The Complete Guide to Writing Wedding Thank-You Cards

What to Include in Wedding Thank You Cards

Address the guest. Open your thank you note with a friendly greeting to whoever you’re writing to. Make sure to include all the names of those who gave you the gift. Address the guest(s) in whatever way feels best. For instance, you may address a card to your brother and his girlfriend with only first names, while you address your elderly neighbors as Mr. and Mrs.

Say thank you. Begin the bulk of your message with “Thank you for…” There’s no need to get too fancy. Simply put your gratitude into words. For example, you might write, “Thank you so much for…” or “We greatly appreciate the gift—thank you!”

Name the gift. Make sure you state what you were given in your message. Typically, you can do this right after saying thank you. This way, the guest(s) can recall what they gave you. You could write something like, “Thank you so much for the toaster oven,” or “We greatly appreciate the embroidered towels.”

Say something about the gift. Add a bit of personal flare to your thank you card by explaining what you’ll use the gift for. This is an excellent way to express gratitude and make the gift-giver(s) feel special. For example, you might say, “Thank you so much for the toaster oven. We can’t wait to set it up in our new home!” or “We greatly appreciate the embroidered towels. I’ve always dreamed of having a fancy set to lay out when guests are over.”

End with an appreciative sign-off. Close the letter with another “thank you” and a warm goodbye. Keep it short and sweet, and make sure your closing matches your relationship with the guest(s). For instance, you may say, “Thanks again! See you soon!” if you’re writing to a sibling you see often, but you could write, “Thank you again for thinking of us! Sending you the best,” to a neighbor or distant relative.

Wedding Thank You Card Examples

For someone who got something on your registryDear [Guest Names],Thank you so much for the blender! [Your Partner’s Name] and I are smoothie fanatics, and your gift is the perfect way for us to make our post-workout treat. It was so great seeing you both at the wedding—we hope to see you again soon! Thank you again!With love, [Your Names]

For someone who gave a monetary giftDear [Guest Names],We cannot thank you enough for your generous wedding gift. Thanks to you, we can take our dream trip to Hawaii! We seriously cannot thank you enough.Love,[Your Names]

For a group giftDear [Guest Names],Thank you for the season tickets! [Your Partner’s Name] and I are so excited to meet up with you all this year to see all of our favorite shows. We’re so lucky to have such thoughtful and caring friends like you!Love,[Your Names]

For people you don’t know wellDear [Guest Names],Thank you for the beautiful piece of art. It will be absolutely stunning on our new mantel, and the bright colors are an instant mood booster. It was great seeing you at the wedding—my grandmother has always spoken so highly of you. We hope to see you again in the near future.With love,[Your Names]

For a gift you don’t loveDear [Guest Names],Thank you for the coffee maker! Whenever we brew our morning Joe, we’ll think of you and remember our special day. Sending so much love your way!Best,[Your Names]

Wedding Thank-You Note Etiquette

Handwrite your cards. While typing up a thank you card may be easier and quicker, a handwritten note shows that you put in an effort. A digital or typed card can come across as impersonal, so add that extra loving touch by handwriting all your cards. Know that it’s okay if you can’t physically handwrite your cards. Do what’s best for you and your abilities.

Include all contributing names in the card. Put all the names of the gifters on the card if there’s more than one. While the exterior of the card can be addressed to a “family,” make sure to write out every family member’s name on the inside.

Mail your thank-you notes within 3 months. Aim to send out your wedding thank you cards within 3 months of the wedding. The sooner, the better, so plan on getting the cards ready after your honeymoon. If you receive gifts before the wedding, aim to send out thank you cards 2 weeks before the big day.

Wedding Thank-You Dos & Don’ts

Do prepare everything in advance. Have your stationery ready to go even before the wedding. This way, you can find something you love that matches your theme. Plus, this ensures you won’t be scrambling to piece everything together at the last minute.

Do work in batches. There’s no need to get every card done at once! Set yourself a goal to work on a handful of cards each night. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.

Do keep detailed notes. The more organized you are, the easier writing the cards will be. When you and your partner open presents, keep a list of who gave you what. Make sure this list is in a safe place to reference later, like your phone or on your desk.

Don’t mention monetary values. If you were gifted money for your special day, avoid mentioning in your note how much you were given. This can come across as braggy. Instead, do mention how you’ll use the money instead. Maybe you plan on taking a fun trip with your spouse or making a down payment on a home. There’s some controversy about this within the wedding community. Some experts recommend avoiding a sum in your thank you card, while others suggest including it. Do whatever feels right to you.

Don’t forget those who helped you plan. Wedding thank you cards don’t have to be just for those who sent you presents! Send your wedding planner, photographer, and/or caterer a card. If someone helped you on your special day, send them a token of your appreciation. Also, send thank-you notes to guests who attended the ceremony and/or reception, even if they didn't get you a gift.

Don’t do it alone. Who says thank you card writing is a one-person job? Ask your spouse, friends, or family members to help you get the job done. You and your spouse can write the cards, and your friends and family can help you organize and mail everything out.