Stuck on how to word your wedding thank you notes? We get it–it’s challenging to put into words the gratitude you and your partner have for the attendance at your wedding and the wonderful gifts that accompanied your guest. Plus, it can take a lot of time and effort, especially when you have many wedding thank you cards to write.
Showing your appreciation and thanks with the proper wedding thank you card etiquette can make a huge impact on those who were in attendance on your wedding day. This is why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you put together beautifully written wedding thank you cards for your family and friends with wedding thank you wording examples and ideas.
Let’s start writing!
Modern Vintage by Emily Betts
What to Include on a Wedding Thank You Note
Include all names
When addressing your thank you cards, be sure to include the names of all individuals within the party/household. For example, if both your aunt and uncle attended you should address the card accordingly. If your best friend attended and brought a plus one, address the card to both of them even if you aren’t well acquainted with the guest.
Be specific about the gift
If your guest gave you a gift–whether from the registry, something they chose themselves, or cash and other monetary gifts–be sure to mention the specific gift in your thank you card.
Making note of the gift helps to verify that you received the right gift, as well as makes it clear you’re putting effort into your cards, rather than writing the same thing for every guest. You can try adding how the gift will be used for a more personalized touch.
Luster by Stacey Meacham
Add a personalized note
Taking the time to add a personalized note makes your thank you card that much more special. Adding a specific anecdote or memorable moment from your wedding will show your gratitude and truly showcase the importance of the individual's attendance.
Of course, this might not always be possible, but doing your best can make your guests feel special and appreciated.
Thank them for attending!
Be sure to take the time to express your gratitude for your guest’s attendance–not just a gift. Not everyone you invite will be able to come, so acknowledging the time, effort, and expense it took to get there is both polite and kind.
Curves by Amy Payne
Sign the card from both parties
When you're writing a thank-you card to your wedding guests, it's important to keep up with proper wedding etiquette and to sign the card from both parties. Whether you decide to write each thank-you by hand, or use a digital template for the task, keep this simple rule in mind: both names should appear on every card.
You can still get creative with how you word everything else.
Address them properly
Like your wedding invitations, make sure you address your guests properly. Guests’ names should be written in full on mailing envelopes (title, first name, middle name (optional), and last name) and try to avoid initials or nicknames.
That being said, if you’re writing a thank you note to your sibling or best friend, a nickname can be appropriate!
Read our Envelopes 101 Guide for instructions on how to address all of your wedding envelopes.
Pro tip: At Minted, we offer free guest addressing on thank you cards, so there is no need to write out the addresses to those you sent invitations to once again! Simply use your Minted Address book when you place your order and save your hand a lot of writing.
Overlapping by Amy Kross
Wedding Thank You Card Wording Examples
General Wedding Thank You Example
You can send a general thank you note to guests, regardless if they bought a gift or not. You can make it more personal by adding an anecdote or memory from the wedding. Tailor it as you please!
Example:
We are both so grateful that you could be a part of our special day. Your presence at our wedding means the world to us both! We loved how much fun you had out on the dance floor. We hope that you had as much as we did!
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Gifts from the Registry
Most guests will use your registry when purchasing a gift for your wedding. Creating a list and updating it frequently will help keep you organized when it comes time to send your thank yous.
Example:
Thank you so much for the beautiful wine glasses from [insert store name]. Having a complete set will make our wine down time so much more special. We can’t wait for you to visit sometime and enjoy a drink with us. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness and joining us to celebrate!
Branchlet by Sarah Brown
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Gifts not on the Registry
Sometimes you may get gifts that weren’t on your registry. You don’t have to rave about the item, but instead focus on the gift giver either by mentioning a memorable moment or by just mentioning something positive about the gift.
Example:
[Partner’s name] and I would like to express our gratitude for your wonderful gift. The tea cups are such a lovely addition to our home and we’ll always think of you when we use them!
Thank you so much for being a part of our special day and helping out with the bubble machine. You helped make our day extra special!
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Cash Gifts
Cash gifts are common wedding presents and should still be acknowledged when sending thank you cards to your guests. When writing a thank you note for cash gifts, you do not need to mention the specific amount, or whether it was cash or check.
Example:
Thank you so much for being a part of our very special day. Your generous gift was so thoughtful and we both appreciate your kindness so much!
Because of your considerate gift we were able to enjoy a private wine tour on our honeymoon! You helped create long lasting memories for us even after our big day! Thank you so much again.
Simple Seashell by Hannah Bowman
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Gift Cards
Much like cash gifts, gift cards can still be acknowledged. Again–no need to mention how much the gift card was for.
Example:
Thank you for your generous gift card to [store name]. We are so excited to pick out something special.
Thank you so much for being able to be a part of our very special day. Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without you!
Wedding Thank You Note Example for “Fund” Gifts
Some couples may set up a “fund” in their registry that helps go towards a honeymoon or future home. Again, do not include a specific amount in your thank you note.
Example:
Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding with us. Your generous gift towards our house fund is so appreciated.
