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The day and after · After the wedding

What is proper etiquette for wedding thank you cards?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For parents

Short answer

Send a handwritten card to every guest who attended or sent a gift, thank them specifically for the gift or their presence, and post it within three months of the wedding.

Proper etiquette for wedding thank you cards centres on a few simple rules. First, send a card to everyone who attended the wedding, whether or not they gave a gift. Their presence is worth thanking. Also send a card to anyone who sent a gift but could not attend, as the gift deserves acknowledgement.

Write the cards by hand. Printed messages alone can feel impersonal, though you can have cards printed with your names and write the message inside yourself. Each card should mention something specific, either about the person or the gift. A generic "Thank you for coming" is fine, but adding one personal detail makes it meaningful.

Thank for gifts clearly. If someone gave money, thank them for their generous gift without mentioning the amount. If they gave a physical gift, name it and, if you like, say how you will use it. It is also polite to thank people who helped with the wedding, such as parents or members of the bridal party, with a personal note and perhaps a small gift, though this is separate from the general thank you cards.

Send the cards within three months of the wedding. Use both of your names on the card, and sign it together. There is no need to send a thank you card for a thank you card, but a quick message or call is always appreciated.

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