How to Write a Great Thank You Note

   It´s always nice to receive a thank you note of any kind, but it´s especially nice to receive a beautiful note, sincerely written, in response to the giving of a wedding gift. That´s why, if you´re a bride or a groom, there´s no better time to become a creative and thoughtful thank you note writer. Pulling it off is really just a matter of combining common sense with some old-fashioned etiquette. Here are some tips sure to help with this traditional gesture.

When To Send -
A thank you note should be sent as soon as possible after a gift arrives. It lets the giver know you received the package, that the item wasn´t mis-delivered or lost in the mail. Traditional etiquette dictates that thank you notes be sent within two to three weeks after receipt of a gift, eight weeks at the absolute maximum. If you have received hundreds of gifts and cannot possibly respond in a timely manner, have pre-printed cards ready that acknowledges a gift received, this is to be sent immediately to each gift-giver. However, it is nice to follow up with a personal note of thanks soon thereafter.

Getting It Done -
The wedding gifts were sent to both of you. It´s only fair that you should share the task of writing the thank you notes. We recommend setting aside time together to work on the notes. If you keep up with the arrival of gifts, writing notes at least on a weekly basis, you´ll prevent ever having to work on too many in one sitting. Even if one person -usually the one with the best handwriting -does most of the actual writing, both partners should be involved in the thank you note process. You can compose responses together, and the partner who isn´t writing can be responsible for stuffing envelopes, sealing and stamping. Only the person writing the thank you note should sign it.

Content -
We understand that the task may seem time consuming but it is unacceptable to write a very brief note like " Aunt Edna thanks for the Vase. Love Jen". A lovely gift has been bought and their time and effort has gone into purchasing the item, the least you can do is come up with a few original words to thank him or her. The best thank you notes truly do come from the heart.

Quick Tips

Write legibly. Or print if necessary. As beautiful as your thoughts may be, they´re meaningless unless the recipient can read them. Again, by keeping on top of the notes, you´ll never have to do too many at once, and your penmanship will be in top form for every note.

Never type or E-mail a thank you note

Use a good pen It´s no fun to read a thank you note full of smeared ink blobs. Opt for black or dark blue ink; whichever looks best with your paper.

Mention the gift.If you simply say, "Thanks for the present," the giver will think you don´t remember what he or she gave you. Be specific. The only exception: if you have received a monetary gift. Don´t mention the amount, or the form (cash, check, etc.). Simply say something along the lines of "Thank you for your generous gift; we plan to use it to purchase picture frames for our new home."

Tell the giver why the present is perfect for the two of you. They selected it with both of you in mind; let them know their effort was noticed.

Mention how nice it was that he or she could share in your celebration. If they weren´t able to attend, tell them how much you wish they could have been there.

Send it off with style. Aside from elegant penmanship and stationery, a stylish stamp makes a thank you letter even more delightful to open. For the greatest security, take your completed notes into the post office to mail rather than dropping them in a mailbox.

While these suggestions can point you in the right direction, you should always trust your instincts, and make the style of your thank you notes genuinely your own. As long as your gratitude is sincere and your message timely, your note is sure to be received warmly.

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