3 Ways to Say Thank You to Your Wedding Guests

Thank you. It’s just two words. But they mean SO much, both to those who say them and to those who receive them. So simple. So easy. So important.

We know that you have put in so many hours of work to make your wedding day perfect. But you haven’t been alone. Your vendors have worked their hearts out for you. Your family has put in countless hours with tasks big and small. Your bridal party is buying dresses and renting tuxes, celebrating with you at your showers and parties, and throwing you amazing bachelor/bachelorette parties. And your guests have all sent gifts and will take time out of their busy lives to be with you on your special day – both from near and far!

You need to let all of them know how much their love and support mean to you both! But how? Today we’re highlighting our three favorite ways to say a big “thank you” to everyone that will be a part of your wedding:

Ways to Say Thank You to Your Wedding Guests

1. Thank you notes

So, I don’t know about you, but I am an avid thank-you note writer. On paper. If someone takes time out of their life to do something thoughtful, whether its a gesture or a tangible gift, you MUST write a thank you note. In my book, there are no exceptions to this rule. Although I personally am obsessed with all stationery, a thank you note doesn’t have to be on the perfect piece of paper with the perfect matching envelope. Writing a thank you note isn’t about anything but taking the time to stop what you are doing and acknowledge that someone did something special for you. In today’s world of texts, instant messages, and emails, receiving a hand-written note is so special. It’s so nice to read something other than, “k” or “👍🏻” or “ty.”

Here are some things to keep in mind when writing your notes:

First, I know people say that you have up to 1 year from your wedding day to write your thank you notes, but I HATE this. I mean, you’re writing a thank-you note; not needlepointing one! Here’s what you do. As soon as you get a gift, write the note. Don’t wait. Not even a day. Once they start piling up it’s so easy to put it off. Then you’ll really feel overwhelmed. And honestly, people so appreciate a timely note. I mean, they cared enough to give you a gift on time; care enough to send them a thank you on time!

Second, make each note personal. Please don’t buy cards printed with a generic thank you. Please handwrite out a message specifically to the person who sent you the gift and be sure to reference that gift to show you acknowledge and appreciate the gift that came from them. If you receive money from someone, don’t reference the amount given, but do mention how you intend to use it, even if it’s nest-egg savings!

2. Thank you speeches

Once your wedding ceremony is finished and people have had a cocktail or two, people are ready to party! If you decide to do a thank-you speech at your reception (which we think you should 😉), you’ll want to keep it short and sweet. While everyone there loves you guys, sitting through a long speech can be not-so-fun. So, shoot to keep it under 3-5 minutes. Start by thanking your closest family and friends – you know, the ones who bent over backwards to help you get here! Let them know how much you appreciate everything they have done for you. Thank all of your guests for coming to your wedding. Some may have come from across town; others may have come from across the world. They are all special and deserve to know how touched you are that they are there celebrating with you. Finally, say thank you to each other; if it wasn’t for the two of you supporting each other throughout this entire crazy planning process, you’d have never made it!

Also, practice. Write it in advance and practice it. Don’t fly by the seat of your pants. You’ve put so much thought into making everything on your wedding day so polished. Don’t let your speech to your favorite people fall short. Show them you care enough to make it perfect.

3. Thank you gifts

Thank you gifts, AKA favors. So here’s my stance on this: if you are going to give a favor to symbolize a thank you for coming to the wedding, please please please make it something people actually want or can use. I can’t tell you how many favors I’ve gotten at weddings that just went straight into the trash (sorry 😬)! Here are three adorable examples of some we love! First, these individual tiered wedding cakes are maybe the cutest things I’ve ever seen! And I’m borderline-obsessed with these nautical keychains! And, I don’t know about you, but I’m the girl that sits at the check-in desk at the airport writing my name on one of those flimsy airline-provided luggage tags; having a proper luggage tag is so useful! And these are so cute with silly messages like “not worth taking” and “my clothes won’t fit you!” If you want even more ideas, you can also reference THIS blog about place card holders which can double as favors!

So there you have it. Two simple words = All the love!