THANK YOU

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!