How to Say Thank You for a Wedding Gift

Learn the etiquette of thanking someone for a wedding gift with templates and examples.

Wedding-gift

Introduction

Expressing gratitude for wedding gifts is an important part of wedding etiquette. Proper thank you notes not only show appreciation but also acknowledge the thought, effort, and generosity behind each gift. This guide provides templates, examples, and etiquette tips to help you craft the perfect thank you note for wedding gifts.

Key Thank You Phrases for Wedding-gift

Phrase	When to Use	Impact
Your generosity and thoughtfulness mean the world to us	For close friends or family who gave significant gifts	Expresses deep appreciation for both the gesture and relationship
We're so grateful for your beautiful gift	For any gift where you want to emphasize the gift itself	Shows specific appreciation for the item received
Thank you for helping us start this chapter of our lives	For household items or contributions to honeymoon/home funds	Connects the gift to your new journey as a couple
We were touched by your thoughtful gift	For particularly personal or meaningful gifts	Acknowledges the emotional significance of their choice
Your presence at our wedding was a gift in itself	For those who traveled far or made special effort to attend	Values their attendance while acknowledging their gift

Cultural Considerations

In Western cultures, it's customary to send thank you notes within 3 months of the wedding.
Handwritten notes are still considered more personal and appropriate than digital thank yous.
Both partners should sign the thank you cards, regardless of who knows the gift-giver better.
Mention the specific gift in your note to show you're not sending generic messages.
In some cultures, giving cash is traditional and requires appropriate acknowledgment of the amount's helpfulness without mentioning the exact sum.

Appropriate Gift Ideas

Personalized Stationery

Return the gesture with custom thank you cards or stationery, especially for those who gave substantial gifts.

Appropriate for: Close family members or wedding party

Photo from the Wedding

Include a printed photo of you with the gift-giver from the wedding if available.

Appropriate for: Any guest, especially those who traveled far

Small Gift Basket

A curated gift with local specialties or themed items related to your honeymoon.

Appropriate for: Very close friends or family who gave exceptionally generous gifts

Gift Certificate

For a local restaurant or experience in the gift-giver's area.

Appropriate for: Out-of-town guests who hosted pre-wedding events

Example Thank You Messages

For Cash or Honeymoon Fund Contributions

"Dear [Name], Thank you so much for your generous wedding gift. Your contribution to our honeymoon fund helped make our dream trip to Hawaii possible. We spent a wonderful day snorkeling (something we wouldn't have splurged on otherwise) and thought of you as we watched the sunset. We're so grateful for your support as we begin this new chapter. With love, [Your Names]"

Acknowledges the gift's purpose without mentioning the exact amount

For Registry Gifts

"Dear [Name], We were thrilled to receive the beautiful serving platter from our registry. It's already become a centerpiece at our dinner table, and we'll think of you every time we use it for gatherings with friends and family. Thank you for helping make our new house feel like a home. We're looking forward to hosting you for dinner soon! Warmly, [Your Names]"

Specifically mentions how the gift will be used in your lives

For Unexpected/Off-Registry Gifts

"Dear [Name], What a wonderful surprise to receive the handcrafted vase you selected for us! It's absolutely beautiful and has found a perfect spot in our living room. Your thoughtfulness and excellent taste mean so much to us. Thank you for celebrating our special day with us and for this lasting memento of the occasion. With appreciation, [Your Names]"

Shows genuine appreciation even if the gift wasn't on your registry

For Group Gifts

"Dear [Names], We're absolutely blown away by the incredible stand mixer you all went in on together! This was at the top of our wish list, and we're already putting it to good use (John has made bread twice this week!). Thank you for your collective generosity. It means the world to have friends like you in our lives. Gratefully, [Your Names]"

Acknowledges the group effort while maintaining a personal tone

Etiquette Tips

Timing Matters

Aim to send thank you notes within three months of your wedding, though sooner is always better. Consider sending notes for gifts received before the wedding within two weeks of receipt.

Be Specific

Always mention the specific gift you received and how you plan to use it or why you appreciate it. Avoid generic messages that could apply to any gift.

Acknowledge Non-Material Contributions

Don't forget to thank those who contributed in non-material ways, such as helping with wedding planning, hosting pre-wedding events, or performing special roles during the ceremony.

Address Appropriately

Address thank you notes to all contributors of the gift. For couples, address both people even if you're closer to one person.

Track Your Progress

Keep a spreadsheet or list of gifts received, who they're from, and when you sent the thank you note to ensure no one is overlooked.

Related Tools

Thank You Note Generator

Create personalized thank you notes for any occasion in seconds.

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Gratitude Jar

Collect and share gratitude with friends and family.