Dealing With Thank You Notes

So many gifts, so little time, so many thank you notes! The guests who were invited to your wedding have graciously bestowed upon you gifts to celebrate you new lives together. Now it's time to say, "Thanks!"

A thank you note must be sent to everyone who gives you a gift. This not only expresses your gratitude, but also lets the giver know that you received the gift. However, more than any other wedding task you've completed, this may be the most daunting.

Here are a few tips to help you properly send thank you notes:

- Save the guest list. When the gifts start arriving, write a description of the gift next to the giver's name. That way, you'll have not only the address, but also the gift given in one place.

- Thank you notes should be sent in a timely fashion.

- Notes for gifts received before the wedding should be sent within two weeks of the gift's arrival.

- Notes for gifts received on the wedding should be sent within one month of your return from the honeymoon.

- Notes for gifts received after the wedding (guests have up to one year from your wedding date to send you a gift) should be sent within two weeks of the gift's arrival.

- Make your thank you notes personal.

- Always personalize the note by naming the gift and describing what you plan to do with it.

- If you received money or a check, mention how you plan to use it.

- If you received a gift from a group of people, send one thank you note per household to each contributor.

- Take it one note at a time.

- Try to start writing thank you notes as soon as gifts start arriving.

- Don't try to get every note finished in one sitting. The notes won't be as personal and you'll get overwhelmed quickly.

- Enlist some help. Since your spouse also benefits from the gifts, it's only fair that he should share in the thank you note responsibilities.

- Place a check mark next to the guest's name when his and/or her thank you note has been sent off. That way, you won't send doubles.

- Remember, this is a happy task. Saying, "thank you" for a gift shows your appreciation and you affection for the giver.

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