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Use your guest list register to record each engagement, shower and wedding gift you receive. Document when thank you notes are sent as well. Write thank you notes promptly to acknowledge receipt of gifts.
When sending thank you notes before the wedding day, use your maiden or current name. All notes should be handwritten. Personalize each note by mentioning the gift and how it might be used. For example, a neighbor gave you candlesticks. Write about how you both look forward to the many meals you’ll share by candlelight.
For notes that will be sent after the ceremony, consider ordering cards with your married names pre-printed on them. How exciting it will be actually seeing your new name in print! Save time by addressing thank you envelopes as RSVP cards are returned.
Avoid mentioning a duplication. Rather than communicating your excitement about adding to your wedding collection of crystal vases, a more tactful approach would be to say, “The vase is lovely and we look forward to filling it full of fresh flowers from a garden we hope to plant together this spring.”
When you receive something strange, find a way to relate something positive about it. “Thank you so much for the his-and-hers chef’s hats. We have never seen anything quite like them and look forward to showing them off at our next barbecue!”
What could it possibly be? If you are clueless about an item, just describe it. “We truly appreciate the sterling silver piece you sent us. What a unique design! We found the perfect place for it in our apartment.”
If the gift received is money, do not mention the sum in your thank you note. Be sure, however, to tell what you plan to do with it. “Thank you so much for your generous wedding check. After having some fun fantasizing, we’ve decided to add it to our savings towards the purchase of a new bedroom suite.”
Be especially warm and friendly when thanking a well-wisher you’ve never met. “Thank you for the beautiful wooden pepper grinder. How did you know that we like to cook together? We look forward to meeting you and thanking you in person soon.”
Keep in mind when writing thank you notes that someone spent time and money to select something especially for you. The best way to acknowledge this is to share with the giver your appreciation and enthusiasm as soon as you possibly can.
Keep up with writing thank you notes. It is tempting to leave them until after “things settle down,” but don’t give in. If you set a goal to write a few each day, you’ll find they are completed both quickly and painlessly.
2-3 Weeks After Proper
8 Weeks After Maximum
6 Months After Still acceptable
12 Months After Better late than never
Send thank you notes for shower/pre-wedding party gifts before the wedding.
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