How long do you have to send a wedding gift thank-you note?

The kind rule is to thank people as soon as you can, and there is no legal deadline. Most couples aim to send notes within three months of the wedding, and many try to finish within a month. If a gift arrives before the wedding, thank the giver quickly, within two to three weeks, so they know it reached you safely. For gifts given on the day, start writing notes the week after the wedding, while you still remember who gave what.

A handwritten note is always appreciated, but an email or a message is fine for close friends or family if that suits you. Keep it personal: mention the gift by name, say how you will use it, and add one warm line about seeing them at the wedding. If you receive a gift from a group, one note to the group is fine, but address it to everyone by name.

If you are very late, do not panic. A late note is better than no note. Just apologise briefly and thank them warmly. You do not need to mention the delay at length. For gifts that arrive months later, thank them within a month of receipt. If you have a gift list, the list provider will usually tell you when items are bought, so you can keep track.