THE ART OF SAYING THANKS
“Dear Uncle Al and Aunt Jane, John and I thank you for being a part of our special day. The gift of a beautiful picture frame will hold memories of that day forever…..”
A thank-you note sends a very powerful message. First, by taking time to write words of appreciation, gratitude can be best expressed. A note also acts as an acknowledgement of a gift given after receiving news of your nuptials. In a day and age where both husband and wife work and carry busy schedules, the tedious task of writing thank-yous can become overwhelming.
Well, guess what? If you do not want to write the notes – do not send out invitations inviting people to your wedding! It is just as important to write a note of thanks as it is to send your wedding invitations. And, most importantly, the note should be hand written. I recently had lunch with a friend who received an e-mail from a bride. It was an e-mail thanking all the wedding guests for their wonderful gifts. OUCH! Not only is it an insult to get an e-mail thank-you, but worse yet the same e-mail was sent to all the guests and never acknowledged any specific gifts. Yes, the rules have changed over the years.
Ladies, you will be glad to know the gents can help in the task of note writing – it no longer has to come from the “head of the household”. You have one year to write them, but beware, the sooner you do it, the better off you are!
A thank-you note can be a rectangular card (correspondence card) or a fold-over note. A personalized card with your new name or monogram sets off a nice tone, but a note can be plain on white or ivory stock. A pre-written “Thank you for our lovely gifts” imprinted on the interior of your note is a “No-No”. Handwrite your note – it can be short and sweet.
Directly acknowledge the gift or mention thanks for a monetary gift by expressing how it was used-towards your honeymoon or for a particular household item. Remember that many times an out-of-town guest who has shipped something to you waits for a note to ensure their thoughtfulness arrived safely.
A bride asked if a note is in order if a phone call or a personal thank-you in person was made. Both are wonderful gestures, but you still are responsible for a note. Throughout our twenty years of business, we have helped in the selection of thank-yous and encouraged couples to purchase suggestive books. These books aid in moments after which writing numerous notes has made it difficult to find the right words to express your sentiments.
Make it as painless as possible and it will be done more easily than you think. The affair of note writing has honestly become a passion for many. There are “etiquette correct” sizing and styles of the actual note for the bride or groom. We receive many phone calls on such matters and have a knowledgeable staff for such needs. Visit us for help in customizing your note, but most importantly, get them in the mail!
Paige Knaebel Cohen, The Inkwell Home – since 1983
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