After the wedding has ended; you’ve returned from your honeymoon and are about to embark on your new lives together, you’re going to want to think about the thank you notes you have to send! Anyone who gave you a present deserves a small note of appreciation, but stressing out over sending the notes often means they never get sent.

Luckily, a thank you note doesn’t have to be a daunting task. In fact, thank you notes are best when they are short and sweet! Keep reading for proper thank you note etiquette and examples of  how to write these important note cards.

How Long Should I Take to Send Them?

Ideally, you want to wait no longer than 3 months after your wedding to send thank you notes to everyone who bought you a present. If, on the other hand, wedding gifts were sent prior to your wedding, it’s polite to send out a thank you note as soon as the gifts are received (generally within a week.)

What Should I Say?

You’re writing a thank you note, not an essay, so keep your sentiment short and sweet. When writing thank you notes, make sure to specifically reference the gift that was sent. Even if you disliked a particular gift, the sender still deserves a thank you note! If you need to write a note for a gift that was not to your taste, you can still express how thoughtful the giver was without letting on you didn’t enjoy the gift (a major no-no!)

Whatever you write, make sure to personalize the note card to the individual you are sending it too. A meaningful, personal thank-you will be much appreciated by the gift giver!

What Type of Stationary Do I Need?

You do not need expensive or formal stationary to write your wedding thank you notes, but you should buy a package of note cards that reflect your personality and style tastes. A piece of scrap paper simply won’t cut it! Inexpensive note cards can be found online; in stationary shops or other mass market retailers. Find some that work for you!

Now that you know the proper thank you note etiquette for your wedding thank you cards, you can make sure that everyone who gave you a gift will feel appreciated with a personal note from you. Happy writing!