Crafting Forever: A DIY Guide to Your Dream Wedding

After the joyous whirlwind of your wedding day, taking the time to write thoughtful thank you notes to your guests is not just a gesture of etiquette, but a personal way to express your gratitude for their presence and gifts. Here's how to craft a message that's as special and unique as your wedding day.

◈Start with a Greeting:

Begin with a warm and personal opening. Address your guests by name to add a personal touch that acknowledges their unique relationship to you.

◈Express Your Gratitude:

Clearly state your thanks. Be specific about what you're thanking them for - whether it's their presence at the wedding, a gift, or a special way they contributed to making your day memorable.

◈Share a Personal Touch:

Include a detail or memory from the wedding that involves them, or mention how you plan to use their gift. This personalizes the note and makes the recipient feel their presence was truly appreciated and noticed.

◈Look Forward:

Mention how you look forward to future interactions or reminisce about past ones. This can be as simple as looking forward to seeing them at the next family gathering or recalling fond memories shared.

◈Close with Warmth:

End your note with a closing that reflects your relationship, such as "With love," "Best wishes," or "Sincerely," followed by your names.

◈Crafting a Thoughtful Thank You Note to Absent Wedding Gift Givers

When people who couldn't attend your wedding still send a gift, it's important to acknowledge not just the present but also their effort to be part of your happiness in whatever way they could. Here's a guide to writing a sincere thank you note to those who sent gifts but couldn't make it to your special day.

◈Acknowledge Their Absence:

Begin by recognizing that they were missed at the wedding but their spirit was felt through their kind gesture.

◈Express Gratitude for the Gift:

Be specific about the gift and express sincere thanks for it. Describe how you plan to use it or the joy it brought.

◈Share a Highlight from the Wedding:

Give a brief, vivid description of a memorable moment from your wedding to make them feel included and updated.

◈Express Regret for Their Absence:

Gently mention that you missed having them at the wedding but understand that circumstances don't always allow.

◈Close with Future Hopes:

End on a positive note by expressing hope to see them soon or to celebrate together at a future date.

◈Tips for Thank You Notes:

◈Write in Batches: Avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking down your list and writing a few notes each day.

◈Handwrite Your Notes: A handwritten note adds a personal and heartfelt touch that printed cards or emails lack.
◈Personalize Each Note: While the structure might remain similar, ensure that each note speaks directly to the person it's addressed to.

◈Keep It Positive: Focus on the positive aspects – the joy their gift or visit brought and the future opportunities to connect.

◈Be Prompt: Try to send the thank you notes promptly, ideally within one to two months post-wedding. Non-attendees who sent gifts should receive notes within one month.   

Examples of Thank You Notes:

Dear [Guest's Name],

Thank you so much for joining us to celebrate our wedding day. Your warm wishes and thoughtful gift [mention the gift, e.g., the beautiful crystal vase] are truly appreciated. It will find a special place in our new home, reminding us of this beautiful new beginning. We are lucky to have friends like you and look forward to making more memories together.

With love,  

[Bewed Name] & [Bewed Name]

Another Example:

Dear [Guest's Name],

We were so happy to see you at our wedding! Thank you for the [specific gift or gesture], it meant a lot to us. It was a day filled with love, laughter, and happiness, and your presence made it even more special. We cherish the [mention how the gift will be used, or a memory from the wedding] and look forward to celebrating many more milestones together.

Warm regards,  

[Bride's Name] & [Groom's Name]

By following this guide and infusing your own personal touches, your thank you notes will not only be a courteous gesture but also a cherished keepsake for your guests.

Examples of Thank You Notes For Gifts:

Dear [Guest's Name],

We missed you at our wedding but felt your love and thoughtfulness in the beautiful [mention the gift, e.g., set of wine glasses] you sent. Each time we use them, we'll be raising a glass to you! The day was magical, filled with laughter and joy, and we only wish you could have been there to share it with us. We hope to catch up soon and share stories and photos!

With heartfelt thanks,  

[Bewed Name] & [Bewed Name]

Another Example:

Hello [Guest's Name],

While we wished you could have been there to dance the night away with us, your generous gift [mention the gift, e.g., the lovely dinnerware] brought us so much joy. It will be cherished in our new journey as a married couple. We thought of you often on our special day and look forward to the opportunity to celebrate together in the future. 

Thank you again for your kindness and support.

Best wishes,  

[Bewed Name] & [Bewed Name]

Writing a thank you note to those who sent gifts but couldn't attend your wedding is a beautiful way to extend the warmth and joy of your special day. It's an opportunity to express gratitude, share a piece of the joy, and maintain connections that distance or circumstances might have strained, making each word you write deeply valuable.

This DIY guide is a work in progress.  I will continue to edit and add to it.  Eventually I will probably make a print guide available, but I wanted to make it available as a resource to brides now.  May your wedding be joyous and the planning be too!