9 to 12 months in advance
Tips on Thank-you Notes
You should have all of your thank-you notes written within three months of the receipt of each gift—at the most. Grooms are expected to share in this task.
- A separate handwritten thank-you note must be sent for each wedding present you receive.
- Every thank-you note should include a reference to the present itself. Express your appreciation for the thought and effort, and never let on when you dislike a gift.
- It is inappropriate to send pre-printed thank-you cards with no personal message added.
- When you write a thank-you note for a duplicate gift that you have exchanged, simply thank the giver for the original present.
- Aim to get notes out immediately, as you receive gifts. Write notes prior to the wedding for those gifts you receive ahead of time. Otherwise, you’ll have that many more to write when you return from your honeymoon.
- Write neatly.
- Three to five sentences is plenty.
- Have note cards or stationery and stamps on hand so you are prepared to write.
- If it will help you be more prompt, address the thank-you note card envelopes in advance.
Where’s the thank-you note?
By far, the most common complaint from wedding guests has to do with thank-you notes. A guest goes through the effort of selecting a gift, having it wrapped, and shipping it to the couple. Then nothing. Months pass. Was the gift received? Why hasn’t a note been written? Be considerate of your guests—write your thank-you notes and write them promptly.
< Go back
