Wedding Guide: How to Word Wedding Thank You Cards

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The wedding is finished and you can finally put your feet up and relax. Suddenly, you‘re reminded that you have one more major task to do before you can officially hang up your bridal veil – write wedding thank you cards!

Taking time to write thank you cards is an important final step in the wedding process. Each of your guests deserves recognition for the support they provided during this special time in your life. Unique wording for each thank you card allows you to express gratitude for the generous wedding gift you received.

Although hand-writing your wedding thank you cards can be a tedious and repetitive job, bringing on spurts of tendonitis, it is the perfect time to reminisce over each guest. Think about a joke you shared during the reception, something funny that happened at the wedding ceremony, or just how much you appreciate the distance they traveled to be at your wedding.

What to Include in your Note?

The purpose of a thank you card is to make the receiver feel warm and fuzzy. Writing a thank you card to tell someone how much you loved their gift and company at the wedding is personal and endearing.

If you are anything like me, you will probably find an example of a thank you card that speaks to you (potentially in one of my examples below) and use similar wording over and over again. Ensure you include small tweaks to personalize the note.

Okay, 4% of you (one being my husband) are going to write individualized thank you cards, but don’t hate me because I am efficient!

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Tips for How to Word Thank You Stationery

• First, thank the guest for the wedding gift!
• Use your imagination and describe how you will use the gift. Don’t be vague. You want them to know you are talking about their gift. Writing, “Thank you for your wonderful gift, we are very excited to use it in our new kitchen,” could be speaking about any gift. Make sure they know you are talking about their gift. For example, “Thank you for the wok, our nightly stir-fry meals taste so much better!”
• Four to five sentences are fine for thank you cards that are not sent to close family or friends.
• Write a sentence about how you enjoyed seeing them at the wedding. Try to include something you remember about them that day. This could be a funny joke they told, how nice they looked in a specific color dress, or their killer dance moves!
• If the guest sent you a gift, but were unable to attend in person, make sure to include regrets that they were not able to attend.
• Reference a future visit together and how you will use their gift. For example, “We look forward to having you over for a drink using our new wine glasses!”
• Finally, if you weren’t too fond of a gift you received, try to write primarily about the time at the wedding and less about the gift.

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How To Word Wedding Thank You Cards

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Example #1 – Guest who bought a gift from the bridal registry

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-87xtvq5′] Dear Natalie and Randy, Thank you so much for the set of mugs and salad plates. We now have the complete set for our new kitchen! We look forward to having you over and hosting dinner with our complete dish set. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts and look forward to seeing you soon. With love and thanks, Courtney and Jeremy [/av_promobox]

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Example #2 – Guest who did NOT give a gift from bridal registry

Mention how much you love the gift and how you can’t wait to use it regularly.

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-7q0x599′] Dear Auntie Pat, I was touched that you were able to fly in from Las Vegas for our wedding. I enjoyed having a chance to catch up with you, and Derrick was delighted to finally meet you. The Wusthof knife set and wooden block is such a thoughtful gift, and makes our new kitchen complete. It will come in very handy over the holidays for many years to come. I do hope we’ll be able to spend one of those holidays together soon. It was lovely seeing you at the wedding and thank you again for the wonderful gift. Lots of love, Abigail and Derrick [/av_promobox]

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Example #3 – For guests who gave a monetary gift

You don’t have to write the dollar amount, but let them know how you will use the money.

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-6yogwhp’] Dear Joan and Eddie, Thank you so much for your generous gift. Andrew and I will be putting it towards our honeymoon fund, so that we are able to take our dream trip to Fiji next year. We are very fortunate to have you both in our lives, and to share our big day. It really wouldn’t have been the same without you at our wedding. We really appreciate you traveling from Fargo to be part of our day. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness. Love, Meredith and Andrew [/av_promobox]

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Example #4 – For friends/coworkers that pooled resources for a group gift

Send each a thank you card, mentioning the ‘group gift’.

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-6mgjplp’] Dear Kyra, Thank you very much for the monogrammed decanters you gave us for our bar area in our new home. William and I can’t wait to host holiday parties for years to come. You are all such a wonderful group to work with and I really appreciate each and every one of you. Sincerely, Kristen and William Boyd [/av_promobox]

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Example #5 – For a guest you do not know very well

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-64ktucd’] Dear Margaret and Ben, Thank you for the beautiful crystal frame that you sent Sarah and I for a wedding gift. We look forward to putting one of our wedding photos in it to cherish it for years to come. It was great to finally have met both of you, and we appreciate the fact that you were able to attend and share our special day with us. Warmest thanks, Colin Smith [/av_promobox]

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Example #6 – For a guest who sent a gift, but wasn’t able to attend the wedding

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-5uejyzh’] Dear Peter and Cynthea, Thank you so much for the lovely set of bath towels that you sent. They are beautiful, plush, and perfect for after a hot bath. We missed you on our big day but we promise to send you lots of pictures. Thank you again for the gift and your warm wishes! Sincerely, Barbara and Paul Mccaskill [/av_promobox]

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Example #7 – Wording for a guest who gave a charitable donation

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-55i5ql9′] Dear Auntie Pearl, Thank you so very much for your thoughtful donation to Orangutan Foundation International. After traveling to Indonesia we both feel very strongly and passionately about this organization, and we are so touched that you remembered our wishes on our special day. Thank you so much for sharing our special day with us. Much love, Susie and Rich [/av_promobox]

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Example #8 – Wedding Thank You Wording for Your Bridal Party

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-4rwtkhp’] Dear Casandra, I must thank you so much for being my maid of honor and for being part of my big day. The wedding wouldn’t have been the same without your kindness and support and everything that you did. I will never forget it! Thank you so much again! Much love, Lily [/av_promobox]

