How long do you have to send wedding thank you cards?

Send thank you cards within 3 months of your wedding. Ideally, send them within 2-4 weeks of returning from your honeymoon. For gifts received before the wedding (engagement party, bridal shower), send notes within 2 weeks of receiving them. The sooner, the better - guests appreciate prompt gratitude.

Do you have to send thank you cards for wedding gifts?

Yes, handwritten thank you cards are expected for all wedding gifts, whether you received them in person or by mail. This includes cash, checks, gift cards, and physical gifts. Even if you thanked someone in person, a written note is still customary and appreciated.

What should you write in a wedding thank you card?

A good thank you note includes: 1) A greeting with the guest's name, 2) Specific mention of their gift, 3) How you will use it or why you appreciate it, 4) Thanks for attending (if applicable), 5) A warm closing. Keep it personal - generic notes feel impersonal.

Should both spouses sign wedding thank you cards?

Traditionally, the person closer to the recipient writes and signs the note, with the spouse's name included in the closing (e.g., 'Love, Sarah and Michael'). For close family and friends of both, either person can write it. Some couples divide the list and each write to their own side.

How do you thank someone for money as a wedding gift?

You do not need to mention the exact amount. Say something like: 'Thank you so much for your generous gift. We are putting it toward [honeymoon/new home/savings], and it means so much to have your support as we start our life together.' Be gracious without being specific about the dollar amount.

What if you do not like a wedding gift?

Still send a gracious thank you note. Focus on the thoughtfulness of the gesture rather than the gift itself. You can say: 'Thank you so much for thinking of us and for your generous wedding gift. It was so wonderful to celebrate with you.' You can return or exchange the gift privately.

Do you send thank you cards for no gift?

Send thank you notes to everyone who attended your wedding, even if they did not give a gift. Thank them for celebrating with you, for traveling, or for their presence. Their attendance is a gift in itself. Keep these notes warm and genuine.

Can you send printed or emailed thank you cards?

Handwritten notes are strongly preferred and considered proper etiquette. Printed cards with a handwritten message are acceptable. Email thank you notes are generally not appropriate for weddings, except for extremely casual circumstances. The personal touch of handwriting matters.

How do you address wedding thank you cards?

Address cards the same way you addressed the wedding invitation. Use formal titles (Mr. and Mrs.) for formal weddings or first names for casual ones. If a gift came from a couple, address both names. For families, you can write 'The Smith Family.'

What if you cannot remember who gave what gift?

This is why gift tracking during opening is important. If you are unsure, write a general but warm note thanking them for their generosity and for celebrating with you. Avoid mentioning a specific gift if you are not certain - it is better to be vague than wrong.

Wedding Thank You Card Wording: Examples for Every Gift [2026]

Thank You Card Examples

General Cash Gift

Dear [Name],

Thank you so much for your incredibly generous wedding gift. Your thoughtfulness means the world to us as we begin this new chapter together.

We are putting your gift toward [our honeymoon to Italy / furnishing our new home / our savings for the future], and every time we [explore a new city / sit on our new couch / see our savings grow], we will think of you and your kindness.

It was wonderful having you celebrate with us on our special day. We hope to see you again soon!

With love and gratitude,
[Your Names]

Honeymoon Fund Contribution

Dear [Name],

Thank you for contributing to our honeymoon fund! Your generous gift helped make our trip to [destination] absolutely magical.

We spent [a sunset dinner on the beach / a day exploring ancient ruins / an afternoon at the spa] thanks to your thoughtfulness, and we thought of you the entire time.

Thank you for being part of our wedding celebration and for helping us create such special memories.

Love,
[Your Names]

From Older Relative

Dear [Aunt/Uncle Name],

We are so grateful for your generous gift. Your support as we start our married life means more than we can express.

Knowing we have family like you cheering us on makes this journey even sweeter. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Thank you for celebrating with us and for your wonderful generosity. We love you!

With all our love,
[Your Names]

Thank You Card Writing Tips

Be specific

Mention the actual gift and how you will use it. Generic notes feel impersonal.

Handwrite every note

Even if your handwriting is not perfect, the personal touch matters more than perfection.

Write promptly

Aim for 2-4 weeks after returning from your honeymoon. The sooner, the better.

Thank for attendance too

Acknowledge that they celebrated with you, not just that they gave a gift.

Keep a gift log

Track who gave what as you open gifts so you can reference it later.

Divide and conquer

Split the list between spouses - each writes to their side of the family.

Thank You Card Timeline

Engagement party giftsWithin 2 weeks of receiving

Bridal shower giftsWithin 2 weeks of the shower

Wedding gifts received before weddingWithin 2 weeks of receiving

Wedding gifts (day of and after)Within 3 months of wedding

Ideal timing for wedding thank yous2-4 weeks after honeymoon

Frequently Asked Questions

Time to Write Those Thank Yous!

Copy these templates, personalize them with your details, and your guests will feel genuinely appreciated. Remember - the sooner you send them, the better!

More Wedding Guides Registry Checklist

Wedding Thank You Card Wording: Examples for Every Situation

What should you write in a wedding thank you card?

Thank You Card Examples

Cash & Check Gifts

General Cash Gift

Honeymoon Fund Contribution

From Older Relative

Physical Gifts

Attendance Only (No Gift)

Group Gifts

Special Situations

Thank You Card Writing Tips

Be specific

Handwrite every note

Write promptly

Thank for attendance too

Keep a gift log

Divide and conquer

Thank You Card Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you have to send wedding thank you cards?

Do you have to send thank you cards for wedding gifts?

What should you write in a wedding thank you card?

Should both spouses sign wedding thank you cards?

How do you thank someone for money as a wedding gift?

What if you do not like a wedding gift?

Do you send thank you cards for no gift?

Can you send printed or emailed thank you cards?

How do you address wedding thank you cards?

What if you cannot remember who gave what gift?

Related Guides

Wedding Registry

Guest List

Invitation Wording

Time to Write Those Thank Yous!