The Truth About Thank You Cards

I recently went to a function for my college and was chatting with a friend who knew I was a wedding planner. She described a recent wedding she went to that left her feeling slightly less than stellar but what really struck me was her description of the Thank You card. I know that writing letters and sending them in the mail is becoming a lost art. I also know that there are several traditional features of weddings that are falling off entirely. But let me say very frankly that there is no excuse for not promptly sending a well written thank you card.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR A BAD THANK YOU CARD!

Okay, yeah yeah. I'm sure you're still asking...

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Though somedays it feels like we forgot the truth is that weddings, and marriages, are about
community. The purpose of a wedding is to gather those that have supported you as a couple and who will continue to support you through your marriage and thank them for what they have done and what they will do to help you be a great couple, friend, parent, and person. They bring you gifts that ease the finical burden of starting your life as a couple. They offer hugs and words of encouragement. They bring wisdom from their years of marriage or look to you for guidance on how to start a new life with a partner. For all these reasons and more: thank them.

OK, BUT HOW?

Writing a thank you card is fun and easy!

1. First, address them by name.
2. Thank them for coming and for the gift they brought.
3. Tell them how you will be using it.
4. Thank them again.
5. Sign your name.

Example: 

Hey Karen, 

We loved seeing you at our wedding!  Thank you for our cookie cutters! With the holidays right around the corner, I can see us using these to make our first batch of homemade cookies as a couple! Thank you again, it meant so much to John and I for you to share such a special day with us! 

All the best, 

Jane

DONE!

PS – Writing thank you notes is fun but does take time – tart on the ones from your bridal shower immediately and set goals each weekend to be sure they go out to guests in a timely manner!