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The day and after · After the wedding

What is the proper etiquette for thank you cards?

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

Short answer

Send thank you cards within three months of the wedding, ideally within six weeks. Write a personal message in each card, mentioning the gift and how you will use it. Handwrite the address and sign it yourself.

The proper etiquette for thank you cards is to send them promptly and personally. Aim to post them within three months of the wedding, though sooner is better. Six weeks is a good target if you can manage it. Each card should be handwritten, not typed, and should mention the specific gift and how you plan to use it. For cash gifts, mention what you will put the money towards, such as a honeymoon or a new home. If you received a gift before the wedding, you can send the card before the day, but it is fine to send it afterwards too. Keep a list of gifts and senders so you do not miss anyone. If you have a lot of cards to write, do a few each evening rather than leaving them all to the end. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and a warm, specific note means more than a generic one. For gifts from a group, address the card to each person named. If you are unsure of a name or address, ask a parent or a member of the bridal party.

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