Special Wedding Thank You Message For Your Guests

If you’re newly married (or in the whirlwind post-wedding phase), you’re probably asking: How do I write the perfect wedding thank you message? From finding the right phrases to knowing proper etiquette, the process can feel a little overwhelming. But expressing gratitude to the people who made your big day possible is as important as any wedding tradition. This guide will help you craft a wedding thank you message that feels genuine and memorable—whether you’re thanking guests, your bridal party, or even your suppliers.

Why Wedding Thank You Messages Matter

Your special day was about you and your partner, but it was made possible by your loved ones. Sending a thoughtful wedding thank you message is more than good manners—it’s a beautiful way to celebrate those priceless contributions. Guests appreciate knowing their time, effort, and gifts were appreciated. Plus, taking the time to craft something personal creates a lasting impression and strengthens relationships for years to come.

Sending wedding thank you notes promptly is key. Traditional etiquette suggests within three months, but aiming for sooner is always appreciated. After all, gratitude never goes out of style. If you’re still finalising your list, we have a helpful blog on when to send out wedding save the dates—perfect if you’re planning ahead and want to stay organised from the start.

Deciding Who Receives a Thank You Message

Almost everyone who made an impact on your day deserves a thank you message. Here’s a quick reference:

• Guests who attended your wedding ceremony or reception
• Guests who couldn’t attend but sent a card or gift
• Your wedding party
• People who hosted pre-wedding events (like showers or hen dos)
• Suppliers, vendors, and anyone who went above and beyond

Every thank you note doesn’t need to be a novel, but a personal touch goes a long way.

Wedding Thank You Note Wording Basics

What do you actually write in your wedding thank you message? Whether you’re aiming for formal, casual, or heartfelt, structure helps keep your thoughts clear and sincere. Consider these elements:

• Greet the recipient by name (always personal, never generic)
• Express your gratitude specifically—for their gift, their presence, or support
• Mention the gift or gesture and, if possible, how you plan to use it or why it means something to you
• Include a warm closing reflecting your relationship (e.g., “with love”, “gratefully yours”)

Stuck on style? Keep reading for practical wedding thank you note wording samples for different situations.

Wedding Thank You Message Templates

Your guests are unique, so your wedding thank you note wording can be, too! Here are adaptable templates, so you’re never at a loss for words.

For Guests Who Gave a Gift

Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for celebrating with us and for your thoughtful gift. We are so grateful for your generosity and are excited to [use/enjoy] it as we begin this new chapter together. Your support truly means the world to us.
With love,
[Your Names]

For Guests Who Attended (But Didn’t Bring a Gift)

Dear [Name],
It meant so much to us to have you at our wedding. Thank you for being part of our celebration and making the day unforgettable. We’re grateful for your presence and your friendship.
Warmest wishes,
[Your Names]

For People Who Sent a Gift But Couldn’t Attend

Dear [Name],
Thank you for your lovely gift and thoughtful wishes. We missed having you there on our special day, but your support was truly felt. We're looking forward to catching up soon and sharing our wedding memories with you.
Best wishes,
[Your Names]

For Cash or Voucher Gifts

Dear [Name],
We’re incredibly grateful for your generous gift. We will be putting it towards [specific use, e.g., “our home”, “a special trip”], and every time we do, we’ll think of you. Thank you for sharing in our day—and our future.
Sincerely,
[Your Names]

For Group Gifts

Dear [Group Name or Individuals],
Thank you all for your generous group gift and for making our wedding so memorable. We feel truly supported as we begin this new chapter. Your friendship means everything to us.
With heartfelt thanks,
[Your Names]

Wedding Party Thank You Card Wording Examples

Your wedding party gave their time, money, and effort to stand by you. Show them how much it meant with personal wedding party thank you card wording:

Thank You Note for Your Maid of Honour or Best Man

Dear [Name],
Thank you for everything you’ve done for our wedding. Your support, patience, and laughter meant more than words can say. We couldn’t have imagined our day without you by our side.
With love,
[Your Names]

Thank You Note for Bridesmaids or Groomsmen

Dear [Name],
Thank you for being such an important part of our wedding party. Your friendship and encouragement made our day even more special. We’re lucky to have you.
All our gratitude,
[Your Names]

To make your wedding party feel extra special, check out our wedding party gift boxes. A personalised gift alongside your note adds a beautiful, thoughtful touch.

Tips for Writing Wedding Thank You Messages

A little planning makes your wedding thank you message writing journey much smoother. Here are a few practical tips:

• Start with a list: Track who gifted what and who attended.
• Break it down: Tackle a few notes per day.
• Personalise: Mention the specific gift or gesture.
• Use neat, legible handwriting if writing by hand.
• Order extra thank you cards just in case.

People are always curious about the “proper” timing for sending thank you notes. Here’s a simple, stress-free schedule you can follow:

• Within 2 weeks: Thank you notes for gifts received before the wedding (like at showers or pre-wedding events).
• Within 3 months: Thank you notes for gifts received and for wedding guests.
• It’s never too late: Sending a note, even months later, is better than not sending one at all.

