Give thanks to those Who helped you along the way
In the day and age of cell phones and e-mail, it might seem easier just to call or e-mail thanking someone for their time, effort and wedding gifts. However, a handwritten note will make much more of an impression in the long run and is still the preferred way to express your appreciation.
Thank You Dos:
Your friends will likely be arranging an array of parties for you in the months before the wedding, and they should be thanked for their time and efforts. If they also gave more than one gift at the same function, it is appropriate to thank the friend for both in one card.
However, if a gift comes from one person for your engagement party, and then another comes from that same person a couple of weeks later, each gift should be acknowledged with a separate thank you card.
Always be sure to state clearly what gift you are thanking the giver for and what you plan to do with it. This lets the giver know that you took the time to realize his or her efforts in selecting your perfect gift.
If a group of 10 or fewer pitched in to give you one big gift, a thank you note should be sent to each person in the group. If the gift was monetary, thank the person by stating how you plan to use the cash.
Thank You Don'ts:
Never send a preprinted thank you card. This tells the person receiving the thank you that his or her gift didn't mean enough for you to sit down and write out a thank you. Handwritten notes bring out the personal touch that the gift giver so richly deserves. Don't forget to put your new return address on the thank you cards.
Don't believe the myth! Waiting a year to return thanks is procrastination at its finest. Three months within receipt of the gift should be plenty of time for both the bride and groom to pen their thanks. Try writing them as soon as you receive the gifts, some of which may come before the wedding day. This way, no one will be left out and you won't feel "stuck" with the task as newlyweds.
