Writing thank-you notes doesn’t have to be a post-wedding slog. With a short formula and a good system, you can knock them out quickly and actually enjoy it.
When to Send
- Shower gifts: within 2–3 weeks of the event.
- Wedding gifts: aim for 6–8 weeks after the wedding (up to 3 months is still gracious).
- Early or mailed gifts: send within 2 weeks of receiving.
The 3-Sentence Formula
- Open warm: greet them by name and thank them for the specific gift or effort.
- Say how you’ll use it: one concrete detail (where it’ll live, what it funds, when you’ll enjoy it).
- Close personal: nod to your relationship or the day you’ll see them next.
“A specific thank you” + “a specific use” + “a specific connection” = done.
Tracking Makes It Easy
Keep a simple list so you don’t second-guess yourself later.
| Name(s) | Gift | Date Received | Note Sent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex & Jordan Lee | Stand mixer | 6/10 | ✅ 6/20 |
| Priya Menon | Cash ($150) | 6/12 | ✅ 6/22 |
| Morgan Rivera | Travel fund via registry | 6/15 | ⏳ |
Tricky Situations (At a Glance)
- Cash / gift card: thank them for their generosity and share what it will help you do.
- Group gift: thank the group by name and mention the organizer if there was one.
- No physical gift / presence only: thank them for celebrating with you and any help they gave.
- Late gift: same formula—skip any mention of timing.
- Duplicate/returned gift: thank them sincerely; reference how it fits your home/life (no need to explain the return).
- Donation to charity: thank them for the donation in your honor and why the cause matters.
- Vendor thank-yous: keep it short; if you loved them, add a review promise or link to a posted review.
Handwritten vs Digital
- Handwritten feels personal and is preferred for most wedding gifts.
- Digital (email/text) is fine for quick situational thanks (e.g., last-minute help, photos a friend shot).
- If handwriting is a barrier, mix methods: handwritten for close family/major gifts, digital for others.
Copy-Paste Templates
Physical Gift (registry)
Dear (Name),
Thank you so much for the (gift)! We’ve already used it for (specific use), and it fits our home perfectly. We loved celebrating with you and can’t wait to (next time you’ll see them).
Love, (Your Names)
Cash / Gift Card
Dear (Name),
Thank you for your generous (cash/gift card). We’re putting it toward (what it funds—honeymoon, patio set, a class, etc.), which means a lot to us. We’re grateful for your support and (personal line).
With love, (Your Names)
Group Gift
Hi (Group / Names),
We’re so grateful for the (group gift)—what an amazing surprise! We’ll use it for (specific use), and we’ll think of you all every time. Special thanks to (Organizer) for coordinating.
Thanks again, (Your Names)
Presence Only
Dear (Name),
Thank you for being with us on our wedding day—it meant the world. Your support and joy made the day even better. We hope to see you (when/where) soon!
Warmly, (Your Names)
Donation in Your Honor
Dear (Name),
Thank you for the thoughtful donation to (Charity) in our honor. The cause is close to our hearts because (brief reason, if you’d like). We’re so grateful for your kindness.
Love, (Your Names)
Thanking a Vendor You Loved
Hi (Vendor/Team Name),
Thank you for the incredible (service) on our wedding day. You were professional, kind, and the results were everything we hoped for. We’ll be leaving a (5-star review / referral) to sing your praises!
All the best, (Your Names)
Pro Tips
- Batch in 15-minute sprints: 5–10 notes per session keeps handwriting fresh.
- Print return addresses & use forever stamps to speed things up.
- Personalize the middle sentence—that one detail does all the heavy lifting.
- Sign consistently: use both names; add last names if it clarifies for extended family.
- Keep a photo of your stationery and text it to long-distance relatives who love seeing it.
Bottom line: Keep it specific, sincere, and short. A few thoughtful sentences beat a long, generic paragraph every time.