It’s time to have an honest conversation about etiquette and manners. The art of Thank You has been lost. In a fast-moving world of technology, people think a text, e-mail or status update is enough. And although it’s better than nothing, it is NOT enough. GRATITUDE is so very important. I hope you don’t think I’m on a soapbox. I’m here to tell you this because weddings are emotionally charged. They can often cause stress and unnecessarily hurt feelings. You won’t make everyone happy. Which is all the more reason to say thank you often and properly to show your appreciation for those who support and love you!
Now that I’ve said this. Let’s get down to business. HOW to write a thank you note (I’m sharing a super simple formula so you never have to worry about what to say) and where to get really cute ones ( you know, because presentation is half the message)
My formula is simple and effective. A salutation, a thank you for said gift, a personalized anecdote (a usually short narrative of an interesting, amusing, or biographical incident) and a signature. Seems pretty easy, right? Almost foolproof, if you ask us! Here is a sample:
Dear Name,
Thanks so much for making the trip over to attend our wedding! We appreciate your support and can’t thank you enough for the Kitchen Aid mixer. It’s been a wish list item for what seems like forever and we can’t wait to make our first batch of cookies with it! As we embark on this new journey, your support and love means the world to us. Thank you again for being present at our wedding.
Lots of love,
The newlyweds (both of you should put your signature on the card)
Side note: The GIFT of their presence at your wedding is enough. They should receive thanks for their efforts to attend. Anything beyond that is a bonus and should also be noted.
We know that it takes time to handwrite thank you notes to all of your guests. But, your words need to be seen. Your guests need to know you are gracious and thankful. There is really no exception to this rule. It’s a “just do it” moment. Oh, and did we mention it needs to be done within three months of the wedding. I can hear you groaning now. Ha!
Run to the store and pick-up some fun pens. Get pretty stamps. And purchase thank you cards that you would love to receive. It will make it a more tolerable task. And I can assure you that you’ll be feeling the love when you’re done. That’s the great think about gratitude. It makes the heart feel lighter.
The super adorable Thank You notes above are from a fellow local Burlington, VT creative, Sugarhouse Stationery. We adore pretty paper goods and she does them so beautifully. Great quality, thoughtful design, and enough variety to suit many aesthetics. Get to shopping and tell her we sent you!
