How to Write Wedding Thank-You Cards

Your thank-you cards don’t need to be long; they need to be sincere, specific, and timely. Keep the focus on the guest and the generosity they showed, and mention how you’ll use their gift or how meaningful their presence was.

Essential tips before you start

• Start early and batch smart: Begin as gifts arrive and aim to write a few notes at a time to avoid burnout.
• Track everything: Maintain a simple spreadsheet or checklist with columns for guest names, gifts, dates received, and date sent.
• Personalize the salutation: Address each person who signed the card or contributed to the gift.
• Mention the gift by name: Specificity shows care—note the color, style, or intended use.
• Share a use case: One line on how you’ll enjoy the gift makes your note feel genuine.
• For monetary gifts: Don’t mention the amount. Instead, explain how you’ll put it to meaningful use.
• For presence only: Thank them for celebrating with you and for any travel or effort they made to attend.
• For group gifts: Send each contributor a separate note unless the gift came from one household.
• Keep stationery handy: Store cards, envelopes, stamps, and your guest list together so you can write quickly as gifts arrive.

Timing guidelines

• Pre-wedding gifts (engagement party, shower, registry purchases): Send within 2–3 weeks of receipt.
• Wedding gifts received on or after the big day: Aim for within 3 months. If you need more time, send them as soon as possible—late is better than not at all.
• Cash gifts and gift cards: Prioritize these first if possible; they can be acknowledged quickly with clear plans for use.

What to include in every note

• Greeting: Use names as signed on the card.
• Gratitude: Thank them for the gift or their presence.
• Specific detail: Name the gift and how you’ll use or enjoy it.
• Connection: Add a personal reference (wedding moment, travel effort, family tie, shared memory).
• Warm sign-off: Close with warmth, then sign both names.

Wedding Thank-You Note Wording Template

Use this flexible template for nearly any scenario. Personalize the bracketed parts and adjust tone to match your relationship with the recipient.

Quick variations

• Monetary gift: “Your generous gift will help us [honeymoon in … / save for a home / upgrade our kitchen], and we’re so grateful.”
• Experience gift: “We can’t wait to use the [spa day/restaurant voucher/concert tickets] for a special date—thank you for the memorable experience!”
• Presence only: “Having you with us truly made our day. Thank you for celebrating and for your kind wishes.”
• Group gift: “Please share our thanks with everyone who contributed—we’re thrilled to enjoy [the gift] for years to come.”

Wedding Thank-You Card Message Examples

Copy, customize, and send. These examples cover the most common gifts and situations you’ll encounter.

1) Registry gifts: household items and decor

• Cookware set: “Dear Maya and Jordan, thank you for the stainless-steel cookware set from our registry. We’ve already made Sunday pasta in the stockpot, and it’s perfect. Sharing our day with you meant so much—come over for dinner soon! With love, Ava and Theo.”
• Linens: “Dear Aunt Rosa, we love the linen duvet cover you chose. It’s exactly our style and so cozy. Your support through the planning process meant the world to us. Love, Dani and Chris.”
• Small appliance: “Dear Priya, thank you for the espresso machine. Our mornings are officially elevated! We’re so grateful you could celebrate with us. Warmly, Lena and Max.”

2) Cash or check gifts

• “Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nguyen, thank you for your generous wedding gift. We’re saving for a down payment, and your contribution brings us closer to our first home. We’re grateful for your kindness and thrilled you could join us. With appreciation, Alana and Reed.”
• “Dear Grandma, thank you for the thoughtful gift. We’ll use it for our honeymoon in Maui—ice cream on the beach is on us! We loved having you with us. Love, Nico and Jules.”

3) Gift cards

• “Dear Sam, thank you for the home store gift card. We’re picking out bar stools for the kitchen island, and we’ll think of you at every brunch. So glad you could celebrate with us! Cheers, Rowan and Elise.”
• “Dear Lila, your restaurant gift card is the perfect date night—thank you for treating us. We loved dancing with you at the reception! Love, Harper and Quinn.”

4) Experience gifts

• “Dear Uncle Leo, thank you for the cooking class! We can’t wait to learn fresh pasta techniques together. Your toast was unforgettable—we’re still smiling. Much love, Sienna and Marco.”
• “Dear friends, the concert tickets are such a fun surprise. We’ll share pictures from the night! Thank you for making our wedding weekend amazing. Love, Paige and Eli.”

5) Handmade or heirloom gifts

• “Dear Aunt Mei, the quilt you made is breathtaking. We’re honored to have something stitched by you and will cherish it for decades. Thank you for surrounding us with love on our wedding day. Love, Nora and Ben.”
• “Dear Dad, receiving Grandma’s cake server brought tears to our eyes. We’ll use it at every celebration. Thank you for trusting us with family history. Love always, Kat and Remy.”

6) Group gifts

• “Dear Team, thank you all for the stand mixer. We’re already planning cookie care packages for the office. Your support and friendship mean so much. Gratefully, The Newlyweds.”
• “Dear cousins, your group gift of luggage is perfect for our travels. We’ll think of you on every trip. We loved celebrating together! Love, Jamie and Noor.”

7) Off-registry gifts

• “Dear Mateo, the vintage barware set is such a cool surprise. It fits our home perfectly, and we can’t wait to mix cocktails for you. Thanks for tearing up the dance floor with us! Cheers, Wren and Cole.”
• “Dear Mrs. Alvarez, thank you for the botanical print. It looks beautiful in our hallway and reminds us of spring. We’re grateful for your thoughtfulness. Warmly, Aria and Lucas.”

