Remember to Thank Your Wedding Guests
Expressing “thank you” in some form or fashion is one of the most important ways you can make the guests at your wedding feel valued. Most of your guests, especially your family, the in-laws and the wedding attendants on both sides, have spent many hours of their time and dollars in their pocketbooks to ensure that your Big Day is a big success. Others hired to help with the event, such as wedding planners, caterers, and photographers, have also yielded to your whims to make sure every last detail is executed to your satisfaction. Saying “thank you” verbally and by handwritten note shows your true character and is the best way to make others feel that their participation in your wedding was truly valued. Make sure you’ve got everything covered by checking out these “thank you” tips:
Thank all with a note. Whether you thanked them to their face, you still should send a handwritten note that reiterates your gratitude for their support on your special day. Even if a gift was not sent, a personal note of thanks for their time and sentiments is still considered proper etiquette. Even while they have been paid, thanking your service providers with a note and tip, if appropriate, shows that you are a class act bride.
Must be handwritten. While it may be tempting to whip out your thank-you notes on e-mail or via text, this is a no-no. Please use quality stationary and your best handwriting to get the job done. For those of you not acclimated to lots of old-fashioned scribing, keep hand cramping at bay by break the job up into 5, 10 or 20 a day until finished.
Time is of the essence. While it may be asking too much to get the thank-you cards out while on the honeymoon, you should strive to have all cards mailed out within a month of the wedding for those wedding party gifts and well-wishes received at the actual event. For gifts received at bridal showers or in the mail before the wedding, aim to have your thanks in the mail within one to two weeks.
Thank with gifts. You’ll also want to express your thanks to wedding attendants with bridesmaid gifts that suits the personality of each or somehow fit into your wedding theme. You may also provide small wedding favors for your friends and family to remember the day. Don’t forget to include other important wedding guests such as the flower girls and your new in-laws with special sentimental gifts. Also, the generosity of those who host bridal showers, luncheons and other pre-wedding events should also be thanked with a card and a small gift of appreciation.
