We have another great guest blog post today that follows up with our previous one about wedding thank you note no-no's. Here are some great tips on how to write great ones while still keeping your own style courtesy of thank you note expert, Emily Easton! Enjoy y'all!
Byline: Emily Easton
That beautiful
stack of shower and wedding presents is growing and growing – and so is your
obligation to write thank you notes.
Relax!
Find your own style of writing and the wonderful, natural “you” will shine
through.
First
rule of a good thank you note: never start with the words “Thank you.” It’s
true. The note receiver will know they are in for a ho-hum read if a note
starts “Thank you so much for the beautiful set of sheets.” By making yourself begin with anything
but “Thank you,” you’ll be on your way to letting your own style take
over. Try one of these openings
that matches the real you:
- “Tyler and I were so excited
to receive the handsome set of steak knives!”
- “What a wonderful surprise
your gift was!”
- “The set of dishes you sent
to Brad and me is so appreciated and we thank you for your kindness.”
Of
course, some where in your note you should say “Thank you” but force yourself
to start the note with anything but that phrase. Your note will stand out from
others.
Even a
formal note, usually written to people you don’t know, can reflect the real you
if you show enthusiasm and gratitude:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Allen,
With
so many items a newlywed couple has to buy to set up a household, your generous
check is very much appreciated. Stacy and I send heartfelt thanks for a wedding
gift that will be put to good use. How kind of you to do this for us!
We
look forward to seeing you at the wedding, and are glad you can be there to
share our day.
Sincerely,
Luke
Dempsey
If you
know the gift-giver well, just put on paper what you would say to the person.
Avoid a stiff, too-formal style in your notes by trying to write as naturally
as you talk. If you feel like saying “I absolutely love the coffee maker you
gave to Graham and me!” then write that in your note. Your delight will
guarantee that the note is well-received.
For notes
to close friends, your own enthusiasm and even a sense of humor can enter into
the note. Go ahead and be informal and you’ll make your friends smile.
Dear Peg,
“Get
outta here!” That’s what I shouted when I opened the box of the Ohio State
table linens and place mats that you sent. We love, love, love them!
Now that I have to be a grownup
and actually set a table, your gift will come in so handy. But please come over
soon and show me how to operate that thing called a stove.
You’re
the best Buckeye cousin ever, Peg. Leave it to you and Matt to come up with an
exceptional gift. Jason and I send big thanks to both of you for a fun addition
to our kitchen.
We
can’t wait to see you at the wedding. Look for me – I’ll be the one wearing
white.
Love,
Olivia
Keep a
handy list of adjectives to use in your notes, to describe your gifts: lovely,
treasured, much-appreciated, wonderfully practical, romantic, fun, elegant,
handsome, good-looking, imaginative, generous, classic, pretty, thoughtful.
Just as
you use another person’s name when you talk, mentioning the person’s name again
in the body of the note is a way to add extra warmth and sincerity. Example:
“You’ve always had such good taste, Pam, and this beautiful gift is another
example.”
The best
way of ensuring that your notes will be well-written? Keep up with your notes,
by writing soon after a gift arrives. When there’s not an overwhelming amount
of notes to write at any time, you’ll find your style will be relaxed and
gracious.
Emily Easton is a note-writing
expert. Her website on Wedding Thank You Notes can be found at www.emilyeaston.com
