping me calm during the process. You are a true friend. I love the beautiful crystal candlesticks you sent. John and I will enjoy many romantic evenings using them. Thanks again for your valued friendship and I look forward to continuing our “ladies out” nights.

Love,

Jane


To a wedding guest:

Dear Peggy and Joe:

It was truly a pleasure to see you at our wedding and being a part of our celebration. Thank you so much for the beautiful tablecloth and napkins. They are perfect and we will be reminded of you when we use them. We will enjoy them for years to come.

Love,

John and Jane


For those who could not make the wedding but sent a gift, it would be nice to enclose a wedding photo of you and your husband along with the thank you note.

Happy writing!