Many people procrastinate on the task of writing thank you notes. It does not need to be
overwhelming. Every gift should be promptly acknowledged. Proper etiquette says that
you have one year to do this, but why have this little chore hanging over your head when
there are more fun things to do in the first year of your marriage? The quicker it’s done,
the easier it is, and friends and relatives will appreciate your acknowledgement of their
gift.
The first point to remember is that nowhere in the Ten Commandments does it
state that writing thank you notes is the exclusive job of the bride. Your groom will be
enjoying those gifts as much as you and should be prepared to lend his assistance without
the need for prodding or reminding. Divide the job as you will with other responsibilities
in your life together, and the task will only be half as big.
Hopefully, you have both learned the easy art of writing thank you notes long
before this big event in your lives. It’s easy and can be a fun way to communicate with
your gift givers.
Only three or four sentences are needed to compose your note - more if you
want. It is as simple as “Thank you for the gift. We are looking forward to using it
(specify the object). It was great to see you at our wedding (shower).” Three sentences
and you’ve completed what is required. However, it’s easy to add much more by saying
that you loved the color; the size was perfect; you really wanted this. If the gift was
money, state what you hope to do with it: “We are hoping to buy a new home”; “we
want to purchase a grill for our new patio”. People will feel good about their
contribution and knowing what you intend to use the money for. Avoid saying, “we will
pay off some bills with it”. Another comment about wishing to have spent more time
with them at the wedding or plans to see them soon makes for a warm, fuzzy note.
Remember that it’s okay for many notes to say very similar things. Aunt Matilda
will not be seeing friend John’s note. Make a sincere attempt to finish the shower thank
you notes before the wedding. Life will be so much easier.
Remember all those who have helped to make your day special. Your
bridesmaids have contributed in many ways to help you. Possibly an aunt, grandmother,
neighbor or co-worker has helped you in a special way. Vendors (florist, bridal salon,
cake baker, venue coordinator, seamstress, photographer, band or DJ) all of these have
worked hard to make your day special. Please don’t forget all that your parents have
done. Each of these people deserves and appreciates a special note or gift
acknowledging their service.
Thank you notes are not a task to be dreaded. Break the job down into writing a
few each day, enlist the help of your partner (don’t be critical of his writing skills) and
the task will be done pronto. You will be off to do more fun things. Happy writing!
overwhelming. Every gift should be promptly acknowledged. Proper etiquette says that
you have one year to do this, but why have this little chore hanging over your head when
there are more fun things to do in the first year of your marriage? The quicker it’s done,
the easier it is, and friends and relatives will appreciate your acknowledgement of their
gift.
The first point to remember is that nowhere in the Ten Commandments does it
state that writing thank you notes is the exclusive job of the bride. Your groom will be
enjoying those gifts as much as you and should be prepared to lend his assistance without
the need for prodding or reminding. Divide the job as you will with other responsibilities
in your life together, and the task will only be half as big.
Hopefully, you have both learned the easy art of writing thank you notes long
before this big event in your lives. It’s easy and can be a fun way to communicate with
your gift givers.
Only three or four sentences are needed to compose your note - more if you
want. It is as simple as “Thank you for the gift. We are looking forward to using it
(specify the object). It was great to see you at our wedding (shower).” Three sentences
and you’ve completed what is required. However, it’s easy to add much more by saying
that you loved the color; the size was perfect; you really wanted this. If the gift was
money, state what you hope to do with it: “We are hoping to buy a new home”; “we
want to purchase a grill for our new patio”. People will feel good about their
contribution and knowing what you intend to use the money for. Avoid saying, “we will
pay off some bills with it”. Another comment about wishing to have spent more time
with them at the wedding or plans to see them soon makes for a warm, fuzzy note.
Remember that it’s okay for many notes to say very similar things. Aunt Matilda
will not be seeing friend John’s note. Make a sincere attempt to finish the shower thank
you notes before the wedding. Life will be so much easier.
Remember all those who have helped to make your day special. Your
bridesmaids have contributed in many ways to help you. Possibly an aunt, grandmother,
neighbor or co-worker has helped you in a special way. Vendors (florist, bridal salon,
cake baker, venue coordinator, seamstress, photographer, band or DJ) all of these have
worked hard to make your day special. Please don’t forget all that your parents have
done. Each of these people deserves and appreciates a special note or gift
acknowledging their service.
Thank you notes are not a task to be dreaded. Break the job down into writing a
few each day, enlist the help of your partner (don’t be critical of his writing skills) and
the task will be done pronto. You will be off to do more fun things. Happy writing!
