What To Write In Wedding Thank You Cards For Money: The Ultimate Guide
So, you’ve received a generous gift of money at your wedding. Congratulations! Now comes the sometimes-daunting task of writing thank you cards that are heartfelt, genuine, and appropriately acknowledge the gesture. Figuring out what to write in wedding thank you cards for money can feel tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basics to crafting personalized messages that truly express your gratitude.
Understanding the Importance of Thank You Notes
Before diving into the specifics, let’s remember why these cards are so important. A well-written thank you note is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial way to show your appreciation for the gift and the giver. It’s a way to solidify relationships and make your loved ones feel valued for their contribution to your special day. It shows you care and that you noticed their generosity.
The Basic Structure: Essential Elements of a Wedding Thank You
Every wedding thank you card, regardless of the gift, should contain a few core elements. These form the foundation of a heartfelt message:
A Warm Greeting: Start with a friendly greeting, such as “Dear [Guest Name(s)],” or “Dearest [Guest Name(s)].”
Express Gratitude: Clearly and directly thank the giver(s) for their gift.
Acknowledge the Gift: Specifically mention the amount of money received. This shows you paid attention and appreciate the monetary gift.
Share Your Plans (Optional, but Recommended): Briefly describe how you plan to use the money. This adds a personal touch and shows the giver their gift will be put to good use.
Express Continued Appreciation: Reiterate your gratitude and express your anticipation of future contact.
A Heartfelt Closing: End with a warm closing, such as “With love,” “Warmly,” or “Sincerely,” followed by your names.
Crafting the Perfect Message: Examples for Money Gifts
Now, let’s get into some specific examples of what to write in wedding thank you cards for money. These templates can serve as a starting point, which you can then personalize to make them your own.
Example 1: Simple and Sweet
“Dear Aunt Susan and Uncle John,
Thank you so much for the generous gift of money! We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness and support. We are planning to use the money towards furnishing our new home. We will cherish your gift and the memories of you sharing our special day.
With love, [Your Names]”
Example 2: Focusing on the Future
“Dear Mark and Sarah,
We were absolutely thrilled to receive your generous gift! Thank you for your kindness and for celebrating with us. We are so excited to use the money to start a down payment on our first home. We can’t wait to welcome you over for dinner once we are settled in.
Warmly, [Your Names]”
Example 3: Acknowledging a Specific Contribution
“Dear David and Emily,
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the incredibly generous gift! Your contribution means the world to us. We’re so excited to use the money to help make our honeymoon in Italy even more amazing. We will be thinking of you as we sip wine in the Tuscan countryside! Thank you for being part of our wedding, and for helping us make this dream a reality.
Sincerely, [Your Names]”
Adding Personalization: Making Your Card Stand Out
While the basic structure is important, personalizing your thank you cards is what truly makes them special. This is where you can demonstrate genuine appreciation and connect with the giver on a more meaningful level.
Remembering Shared Memories from the Wedding
If you shared a special moment with the guest at the wedding, be sure to mention it. Did you laugh together on the dance floor? Did they give a touching toast? Including these details shows you paid attention and value your relationship. For example:
“Dear [Guest Name],
Thank you so much for your incredibly generous gift! We were so touched by your presence at our wedding, and we especially loved [mention a specific moment, e.g., your hilarious dance moves]. We’re so excited to use the money towards a down payment on our new home!
Love, [Your Names]”
Referencing Shared History or Inside Jokes
Do you have a long-standing friendship or a shared history with the giver? Use it! Include an inside joke or a reference to a shared memory. This adds a layer of intimacy and makes the card feel even more personal.
“Dear [Guest Name],
Thank you so, so much for the generous gift! We know you remember how much we’ve dreamt of our wedding day. We are so excited to use the money for our honeymoon trip. We cannot wait to get away. Thank you for being part of our lives and our big day.
Warmly, [Your Names]”
Tailoring to Different Relationships
Consider the relationship you have with the giver. A close friend will warrant a different tone than a distant relative.
- Close Friends: Be more informal and use language that reflects your friendship.
- Family Members: Express your gratitude and acknowledge their role in your life.
- Distant Relatives: Keep it a bit more formal, but still express your sincere appreciation.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: What to Avoid in Your Thank You Cards
Certain things can make your thank you cards feel less genuine or even offensive. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Generic Language: Avoid overly generic phrases that don’t feel sincere.
- Waiting Too Long: Send your thank you cards as soon as possible, ideally within a few weeks of the wedding.
- Ignoring the Gift: Always acknowledge the gift and the amount of money received.
- Focusing Solely on Yourself: While the card is about your wedding, remember to acknowledge the giver’s role and express your appreciation for them.
- Mentioning other gifts: Avoid comparing gifts.
Timing and Delivery: When and How to Send Your Thank You Cards
Timing is crucial. Aim to send your thank you cards within two to three months of your wedding. Start writing them as soon as you can, and don’t put them off until the very last minute.
- Handwritten vs. Printed: Handwritten cards are always preferred as they add a personal touch.
- Address and Postage: Ensure you have the correct addresses and sufficient postage.
FAQs About Wedding Thank You Cards for Money
Here are some frequently asked questions, with answers tailored to help you write the perfect thank you cards.
What if I don’t know how I’ll spend the money yet?
That’s perfectly fine! You can simply say something like, “We are so excited to use the money to start our married life together” or “We plan to put it towards our future.”
Is it okay to mention the amount of money?
Yes, it’s important to acknowledge the gift specifically. It shows you appreciate the giver’s generosity.
What if I received a gift from someone who couldn’t attend the wedding?
Be sure to thank them for their gift and acknowledge that you missed them at the wedding.
Can I send thank you cards via email?
While email is acceptable for some situations, handwritten cards are still considered the standard.
What if the guest gave the gift to someone else?
You should still address the card to the guest, and you can mention that you received the gift from them.
Final Thoughts: Expressing Genuine Gratitude
Writing thank you cards for money might seem like a small task, but they are an important way to express your gratitude and solidify the relationships that mean the most to you. By following these guidelines and personalizing your messages, you can create cards that are heartfelt, genuine, and truly appreciated by your loved ones. Remember, the most important thing is to be sincere and express your genuine appreciation for the gift and the giver’s presence in your life.