The Perfect Number of Thank You Notes After a Wedding Gift
After receiving wedding gifts, one of the common questions brides and grooms face is, 'how many thank you notes should I send?' The answer isn't set in stone but rather depends on several factors, such as the number of gifts, the relationships with the gift-givers, and the overall social etiquette of your community. Below, we explore these factors and provide guidelines on how to handle your thank you notes.
Customary Practices
During our daughter's wedding, we received various gifts, both during and after the celebration. The majority of the gifts were given during the ceremony or reception, and I personally thanked each person in person. For those who couldn't attend, we made it a point to call or write them a thank you note. This practice highlights the importance of acknowledging each person who has given, regardless of the venue or timing of their gift-giving.
Depending on the number of gifts received, it has become customary to express gratitude more formally. This might involve hosting a dinner or lunch where you can thank all the guests collectively. Alternatively, you can introduce each guest as they walk into the reception area, giving them a bit of personal information, such as where you met or what college they attended.
One Thank You Note Per Gift
The most straightforward approach is to send one thank you note per gift. This ensures that each person who contributed to your wedding receives a personal and heartfelt thank you. You can address the note to the appropriate person or people, depending on the nature of the gift and the relationship with the giver.
For example, if a couple or a group gave you a gift, you could write one note. However, if the gift is exceptionally large or involves multiple individuals, it is advisable to write a separate note to each person who contributed to the gift. This approach shows your appreciation and respects the individual effort each person has made.
Special Circumstances
If a family member or multiple family members from different households contributed to a gift, you should send separate thank you notes to each. If it was a couple, you can address the thank you to both of them. This ensures that each participant in the gift-giving process feels valued and recognized.
Smooth Transition Between In-Person and Written THANK Yous
It's important to balance the number of thank you notes with the practicalities of the situation. If you received more gifts than you feel like writing thank you notes for, you don't need to overwhelm yourself. Spread the task out over a few days, and make sure each person who gave you a gift deserves a proper acknowledgment. In some cases, people may feel offended if they buy something for your wedding and don't receive a thank you card, so it's crucial to adhere to this tradition of gratitude.
Despite the challenges, maintaining the tradition of sending thank you notes helps build and strengthen relationships. It's a simple yet significant way to show appreciation for the love, thought, and effort that went into each gift. Remember, the right number is the number of gifts you received, each deserving of a thank you note for the thought and love behind the gift.