Thank You Notes
- Etiquette and Wording Sample
by Cori
Locklin
Yes,
we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion
for gift-giving, as friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment
of the newly betrothed by showering them with wedding gifts. As the
happy couple, just remember to always feel privileged - not entitled.
Approach thank-you notes with as much thought and organization as
the rest of your wedding planning process.
Rules & Etiquette
 Send
thank you notes to acknowledge everything from place settings to gifts
of time or talent. Remember - a separate, handwritten note must be
sent for each wedding present or act of kindness. Start sending thank
yous as soon as gifts arrive, even if it is before your wedding (but
make sure to use your maiden name). Gifts that you receive on your
big day should be followed up with a thank you note no later than
one month after you return from your honeymoon (now you can use your
new last name). To ease the process, keep track of wedding gifts and
thank-you cards on the same list of names and addresses used for your
invitations. Personalize the thank you cards by ordering them with
your monogram or with a picture from your big day on the front.
What to Say
- Wording Samples
 Thank
you notes are written and signed by one person but should express
the gratitude of both the bride and the groom. ("Mike and I sincerely
appreciated...") Make direct reference to the gift itself. For monetary
gifts, indicate how the money will be used; whether to mention the
amount given is optional. Here are some suggested wording examples
to get you started:
To a close
friend or relative:
Dearest Aunt Sandy,
Thank you so much
for the generous gift. As you know, John and I have been saving for
a new home and your contribution will help greatly. We can't wait
to have you over for a housewarming party very soon! Thanks again
for thinking of us and for sharing in our special day.
To a more
distant friend, relative or business colleague:
Dear Mr. & Mrs.
Lee,
Thank you so much
for the lovely vase. It will go beautifully on our kitchen table,
and Meghan and I will think of you each time we use it. Thanks again
for sharing our joy.
To someone
who couldn't make it to the wedding but still sent a gift:
Dear Denise &
Chris,
 Thank
you both very much for completing our sterling place setting collection.
Martin and I look forward to using it at every special dinner we host.
We truly missed you both on our special day and look forward to seeing
you soon.
To someone
who wasn't invited to the wedding but sent a gift anyways:
Dear Lorie & Mike,
 Thank
you both so much for the thoughtful gift certificate. Amanda and I
look forward to purchasing new appliances for our kitchen with it.
Thanks again for thinking of us during this special time in our lives.
For a complete
guide to planning your wedding stationery, visit Elegala.com's complete
Wedding
Invitation and Stationery planning guide.
Article by Cori Locklin, editor-in-chief for Elegala.com
and Elegala Magazine (and a recent bride!). Elegala is a new wedding
planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior
wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning
tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on
today's wedding trends and styles. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cori_Locklin
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