After the celebration is over and you are starting to settle into a lifetime of married bliss, one of the most important tasks you’ll have as newlyweds is to express your gratitude to the people who helped make your special day unforgettable. Your wedding day is a reflection of love, support, and the relationships that shape your life. Thanking your wedding guests is a way to show how much you appreciate their presence and contributions. In this season of thankfulness, we are sharing our tips to express your wedding gratitude in a genuine and personal way.
The first recipients of your gratitude should be people that helped out with your wedding, gave you a gift, or, planned an event on your behalf, such as a wedding shower. You may also want to thank guests that made a special effort to attend your celebrations. Whether you thank guests for gifts or simply for the gift of their presence, there are many ways to express gratitude beyond the traditional thank you card. For all methods, try to say thank you within 2-3 months after your wedding to keep the celebration fresh in the recipients memory.
For larger gestures, hosting a thank you party or gathering is a fantastic way to show your gratitude. It can be as simple as a post-wedding brunch, a backyard barbecue, or a casual get-together. The key to this method of gratitude is that you are able to express your thanks in person. This option is best suited for guests of intimate weddings or a small group of people who you really want to appreciate.
In today’s digital age, sending a video or audio message is a heartwarming alternative to a thank you card. You can create a short video where you speak directly to the recipient, thanking them for their kindness, support, or gift. A video message allows your personality and emotions to shine through in a way that a written card simply cannot replicate. If you are camera shy, a short audio message where you express heartfelt thanks to the recipient will carry the same intimate tone.
Instead of sending individual thanks, gather photos from your event or shared experiences and compile them into a small, personalized photo album or digital slideshow. You can create a unique album for each person or a collective one that shares moments with all of your guests or supporters. Include captions with each photo detailing why you are grateful for those moments. With this option you can send one link to a group of people to complete your wedding gratitude.
If you decide to stick with writing individual thank you cards, you can add more personalization by customizing your cards with a photo from your wedding. You can print any photos you have with the recipient and send them along with the card. If you are thanking them for a gift be sure to highlight how you plan to use it. If you are thanking someone for attending your celebration find a moment in your wedding day that their presence stood out. There are several resources with specific thank you note wording if you need some inspiration.
Your vendors work tirelessly to make your wedding day feel magical and fun. You can thank after the wedding with a sincere card or note. If you feel that they went above and beyond your expectations, consider giving them a tip (if gratuity is not included in your contract). When you work with Significant Events we provide you with a gratuity guide that outlines how much to tip your vendors. The best and most impactful way to thank your vendors is to leave a good review and refer them to your friends.
Whether you choose to send traditional thank you cards or host a thank-you gathering, you should budget for gratitude so you don’t end up with an unexpected post-wedding expense. While options like a digital photo book can be free, other methods of the gratitude can come with a cost. Wedding Planners will include the cost of saying thank you when they help you make your budget.
We hope these ideas inspire you as you thank your wedding guests and vendors. Check out our guest book ideas or read more on the blog. As always, we are more than happy to help you plan your dream wedding. Contact us to get started today!
Photos: Sydney Rae Photography, Venue: Donovan Manor, Written By: Sharon Windsor
Significant Events curated the PERFECT wedding for me! I had a vision and Haines ran with it! So grateful for her talent. I could not have gotten the wedding of my dreams without her.