Your Guide to Wedding Thank You Cards: Timing, Wording & Etiquette
Your wedding day may have come and gone, but the joy and gratitude that linger afterward are what make it truly memorable. One of the most meaningful ways to express that gratitude is through a simple, heartfelt gesture, your wedding thank you cards.
In a world where so much communication happens digitally, there’s something timeless and deeply personal about handwriting a note of thanks. But between wedding recovery, honeymoon plans, and daily life, it’s easy to wonder: When should we send them? What should we say? And who exactly gets one?
This guide covers everything you need to know about wedding thank you card timing, wording, and etiquette, so you can send them with confidence and grace.
When to Send Wedding Thank You Cards
The traditional etiquette still holds true:
For shower and engagement gifts: within 2–3 weeks of receiving the gift
For wedding gifts received before the big day: within 2–3 weeks of your wedding
For gifts received on or after your wedding: within 3 months of returning from your honeymoon
If life gets in the way and you’re running behind, don’t panic. A sincere thank you, even if a bit delayed, is always appreciated — just be sure to acknowledge the lateness with warmth:
“We’ve been reliving every moment from our wedding day and wanted to take a moment to share our gratitude…”
Who Should Receive a Thank You Card
Every guest who gave a gift, attended your wedding, or helped in a meaningful way should receive a card. This includes:
Guests who attended (with or without a gift)
Those who sent gifts but couldn’t attend
Members of your wedding party
Vendors or professionals who went above and beyond
Family or friends who helped plan, host, or support behind the scenes
💡 Tip: Create a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of gifts, addresses, and notes you want to include. Many couples find it easiest to write a few each evening instead of tackling them all at once.
How to Word Your Wedding Thank You Cards
There’s no need to overcomplicate it — sincerity always beats perfection. Keep your note short, specific, and personal.
Here’s a simple structure to follow:
1️⃣ Greeting: “Dear [Name(s)],”
2️⃣ Express gratitude: “Thank you so much for [the specific gift or gesture].”
3️⃣ Mention how you’ll use or enjoy it: “We’ve already displayed it in our living room,” or “We can’t wait to use it on cozy weekends at home.”
4️⃣ Personal note: “It meant so much to have you with us to celebrate.”
5️⃣ Closing: “With love and gratitude,” or “Warmly,” followed by your names.
Examples:
“Dear Aunt Susan,
Thank you so much for the beautiful serving set. We’ve already used it for our first dinner as newlyweds, and it makes every meal feel special. It meant the world to have you celebrate with us.
Love,
Hannah & Drew”
or
“Dear Emily,
Thank you for your generous gift and for traveling so far to be with us. We’re so grateful for your friendship and will always remember the fun we had dancing together that night!
With love,
Kate & Andrew”
Choosing the Right Thank You Cards
Your thank you cards don’t have to match your wedding invitations exactly, but they should feel cohesive with your overall style.
At Raspberry Creative, many couples choose to carry the same design elements from their invitation suite into their thank you cards — such as the crest, monogram, or floral motif. It ties everything together beautifully and makes your gratitude feel intentional and personal.
Options to consider:
Flat or folded cards (depending on how much space you need)
Photo thank you cards featuring your favorite wedding image
Coordinating stationery that matches your invitation suite
Digital templates for quick turnaround (perfect if you’re printing yourself)
Etiquette Tips for Sending Wedding Thank You Cards
Use your best handwriting. It’s personal and timeless — even if it’s not perfect.
Write both names for couples or families who gifted together.
Be specific about the gift or gesture, not just a generic “thank you.”
Sign each card personally.
Double-check addresses before mailing, especially for out-of-town guests.
Order extras. Mistakes happen — and you’ll be glad to have a few spares.
Printed vs. Digital Thank You Options
You can absolutely mix formats — just as you might with invitations and day-of stationery.
Printed Cards: Perfect for heirloom quality and tactile beauty.
Digital Templates: Ideal for faster turnaround and budget-conscious couples.
No matter the format, what matters most is that your gratitude feels genuine and personal.
Final Thoughts
Sending wedding thank you cards may seem like a small task, but it’s a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and express appreciation for the people who helped make your celebration so meaningful.
Whether you choose a custom printed card or an editable digital design, taking the time to write from the heart ensures your message will always be cherished.
If you’re ready to find the perfect design, explore our coordinating thank you cards and digital templates — timeless pieces designed to help you say thank you beautifully. 💌
You may also be interested in:
From Invitations to Thank you Cards: Creating a Full Wedding Stationery Suite
Wedding Stationery Timeline: When to Order Each Piece from Save the Dates to Thank Yous
Extend Your Gratitude: Why Personalized Stationery Makes the Perfect Thank You Cards
Mastering the Art of Thank You Cards: Small Gestures, Big Impact
How to Write your Wedding Thank You Notes – Plus Examples
Tips for Ordering you Wedding Thank You Cards
How to Write a Thank You Note with Examples