Staying organised is key. Try keeping your guest list, gift log, and note progress in a single file on your phone or computer, or print a checklist so nothing gets missed.

Creative Ideas for Wedding Thank You Messages

A heartfelt wedding thank you message is always appreciated, but if you want to add even more personality, there are a few creative touches you can try:

• Mention a favourite memory from the day involving the recipient
• Add a photo of you together (or one taken at the wedding)
• Include a small memento, like a pressed flower or confetti from your day
• Personalise the card with your wedding colours or motifs
• For digital notes, link to your online photo gallery or wedding highlights

For extra special relationships (parents, siblings, close friends), consider longer, handwritten letters or even a short poem.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into some traps when writing your wedding thank you message:

• Forgetting to mention the specific gift—always thank by name, not generically
• Copy-pasting the same wording for everyone (small customisations are important)
• Including negative comments or jokes about the gift
• Delaying so long that the note feels forced or awkward

If you’re uncomfortable with “formal” cards—or if you want something that truly suits your style—check out how our custom stationery brings your personality to every message.

Sample Wording for Specific Gift Types

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes, from homeware to creative experiences. Here are ways to tailor your wedding thank you message to suit the present:

• Home Items: “We absolutely love the [item]. It’s found a perfect spot in our home. Thank you for your thoughtful choice and for making our new life together even more special.”
• Money or Vouchers: “Your generous gift will be a huge help as we [save for a holiday/decorate our home]. Thank you for thinking of us in such a meaningful way.”
• Charity Donations: “Thank you for donating to [organisation] in our name. It means so much to us that you supported a cause close to our hearts.”
• Experiences: “Thank you for gifting us [experience]. We can’t wait to try it and make more memories together.”
• Handmade Gifts: “We truly appreciate the time and love you put into your handmade gift. It’s something we’ll treasure for years to come.”

Handwritten vs Digital Wedding Thank You Messages

Traditionally, handwritten notes are seen as the gold standard, but digital thank yous have their place. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Handwritten

• Feels more personal and thoughtful
• Makes a lasting impression
• Perfect for close friends, family, and your wedding party

Digital

• Fast and convenient—ideal for remote guests or group messages
• Can include photos or videos with your message
• Works if you’re short on time or want eco-friendly options

There’s no strict rule—you can even mix and match as needed. Just make sure each message matches the relationship. And if you need thank you cards that feel truly “you,” our wedding stationery allows full personalisation for your notes.

You don’t need to write an essay. Two or three paragraphs are usually enough. Focus on warmth and sincerity, rather than length. A good wedding thank you message is always better than an overdue or overly generic one.

Gratitude for Wedding Suppliers and Vendors

Suppliers play a huge role in making your day seamless. A short note can brighten their day (and help with referrals down the line):

Dear [Vendor Name],
Thank you for your excellent service and dedication on our wedding day. You truly helped make our celebration run smoothly. We loved working with you and will happily recommend you to others.
Many thanks,
[Your Names]

Writing thank you notes doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Include it as a stage in your wedding planning, just like booking your venue or mailing your save the dates. For more organisational tips, our post on how to save the date for the wedding offers practical ways to stay ahead of your to-do list.

Short and Sweet Examples

Some situations call for a very short message, especially if you received a group gift or several similar items. Here are quick examples:

• Dear [Name],
  Thank you for celebrating with us and for your thoughtful gift. We are grateful for your kindness.
  With thanks,
  [Your Names]
• Dear [Name],
  We feel so lucky to have friends like you. Thank you for being part of our wedding day!
  Best,
  [Your Names]

Personalising Your Wedding Thank You Message

Adding little details about your relationship or the wedding day helps your message stand out. Did the recipient help calm your nerves, organise a pre-wedding event, or step in when disaster struck? Acknowledge those moments. And don’t underestimate the power of a simple, warm “thank you.”

Sending a wedding thank you message is more than just ticking a box. It’s a way to relive the joy of your day and share that happiness with the people who made it possible. Whether your notes are handwritten, digital, long, or short, your words will make your friends and family feel truly appreciated.

FAQ's: Wedding Thank You Messages

What should I include in my wedding thank you message?

A personal greeting, a message of thanks, details about the gift or contribution, and a heartfelt closing. Specificity shows you notice and appreciate each guest’s thoughtfulness.

How soon should I send wedding thank you notes?

Ideally within three months of the wedding, but the sooner the better! For pre-wedding gifts or support, send within two weeks.

Can I send digital thank you notes?

Yes, digital thank yous are perfect for distant guests or situations where speed or eco-friendliness is important. But for close family and your wedding party, handwritten notes are preferred.

How do I thank someone for a group gift?

Mention the group (or each name if possible), express your gratitude, and share how you plan to use or enjoy the gift with your partner.

What’s the best way to keep track of my thank you notes?

Keep a digital or paper guest list that also logs gifts and whether you’ve sent a note. This helps you avoid missed acknowledgments and stays organised throughout the process.

Ready to create the perfect wedding thank you message? Find the perfect personalised touch for your big day with Peach & Pear Studio.