After the vows have been said and the photos have been framed, your wedding thank you cards become the final, deeply personal chapter of your celebration. They’re not just about etiquette. They’re about acknowledgment. About pausing long enough to recognize the generosity, travel, time, effort, and love that surrounded you on one of the most important days of your life.
It’s normal to feel unsure where to begin. How formal should you be? How specific? What do you say about money? Or about a gift that wasn’t quite your style? The good news is this: once you understand the structure behind a meaningful thank you note, the words come much more easily. And when written thoughtfully, these cards become something your guests will keep.
Jump to:
- Wedding Thank You Card Etiquette & Preparation
- How To Write a Wedding Thank You Card
- Wedding Thank You Card Template
- Wording Examples
- FAQs
Wedding Thank You Card Etiquette & Preparation
Send Within Three Months
Traditionally, thank you cards are mailed within three months of the wedding date. For gifts that arrive before the wedding, aim to send your note within three months of receiving the gift rather than waiting until after the celebration.
Timeliness shows attentiveness, but perfection isn’t required. A sincere note sent later is still appreciated.
Handwrite Them Whenever Possible
Wedding thank you cards should be handwritten. A handwritten note communicates time and intention in a way a printed message or email simply doesn’t. Even if your handwriting isn’t perfect, the effort matters more than polish.
Divide the Work Thoughtfully
Both partners should sign every card. Many couples divide the list — each writing to their own side of the family and mutual friends — while still signing together at the end. Writing in batches of 10–15 cards at a time keeps the process manageable without sacrificing quality.
If You’re Late, Acknowledge It Briefly
If you’ve fallen behind, you don’t need a long explanation. A simple line like, “Please forgive the delay — we’ve been thinking of you and your generosity often,” is enough. Gratitude is never out of place.
How To Write a Wedding Thank You Card
A meaningful wedding thank you note follows a clear structure. When you understand the components, the writing becomes much easier.
1. Start With a Proper Greeting
Address everyone who contributed to the gift.
- Dear Aunt Linda,
- Dear Mark and Elise,
- Dear The Carter Family,
Match the tone to the relationship. Slightly formal for professional connections or older relatives. Warm and relaxed for close friends.
2. Thank Them Specifically
This is the most important rule: always name the gift.
Avoid: “Thank you for your gift.”
Instead: “Thank you so much for the marble cheese board.”
If the gift was monetary, simply acknowledge their generosity without referencing the amount.
Specificity shows care. It tells the recipient you noticed and appreciated exactly what they gave.
3. Share How You’ll Use It (Or What It Means)
This is where the note becomes personal.
If it’s a physical gift, describe how it fits into your home or life.
If it’s money, share what it’s helping you build.
If it’s sentimental, acknowledge the thought behind it.
Even one sentence of detail transforms a generic note into a meaningful one.
4. Acknowledge Their Presence or Support
Gratitude extends beyond the object itself.
Mention:
- How much it meant to celebrate together
- Their long travel
- Their help during the planning process
- How you missed them if they couldn’t attend
This reinforces that your relationship matters more than the gift.
5. Close Warmly — And Sign Both Names
End with a thoughtful closing:
With love,
Warmly,
With gratitude,
All our love,
Both partners should sign every note, even if the guest is from one side of the family. The thank you comes from you as a married couple.
A Wedding Thank You Card Template
When you need a starting point, this structure works beautifully:
Dear [Name(s)],
Thank you so much for the [specific gift]. We are so grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness. We’re looking forward to [how you’ll use it or what it means to you]. It meant so much to [celebrate with you / have your support].
Thank you again for being part of such an important moment in our lives.
With love,
[Your Names]
You can adjust tone and detail depending on your relationship, but this structure ensures your note feels complete.
Wedding Thank You Card Wording Examples
Once you understand the structure of a strong thank you note, the next question becomes: how does it sound in real life? Every gift and relationship is slightly different. The tone you use for your college roommate won’t be identical to the tone you use for your grandmother or a family friend you don’t see often.
Below are examples for many of the most common — and occasionally awkward — scenarios couples encounter after their wedding. Use them as guidance and inspiration, not scripts. The most meaningful notes are always the ones that sound like you.
Wedding Thank You Note Examples: Registry Gift | Cash Gifts | Honeymoon Fund Donation | Gift Card | Group Gift | Off Registry Gift | Gifts You Don’t Love | Who Traveled Far | Who Helped Beyond a Gift | Who Couldn’t Attend | Who Didn’t Give a Gift | When You’re Sending Notes Late
For a Registry Gift
Registry gifts are often practical, carefully chosen items meant to help you build your home. When someone selects something from your registry, it’s thoughtful to acknowledge the specific item and how you see it fitting into your life.
Dear Emily,
Thank you so much for the Dutch oven. We’ve already used it for Sunday dinners, and it makes cooking together feel even more special. It’s one of those pieces we know we’ll have for years. We loved celebrating with you and are so grateful you were there.
With love,
Anna & Michael
For a Cash Gift
Money is one of the most common wedding gifts, and it’s perfectly appropriate to thank someone warmly without referencing the amount. Focus on appreciation and, if you feel comfortable, mention what the gift will help you do.
Dear Uncle David,
Thank you for your incredibly generous wedding gift. We’re so grateful for your support as we start this next chapter. We’re putting it toward furnishing our new home, and it means so much to know you’re helping us build our life together. It was wonderful having you at the wedding.