8) No-gift guests (presence only)

• “Dear Tasha, having you celebrate with us was the best gift. Thank you for traveling to be there—we loved catching up on the patio. Sending love, Mira and Jonah.”
• “Dear neighbors, we’re so grateful you joined us for our ceremony and reception. Your sweet card and warm wishes meant so much. With thanks, Ivy and Miles.”

9) Late gifts or delayed notes

• “Dear Aunt Carol, thank you for the beautiful vase. We’re sorry for the delay in our note—we wanted to share that it’s on our dining table filled with peonies. We’re so grateful. Love, Bea and Rowan.”
• “Dear Omar, your generous gift arrived after the wedding, and we’re excited to put it toward a weekend getaway. Thank you for thinking of us! Warmly, Tali and Rene.”

10) Damaged or duplicate gifts

• “Dear Dev, thank you for the glassware set. It arrived with a small crack, but the store kindly exchanged it—we love the set and will use it often. We’re grateful for your thoughtfulness. Best, Hana and Jude.”
• “Dear Ella, we received two toasters and exchanged one for a blender—we’ll think of you during smoothie mornings. Thank you again for celebrating with us! Love, Poppy and Ash.”

11) Thank-yous to vendors and VIPs

• Officiant: “Dear Reverend Clark, thank you for crafting such a heartfelt ceremony. Your words perfectly reflected our story, and we’re deeply grateful. With appreciation, June and Rafael.”
• Planner: “Dear Morgan, you made the complex feel effortless. Our day was joyful and seamless because of you. Endless thanks, Pri and Theo.”
• Parents/hosts: “Dear Mom and Dad, thank you for your guidance and generosity. Our wedding was everything we hoped for because of your love. All our love, A & M.”

Wedding Thank-You Card Etiquette and Timing FAQs

Are wedding thank-you cards necessary?

Yes. Sending a thank-you note for every gift and to guests who attended is classic etiquette and a lasting sign of gratitude. If someone traveled, helped, or contributed time or skills, a note is especially meaningful.

What goes in a wedding thank-you note?

• Names of the recipient(s)
• A clear thank-you
• Specific mention of the gift or their presence
• How you’ll use/enjoy it or a personal connection
• A warm closing and signatures

How long should each note be?

Three to five short sentences are plenty. Focus on sincerity and specificity over length.

Handwritten or digital?

Handwritten notes are the gold standard. If a guest prefers digital communication or lives abroad with tricky mail service, a thoughtful email can supplement, but try to follow up with a mailed card when possible.

Do we need separate notes for couples and families?

Send one note per household if the gift is from the household. If multiple people from different addresses contributed, each contributor should receive a note.

Should we send a note if we thanked them in person?

Yes. A written note is still appropriate and appreciated, even if you expressed thanks at the event.

What if we don’t love the gift?

Keep the focus on the giver’s thoughtfulness and how you’ll enjoy the gift or its sentiment. There’s no need to comment on returns or exchanges in most cases.

How do we thank for services or help instead of a gift?

Be specific about what they did and how it impacted your day. Consider adding a photo or a printed snapshot of a shared moment to make it even more special.

Can we mention registries or future occasions?

A thank-you note is not the place to remind people of registries. It’s fine to say you look forward to seeing them soon or hosting them for dinner.

What about international guests?

Mail can be slow and postage higher. Send promptly, and if necessary, pair your mailed note with a quick email or message expressing thanks while the card is en route.

Addressing and formatting basics

• Names: Mirror how they signed the card or how you address them personally.
• Titles: Use titles for professionals or elders if that’s your relationship (e.g., Dr., Reverend).
• Return address: Include yours on the envelope or use pre-printed envelopes to streamline.
• Ink and legibility: Use dark ink and write clearly; print if your cursive is hard to read.

Pro Tips to Make Thank-You Writing Easier

• Set a sustainable cadence: 5–10 notes per sitting, two or three times a week, will get you to the finish line without stress.
• Use a master list: Export your guest list, add columns for gift details and mailing dates, and sort by status.
• Batch by category: Write similar gifts together (cash, registry, experiences) to speed up wording.
• Keep a phrasing bank: Save lines you like for reuse, then personalize the detail about the gift and the relationship.
• Add a photo: Slip in one wedding print for close family or VIPs—it’s a small touch that feels big.
• Proof once, then sign: A quick read-through prevents name misspellings or awkward phrasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should we order thank-you cards?

Order them when you order invitations or as soon as you finalize your registry. That way they’re ready as gifts arrive.

Is it okay to type and print notes?

Typed letters are acceptable for extremely large group gifts or corporate senders, but hand-sign each one and include a brief handwritten line if possible.

How do we thank someone who couldn’t attend but sent a gift?

Acknowledge their absence and the gift: “We missed celebrating with you, and we’re so grateful for the [gift]. We hope to see you soon.”

What if we never received the gift but saw it marked as purchased?

Reach out kindly to confirm shipping details. If it never arrives, thank them for the thought and update them if the retailer resolves it with a replacement.

Do we need to send thank-yous for pre-wedding events?

Yes—send notes for engagement party, shower, and bachelor/bachelorette gifts or hosting help within 2–3 weeks of each event.