We are just so grateful for your presence and for the thoughtful gift. You will always be a part of our wedding memories!
Signed by JoAnn Jinks
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Donations
Some couples may request a donation be given to a charity that holds a special place in their hearts. You can thank your guests for their donations in your wedding thank you card.
Example:
Thank you so much for taking time to celebrate our wedding with us. Your generous donation to [charity name] was so thoughtful and appreciated.
Your contribution to this special charity will make a huge difference and means the world to us. We hope that we can get together soon and create some new memories.
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Guests Who Didn’t Give a Gift
You may have guests that attend your wedding but don’t give a gift. You can still send a thank you card to them acknowledging their presence and thanking them for taking the time to be a part of your special day.
Example:
We are so thankful you joined us at our wedding. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to celebrate our special day. It was wonderful to see you and we hope to catch up soon over dinner!
poetique by Kate Ahn
Wedding Thank You Note Example for Guests Who Sent a Gift But Couldn’t Attend
Sometimes people might not be able to attend but will still send a gift in their absence. Sending a thank you note will truly show your appreciation. Mentioning how much they were missed during the wedding will be a nice touch to the wedding thank you card.
Example:
Thank you so much for the beautiful wine glasses. It was so thoughtful and kind of you to think of us and to be so generous.
[Partner’s name] and I truly missed you on our wedding day. We hope to be able to celebrate with you sometime soon!
Special Wedding Thank Yous For
Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party plays a huge role during your wedding. Taking the time to acknowledge and show gratitude for their part (from various maid of honor duties to the best man’s speech)will really make them feel even more special. Since these are your closest friends, including more personal touches are important here.
If you’d also like to add a separate note on personalized stationery to your party member (in addition to the thank you note for the gift), you can do that as well.
And of course, don’t forget to get your bridesmaid gifts and groomsmen gifts well before the wedding!
Example:
Dear [ member of wedding party ],
Thank you so much for the beautiful and generous gift, as well as playing such a huge role in our wedding day. Having you by our side through everything means more than you can imagine, and we wouldn’t have wanted to do it without you.
You really made our wedding day so special with your love and care. Here’s to more memorable moments!
Cordially,
[ Your names ]
Your Wedding Vendors & Suppliers
In the hustle and bustle of putting together your thank you cards, don’t overlook your wedding vendors and suppliers. Thank them for their specific contribution to your wedding.
Example:
Dear [ vendor or supplier ],
We want to thank you for capturing our most precious day with the beautiful photographs you took. We will treasure these photographs forever.
You truly captured our vision and these memories will stay with us forever. We are so thankful that you could be part of our wedding day.
Sincerely,
[ Your names ]
Succulent Party Favors in Burlap by Surfside Succulents
Your Parents
To make your thank you card to your parents even more special and meaningful, try adding a fond moment from your wedding in your card. If they contributed to the wedding with a gift or by paying for part of the wedding, be sure to include that as well.
Example:
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thank you for all your love and support you have shown to both me and [ partner’s name ]. Our wedding day was so special because of your presence.
Your heartfelt toast is something we will always remember and cherish. We hope that your guiding light will continue to shine in our marriage.
Love,
[ Your names ]
FAQs
When to send out your wedding thank you note
You might be stuck on when to send out your thank you cards, especially since not all wedding timelines are the same. However, when it comes to these special thank you notes, the earlier you send them out the better.
If you receive a wedding gift prior to the actual wedding, it is recommended that you send a thank you card within two weeks. Gifts received after the wedding, you can send a thank you card within a three-month time period, though the closer to the wedding the better.
Writing and preparing your thank you notes may seem like a daunting task but there are some great methods you can incorporate to help make the process more seamless and easy. First, don’t try to finish them in one sitting. Instead, you can set aside a certain amount of time each night to work on your thank you cards. Tackling your thank you cards in batches is effective and will make the process much more simple.
Splitting up the task between the couple will help make the process go by faster. Remember that if you split up the cards, that each individual should still sign each card so that both of your names are still present on the thank you card.
How to best track gifts from wedding guests
Organization throughout the wedding process can really help make certain aspects much less stressful. You can create a spreadsheet of the guest list with addresses as soon as you send out invites.
This will help you in tracking gifts as soon as you start receiving them because you may receive gifts before the actual wedding day. Your spreadsheet should include the date you received the gift, what you received, when you sent your card, and any helpful notes/comments.
Handwriting vs. typing thank you notes
When it comes to wedding thank you cards, handwritten notes are much preferred. A handwritten card feels more personable and thoughtful.
A thank you card doesn’t have to be lengthy, a couple of sentences will suffice. Something short and personable can still make a huge impact and go a long way in showing your gratitude.
Match your stationery to your wedding invitation suite
For a beautiful touch, you can match your wedding thank you card to your wedding invitation suite. Minted offers a wide variety of unique designs by independent artists to help make your cards feel special, you’re sure to find the perfect wedding thank you card that will make you and your guests smile.
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