This post is not only a "haute advice" post...but will also serve as my tacky, tacky, tacky confession.
Please be kind in your judgement...
Recently my little hautie had a birthday party...and...gulp...I never got around to sending thank you notes.
GASP! Oh, the horror!
Our wonderful friends and family took the time out of their lives to not only celebrate with us but to shower our little crazy girl with awesome gifts...and we never properly thanked them! As I hang my head in shame, I am embarrassed and none of my excuses (I've been so busy with work and our home and our little one on the way, etc.) are viable!
So, this post will serve as a gentle reminder to us ALL on how to properly thank our guests.
1. You should produce a handwritten thank you note for every gift you receive at your showers, parties, wedding, etc. Even if your writing looks like chicken scratch, handwritten is always preferred. Handwritten notes indicate to the recipient that this is not a "form" letter and you took the time to sit down and write a special note specifically for them. Handwriting your note is that little extra effort that truly goes a long way.
2. Timing is hard, but key. Especially when you are in the middle of an engagement, taking the time to write your thank you notes can be challenging...but you can do it! The proper timeline for thank you notes to go out should be two weeks after a shower or party and no more than 8 weeks after a wedding. Don't put them off to do all at once, the task will just grow and grow until you are too overwhelmed to deal with it...and then you become a tacky, tacky mess like me. Don't become a tacky, tacky mess like me...you're better than that. Do a little at a time, get your fiance in on the fun, and tackle the note writing as the gifts come in.
3. I love paper. I feel that stationery can be such a fun expression of creativity. I own WAY more stationery than I probably should. From fun/cutesy to family-style to professional..any excuse to buy new note cards and I will. (Shout out to the hubs for his understanding!) When it comes to thank you notes associated with a wedding or event, I'm a big fan of the note cards matching or at least corresponding with the invitation, but that isn't necessarily a must. I just think it's a little detail that helps tie everything together into one cohesive design. I am also a fan of your wedding note cards being a little more formal, to appropriately match the occasion.
4. Don't stress about the content. It is easy to put together an appropriate thank you card with this little formula in mind:
address the recipient + express your appreciation, specifically mentioning the gift and how you might use it + close with additional appreciation = BAM! A meaningful note!
For example, when you receive a gift you love:
Dear John Doe,
Thank you so much for the beautiful silver serving dish. It is the perfect addition to our set and I can't wait to use it the next time we have dinner guests. I hope you and Jane will join us for dinner in our new home soon! It means so much to us that you thought of us during this special time. Your friendship is such a blessing to us!
Love,
Rachel & Chris
Oh no, we hate the gift. What do we do say now? Well...
Dear John Doe,
Thank you so much for the [fill in the blank because I'm having a hard time of thinking of something awful]. We will think of you every time we [use it, ride it, look at it, enjoy it?]. It means so much to us that you thought of us during this special time. Thank you so much for sharing our joy!
Sincerely,
Rachel & Chris
What if it was a monetary gift or gift card? Don't mention the specific amount but do mention how you might use it. For example:
Dear John Doe,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous gift. We are so looking forward to filling our new house with all the little items that will make it a home and we look forward to putting your gift to good use! It means so much to us that you thought of us during this special time. Thank you so much for celebrating our wedding with us!
Fondly,
Rachel & Chris
5. Other Yays and Nays:
-Don't use stationery with your married monogram or name until after the wedding.
-Never mention if you are planning to return a gift.
-It's best to use blue or black ink when writing a thank you note because it's easier to read.
-Don't use pencil! It could get smudged and become illegible fast!
-Do your research on the correct spelling of the recipients name...how embarrassing if you get it wrong!
-It is a good idea to keep a log or record of every gift received before and after the wedding. This will help you stay organized and give you the great pleasure of crossing off or checking off those you have done!
Remember, it's the thought that counts and you are simply thanking them for thinking of you.
If you have specific questions, please don't hesitate to email Rachel at trulyhaute@gmail.com
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