Thank You Notes

It is good manners to send thank you notes after receiving engagement and wedding gifts. Always remember that no matter how small or large the gift, it is the thought that counts. 

To make it easy, keep a master list of the gifts that your receive. This can be done by recording every gift as it is opened. Include on the list the date received, the gift and the person who sent it. 

The wording can be short. You can use standard phrases in some places, but it should be personalize to each of your wedding guests, especially to close family and friends. The guests should be thanked for attending the wedding, and for their good wishes and always mention the gift. 

If a gift has been given jointly by two or three people, write to each person separately. However, for a gift given by a large group of people such as work friends, you can write just one card and address it to every one as a whole. 

For gifts received before the wedding, a card should be sent within two weeks of receiving it. For guests who have given gifts on your wedding day or soon after, send a thank you card within three months after you have returned from your honeymoon. 

The thank you notes don't have to be printed up to match your invitations, they could be hand written (if you have small number of guests) or you could purchase store bought cards.

Tips

Always mention the gift in the notes, for example “Thank you for the lovely vase, it goes well in my dining room and will take pride of place. Love from Helen”

If you have received money, you should mention how you are to use the money but don’t mention the amount they gave, for example “Thank you for your generous gift, it will help towards the purchase of some furniture. Affectionately, Helen”

Etiquette for a wedding that has been called off.

If your wedding has been canceled, it is standard etiquette to return all the gifts including any cash gifts.