If you’re having trouble writing thank you notes, here’s the key: remember the three-sentence rule.
The importance of a thank you note can never be underestimated. How else can you really let family and friends know you appreciate their efforts in helping you celebrate this exciting chapter in your lives? Whether the presents you receive are on your registry or not, or you get the always universally appealing gift of cash, you should show them your appreciation properly. Here’s how.
If you’re having trouble writing thank you notes, here’s the key: remember the three-sentence rule. Well, it’s not a rule, but you want to include at least three sentences to make it substantial. Here’s a breakdown if you’re still at a loss for words.
1. Thank you for the _________________.
Getting specific makes the note less generic. If they spent the time picking something out, mention the item when you thank them for it.
2. We look forward to using it when we ____________________.
This keeps it personal. “Thank you for the KitchenAid” is nice, but “Thank you for the KitchenAid. We can’t wait to use it when we host Sunday morning brunch!” is better. Another point to remember: if you say something like “the vase you got us will look gorgeous on my hutch” that it is indeed on display when they come over.
If you received cash, letting the person know you’re putting it towards that fancy dinner on your honeymoon is better than saying nothing, so they know it’s not going towards your weekly grocery shopping spree or dry cleaning.
3. Can’t wait to see you at ________________.
Or, if you know you won’t be seeing them anytime soon, close with hoping they had a great time at your wedding.
Of course, if they couldn’t attend but still sent a gift, the thank you note is the perfect time to mention how sorry you were they couldn’t be there, but that you’ll be reminded of them every time you use their gift. And if they weren’t invited but still sent a present, a note of appreciation with attention to their generosity, is always classy.
If space allows, bring it back to your relationship — what it means to you, and how special they are in your (now combined) lives.
No matter what, get thank you notes out in a timely fashion. While guests technically have a year to get you something, you don’t want to spend the whole 1st year as a newlywed worried about the notes and spending time on your couch writing them. Get them out as soon as you can — you’ll be happy when you can cross this off your post-wedding to-do list, and then you can start enjoying all of the goodies you got!
If you’re a detail-oriented couple, consider having a local stationer help you make gorgeous custom thank-you notes! We love Epitome Papers, A Milestone Paper, Ginger P., and Ivory Isle Designs to name a few.
