How Do I Thank Thee?

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How Do I Thank Thee?

Whether you had a huge, lavish affair or a smaller, more understated gathering, your wedding was a special day. You tied the knot with the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Your heart is overflowing with love and excitement about the journey ahead, but you’re also brimming with gratitude. Between wedding participants, guests, gift-givers, well-wishers and even professionals, other people helped to make the day one to cherish. Here’s what you should know about expressing your gratitude to others.

Develop a Plan

When you consider all the people to thank, it can be overwhelming to address everyone. You may be tempted to send an e-mail or a text message to friends, but a thoughtfully written note, thank you card or some other token of appreciation is usually best. Crack open an Excel spreadsheet to make a list of everyone you want to acknowledge. You can organize your lists according to the various parts that people played. A handwritten note to gift-givers might be one approach, while you also include a small gift to the people who were in the wedding party or offered services. Coming up with a plan is the best way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone.

Thank Thee Right Away

Many couples follow up a wedding immediately with a honeymoon that keeps them from working on writing thank you notes. As soon as you are back home, you should get started immediately. Start with your wedding party and anyone who played a role in the planning, marriage ceremony, reception and pre-wedding events, such as a stag-and-doe or engagement party. Proceed with those who sent gifts ahead of and on the big day. You may continue to receive presents in the following months. Make a habit of immediately preparing a thank you note upon receipt of future gifts.

Several To Thank, Don’t Go It Alone

It took two to tango, or in this case, get married. Divide up the work between you and your spouse. Consider splitting the work down the middle or divvying up the task based on your strengths. If you’re the one who has the words to say, take care of the notes and let your partner be responsible for stuffing, stamping and sealing envelopes. Gratitude is something that comes from both of you, so it should be a group thing when it’s time to give thanks.

Personalize Your Note

When writing notes, it’s important to tailor them to the recipients. Be specific about the role they played or the gift they gave when you’re handwriting (yes, handwriting) your note. For gift-givers, consider taking a picture of their present so that you can talk specifically about their contribution and how much the two of you appreciate them, their thoughtfulness and their generosity. If some sent money or gift cards, be sure to mention the amount. No gift is too small to acknowledge!

Develop Templates

Coming up with an individual note for everyone who supported you may not be the best use of your time, energy and creativity. It’s ok to use a template or outline based on the people you’re thanking:

  • Wedding party: Thank them for supporting the two of you on the big day and acknowledge the time, energy and resources that they invested.
  • Ceremony participants: Tell them how special it was that they lent their talents in making the ceremony special.
  • Guests: Mention how much their presence and love honored you and your spouse.
  • Gift-givers: Acknowledge the gift they gave. Be sure to mention details about the present, including its benefit to your lives moving forward. In the case of gifts from couples and families, make it a point to mention everyone involved.

Expressing gratitude to all the people who helped make your nuptials can be a daunting task. It’s important to be organized, intentional and thorough when you’re showing appreciation. Tailored, handwritten notes or cards are always preferable to digital communications such as emails or texts.

How Do I Thank Thee?

Whether you had a huge, lavish affair or a smaller, more understated gathering, your wedding was a special day. You tied the knot with the love of your life surrounded by your closest friends and family. Your heart is overflowing with love and excitement about the journey ahead, but you’re also brimming with gratitude. Between wedding participants, guests, gift-givers, well-wishers and even professionals, other people helped to make the day one to cherish. Here’s what you should know about expressing your gratitude to others.

Develop a Plan

When you consider all the people to thank, it can be overwhelming to address everyone. You may be tempted to send an e-mail or a text message to friends, but a thoughtfully written note, thank you card or some other token of appreciation is usually best. Crack open an Excel spreadsheet to make a list of everyone you want to acknowledge. You can organize your lists according to the various parts that people played. A handwritten note to gift-givers might be one approach, while you also include a small gift to the people who were in the wedding party or offered services. Coming up with a plan is the best way to make sure that you don’t forget anyone.

Thank Thee Right Away

Many couples follow up a wedding immediately with a honeymoon that keeps them from working on writing thank you notes. As soon as you are back home, you should get started immediately. Start with your wedding party and anyone who played a role in the planning, marriage ceremony, reception and pre-wedding events, such as a stag-and-doe or engagement party. Proceed with those who sent gifts ahead of and on the big day. You may continue to receive presents in the following months. Make a habit of immediately preparing a thank you note upon receipt of future gifts.

Several To Thank, Don’t Go It Alone

It took two to tango, or in this case, get married. Divide up the work between you and your spouse. Consider splitting the work down the middle or divvying up the task based on your strengths. If you’re the one who has the words to say, take care of the notes and let your partner be responsible for stuffing, stamping and sealing envelopes. Gratitude is something that comes from both of you, so it should be a group thing when it’s time to give thanks.

Personalize Your Note

When writing notes, it’s important to tailor them to the recipients. Be specific about the role they played or the gift they gave when you’re handwriting (yes, handwriting) your note. For gift-givers, consider taking a picture of their present so that you can talk specifically about their contribution and how much the two of you appreciate them, their thoughtfulness and their generosity. If some sent money or gift cards, be sure to mention the amount. No gift is too small to acknowledge!

Develop Templates

Coming up with an individual note for everyone who supported you may not be the best use of your time, energy and creativity. It’s ok to use a template or outline based on the people you’re thanking:

  • Wedding party: Thank them for supporting the two of you on the big day and acknowledge the time, energy and resources that they invested.
  • Ceremony participants: Tell them how special it was that they lent their talents in making the ceremony special.
  • Guests: Mention how much their presence and love honored you and your spouse.
  • Gift-givers: Acknowledge the gift they gave. Be sure to mention details about the present, including its benefit to your lives moving forward. In the case of gifts from couples and families, make it a point to mention everyone involved.

Expressing gratitude to all the people who helped make your nuptials can be a daunting task. It’s important to be organized, intentional and thorough when you’re showing appreciation. Tailored, handwritten notes or cards are always preferable to digital communications such as emails or texts.

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