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When was the last time you attended a wedding, and sent a gift, only to never have your gift acknowledged. It's disappointing to speculate but I bet it was very recent. As a guest, I am sure you invested the time, energy and financial resources to purchase just the right gift for a couple that was near and dear to your heart. First of all, you want to know that they received your gift and then, you want to know, that they know that you gave them this certain gift. Gift giving is special and the process of receiving that gift should be treated as such.
A note of "thank you" means much more than you realize, and somewhere along the way, some of us have forgotten that. Does it really take that much more time to write a personal note acknowledging a gift. No, it doesn't. If you prepare yourself for the process of writing your thank you notes, and schedule a time to do the writing, it becomes that much easier. To start, order some beautiful stationary notes to accompany the design of your wedding invites, or get something made especially for you, something to serve as your signature stationary. I haven't met anyone that doesn't get excited about writing on beautiful stationary. While selecting your stationary, go ahead and splurge on that fabulous writing instrument that just feels so good in your hand and that just writes so well. To add an even more personal touch, get some personalized postage stamps and keep them on hand so there is never the excuse of being without a stamp. Aim to mail your thank yous no later than three months after receiving a gift. Snail mail can be a pain but this is one of those times that it is expected. "What about email," you ask? I say it's a don't, but that's my personal choice.
1.Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2.Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3.Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4.Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
5.Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
6.Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
7.Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
8.Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
9.Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
10.Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!
~ EmilyPost.com
Remember, a beautiful and graciously handwritten thank you note is a gift in itself and it sets the tone of who you are as a couple. Your wedding isn't the last event or celebration that you will ever have. There will be baby showers, birthdays and anniversaries. Set the tone of your personality as one that is always gracious and grateful; recognizing the efforts and giving of those who love you.
Event & Wedding Planner
Alpha Prosperity Events
Greater Houston ~ Missouri City ~ New Orleans
I love your article it was very refreshing and informative. Sometimes it good to be reminded about the little things that mean so much when someone has gone out of their way to buy you a gift. It's always good to say Thank you!
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