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Example #9 – Wedding Thank You Note Wording for Your Vendors

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-4944abh’] Dear Sue, Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and wedding planning expertise for our recent wedding. You made our entire wedding planning process run smooth and made sure that nothing was out of place — everything looked absolutely perfect! We owe it all to you and your wonderful team. I look forward to recommending your services to all my friends and telling them what a great job you did! Thank you so much again, Carol and Mark [/av_promobox]

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Example #10 – Wording for Guests Who Attended your Destination Wedding

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-43g7bml’] Dear Regina and Paul We can’t thank you enough for journeying so far to be a part of our destination wedding in Maui. We know it was a long trip, and we are so grateful to have been able to share our most special moment with you. Your love and support will be cherished forever. Thank you, Shannon and Tyler [/av_promobox]

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Example #11 – Thank You Card Wording for a Gift You Want to Exchange/Return

It is always best to keep quiet about gifts you have exchanged or plan to return. In such cases, you don’t need to broadcast the situation or say how you’ll use it, instead just talk about the lovely gift.

However, there are some circumstances that you may not have a choice and must admit to the gift giver that you won’t be keeping the gift, so as to avoid any future embarrassing moments. Here is the wording on how you might approach this situation.

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-3myuq59′] Dear Jeff, Quinn and I want to thank you so much for the Sodastream maker. It is a wonderful gift and a great kitchen appliance, but we have to admit that it’s a kitchen gadget we already own — and love! As you very thoughtfully included the receipt, we have exchanged it for the sodastream refills instead, which will keep us going for months to come. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and sharing our wedding day celebration. Best Always, Quinn and Morgan [/av_promobox]

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Example #12 – Wedding Thank You Card wording for a gift you don’t like / can’t return

Lead with a positive tone, but don’t be fake or over-the-top commenting on the gift.

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-33ixjdp’] Dear Grandpa, Thank you so much for the handmade wood carving. It reminds me so much of you and when I used to come stay over the summer as a child. I’m grateful to have one of my own. We know it was a long trip, and we can’t thank you enough for making it. We are blessed to have shared our big day with you. Love, Lizzy [/av_promobox]

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Example #13 – Flower Girl Thank You Card Wording

[av_promobox button=’no’ label=’Click me’ link=’manually,http://’ link_target=” color=’theme-color’ custom_bg=’#444444′ custom_font=’#ffffff’ size=’large’ icon_select=’no’ icon=’ue800′ font=’entypo-fontello’ box_color=” box_custom_font=’#ffffff’ box_custom_bg=’#444444′ box_custom_border=’#333333′ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av_uid=’av-8m7rnh’] Dear Kathleen, Peter and I would like to thank you so much for being our wonderful flower girl! You did such a fantastic job and you stole everyone’s heart as you led the way down the aisle scattering petals and showing off your sunny smile. We were so lucky to have you as part of our wedding. Thank you for helping make our wedding day extra special. We hope you like your special thank you gift. Lots of love, Auntie Karen & Uncle Pete [/av_promobox]

Closings and Signing off

Make sure to sign your thank you notes with a warm closing.

The following are all appropriate to use for close friends and family:

• “Love”
• “With love”
• “Lots of love”
• “Love Always”
• “Much love to you”
• “Love and thanks”

Some good choices for friends of your parents or work friends:

• “Sincerely”
• “Best”
• ” Yours Truly”
• “Fondly”
• “Warmest Thanks”
• “Gratefully”
• “Best Always”

Signatures

Back in the old country, it was traditional for the author of the card to sign the card. Nowadays, some couples choose to sign the card using each of their names. Whatever floats your boat!

Just make sure that if you both sign the bottom of the card, you write the card in first person plural. For example, “We were thrilled that you were able to attend our wedding.”

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Do’s and (One) Don’t

• Do put your new return address on all thank you cards.
• Do thank guests in separate cards for separate presents. If you receive a shower gift from a family member, and then 2 weeks later receive a wedding gift, it is not appropriate to thank them for both gifts using one card.
• Do use either black or blue ink to write your wedding thank you cards.
• Do try and use the word ‘you’ more than ‘I’ or ‘me’ when writing out your notes. Do not start the note with the word ‘I’.
• Do splurge on thank you stationery (within reason). As a newlywed couple you want to be proud of your married status. Buy some luxury thank you cards. Better yet, get them monogrammed with your newlywed initials!
• Do try to follow tradition. In general the woman’s name should go first. If you are planning on using your full names it should be “Kristen and Thomas” or initials “K+T” or “K&T”. Same sex couples: time to play a crucial game of rock-paper-scissors!
• Do evenly split the thank you card writing task. The groom can write his share of thank you cards as well.
• Do set a date for when you want your thank you cards finished. Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way!
• Do send both sets of parents a thank you card and acknowledge their support, love, and any money they provided to pull off this once in a life time event. If you have any money left over in your wedding budget, sending thank you flowers is also nice.
• Do thank your wedding vendors. They appreciate handwritten notes and love sharing them with future clients. Try and send thank you notes to vendors within a month after the wedding.
• DO NOT send a pre-printed thank you card (except in special circumstances). Thank you cards are a handwritten expression of gratitude for attending your wedding and how much you appreciate a wedding gift.

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I hope this makes the process of ordering, sending, and how to word wedding thank you cards a little less painful.

So, what’s next?

Oh, we’ve got no shortage of things to do around here…

• Brush up on your wedding thank you card etiquette!
• If you need a refresher on how to address your thank you cards, check out our article on how to address your save-the-dates.
• Find out how to properly preserve your wedding dress after the wedding.