Warmly,
Sophie & Grant
For a Honeymoon Fund or Cash Fund Contribution
If guests contributed to a specific fund — such as your honeymoon or future home — sharing how it directly shaped your experience adds a personal touch.
Dear Lauren,
Thank you for contributing to our honeymoon fund. Because of you, we were able to book a sunset dinner overlooking the ocean — it ended up being one of our favorite moments of the trip. We’re so grateful for your thoughtfulness and generosity.
With love,
Claire & Noah
For a Gift Card
Gift cards are practical and generous, and your note can reflect how the gift will help you personalize your space or life together.
Dear Ryan,
Thank you so much for the home store gift card. We’re planning to use it to pick out a new coffee table, and we can’t wait to make our space feel more like home. We truly appreciate your generosity.
All our best,
Olivia & Marcus
For a Group Gift
When several friends or family members contribute to one larger gift, your note can acknowledge both the gift and the collective effort.
Dear Alex, Jenna, and Tyler,
Thank you all for the espresso machine. We were completely surprised and so touched by your generosity. We’ve already started using it every morning and think of you each time. Your friendship means the world to us.
With gratitude,
Hannah & Luke
For an Off-Registry Gift
Sometimes guests choose something meaningful that wasn’t on your registry. Even if it wasn’t expected, focus on the thought and intention behind it.
Dear Mrs. Patel,
Thank you for the beautiful crystal vase. It’s such a timeless piece, and we’re looking forward to filling it with flowers in our home. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Sincerely,
Maya & Aaron
For a Gift That Isn’t Your Style
This situation is more common than most couples expect. When a gift doesn’t align with your taste, your gratitude should center entirely on the giver’s generosity.
Dear Karen,
Thank you so much for thinking of us on our wedding day. We truly appreciate your generosity and the kindness behind your gift. It meant a great deal to celebrate together and share such a special moment.
Warmly,
Julia & Sam
For Guests Who Traveled Far
Travel requires time, expense, and effort. When someone journeys to be at your wedding, acknowledging that commitment adds depth to your note.
Dear Ben and Laura,
Thank you not only for your thoughtful gift but for traveling all that way to celebrate with us. Having you there meant so much. We know it wasn’t a small trip, and we’re incredibly grateful for the effort you made to be part of our day.
With love,
Natalie & Chris
For Someone Who Helped Beyond a Gift
Perhaps a friend designed your invitations, arranged flowers, gave a toast, or stepped in during planning. Acknowledge their effort and contribution.
Dear Megan,
We can’t thank you enough for designing our ceremony programs. Your talent and care made everything feel so personal and beautiful. It meant the world to have your creativity woven into our wedding day.
With gratitude,
Claire & Ryan
For Someone Who Couldn’t Attend
If a guest sent a gift but wasn’t able to attend, your note should acknowledge both their absence and their support.
Dear Maria,
We missed having you at the wedding but were so touched by your thoughtful gift. Thank you for celebrating with us from afar and for your generous support. We can’t wait to catch up and share photos with you soon.
With love,
Ella & Thomas
For Someone Who Attended But Didn’t Give a Gift
Not every guest will give a gift, and that’s perfectly okay. Their presence is reason enough to send a note.
Dear Chris,
We were so happy you could join us for the wedding. Having you there to celebrate meant so much to us. Thank you for being part of such a special day.
All our best,
Hannah & Leo
If You’re Sending Your Notes Late
Life after the wedding can move quickly. If your notes are delayed, a brief acknowledgment is gracious and enough.
Dear Aunt Carol,
Please forgive the delay in sending this note — we’ve been thinking of you and your generosity often. Thank you so much for the beautiful serving set. We’re truly grateful and appreciate your patience as we settle into married life.
With love,
Daniel & Brooke
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you send wedding thank you cards?
It’s best to send your wedding thank you cards within three months of your wedding day. This gives you enough time to enjoy newlywed life while still expressing your gratitude promptly. If you received gifts before the wedding, you can send those thank you notes earlier.
Should you handwrite your wedding thank you cards?
Yes! While it may take more time, handwritten thank you cards are much more personal and meaningful. Your guests will appreciate the effort you put into writing each note by hand, making your gratitude feel even more sincere.
Can you match thank you cards to your other wedding stationery?
Absolutely! Many couples choose to coordinate their thank you notes with the rest of their wedding stationey, such as wedding invitations and menu cards. Shutterfly offers customizable wedding thank you cards that match your wedding theme, colors, and overall style.
How do you track gifts from your wedding?
To make the process easier, keep a spreadsheet or a list of all the gifts you received and who gave them to you. This will help you stay organized when it’s time to write your thank you cards. You can also use Shutterfly’s free online address book feature to keep track of guest addresses and send out your cards seamlessly.
How do you send wedding thank you cards with Shutterfly?
With Shutterfly’s free address printing, sending your thank you cards is easier than ever. Simply upload your guest list, choose your card design, and have Shutterfly print and mail them directly for you. It’s a stress-free way to get your cards out on time.
Related Resources on Wedding Thank You Notes
Writing wedding thank you cards isn’t about getting every word perfect. It’s about pausing to recognize the people who showed up for you — who traveled, who gave generously, who stood beside you at the beginning of your marriage. When your words are specific, gracious, and heartfelt, your gratitude feels unmistakable. And long after the wedding day itself becomes a memory, those small handwritten notes remain a quiet reflection of the love that surrounded you.
Additional Resources:
