Forever Grateful, Your Bride

Writing thank you letters is a lost art.

Thankfully, my mother never let me forget that.

After a birthday or graduation party, my mom always sat me down at the kitchen table and had me write thank you cards. As an adult, I continue writing them. Possibly because I can express my gratitude better in writing than I can in spoken words. I even write thank you cards after job interviews.

Adds a nice personal touch 🙂

The reason I love writing thank you cards is because it is honestly an expression of true gratitude. You took the time say thank you. Bought a stamp and sent it on it’s way. In a world of technology, where we could easily send a text message or email…receiving a hand written note means so much more.

While doing our marriage preparation, our sponsor couple advised us to split up the thank you cards. I was like umm, no. I love my husband, but his handwriting is ATROCIOUS. It is prime doctor scribble. He does not know how to express words of thanks, partly because he is a man. Am I right, ladies? I wanted to write all the thank you cards, mostly because I know it will get done, I have readable handwriting, and because it is soothing to me. It is actually kind of relaxing to sit down and write.

Now, writing thank you cards is not a strong skill for most.

That is why this post is dedicated to those who need a little push.

There are three common reasons for writing a thank you card for a wedding, whether it is due to the wedding shower or the actual wedding.

1) Their presence.

2) Gift(s).

3) Money.

I personally think it is difficult to write thank you cards for money. I don’t know if it’s because of how much they are giving me or what, but I always feel skittish. I am TRULY grateful! I just can’t put into words how blessed I am to have these people in my lives.

I did some researching for those who is as skittish as myself…on how to perfectly word thank you cards and came up with this method.

My Thank You Card Plug & Chug

Dear______

• Introduction
  • If they gave you money:”It was wonderful of you to share our Wedding Day with us. Thank you for your good thoughts, your generous gift, and for being there. It means the world to us.”
  • If they gave you a physical gift, talk about it: “I can’t wait to use this vacuum. I love cleaning.” “This stand mixer will make baking even more enjoyable!” “I can’t wait to use these dessert plates at our next family gathering.”
  • If they weren’t able to make it: “Our joyful thanks for for all your good wishes and very lovely gift. Even though you were unable to make it your presence was truly felt.”
• Add a personal note here: “you looked amazing,” “you rocked the dance floor,” or “I’m so glad you made me smile when I was about to lose it.” This personal note is imperative.
• Note for a future: “can’t wait to dance with you at your wedding,” “can’t wait to hang out at our lake,” “we need to plan our girls trip soon,” etc…
• Closing: “Thanks again for being the greatest friend/family. This day wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

                  With love, ________

Now, it can be difficult to write a thank you card without it sounding generic.

My one word of advice is to make it personal.

• If they are a friend from grade school, talk about how your friendship is a true testament of best friends.
• If they are a friend from work, mention how you are grateful for their friendship. Maybe that is the one person that makes work tolerable. Or the same person you talk about quitting all the time but you don’t.
• If they are family, tell them how grateful you are that blood conquers all. That he/she is your favorite uncle/aunt. Your partner in crime cousin. How they have always been there for you. Thank them for being partly responsible for being who you are today.

The one card that was hard to write was the letter to our parents. They helped my husband and I a lot and words cannot suffice. How do you thank you parents for giving you their all?

Grandchildren.

Disclaimer: I’m not pregnant, but it’s in the future. 

What are your thoughts? Did your husband help you write thank you cards? Need help? Ask me!

Let me know in the comments below!