Thank-you notes always appreciated

Phoning, thanking the gift-giver in person or even e-mailing thanks is not the proper way to thank someone. The person who gave the gift took the time and cared enough to send something. People need to return the favour by showing the givers that you appreciate their efforts.

Three important aspects of a Thank-you note:

- Write your thank-you notes promptly after a gift or service has been received. Thank-you notes should be mailed within a few days of receiving the gift. Three months is the latest wedding thank-you notes should be sent, but try to mail them out within a month.

- Thank-you notes should reflect your sincere gratefulness. Try to thank the person in the same tone you would use if you were talking to them face-to-face.

- Personally write your thank-you notes to give them a personal touch. A handwritten thank-you note is also like a gift in itself. Preprinted thank-you notes let guests know the gift has been received. However, couples still need to follow-up with a handwritten, personal thank-you note.

The outline of a typical thank-you note:

- Salutation - "Dear Mrs. Smith", "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith", "Dear Uncle Dan" and "Dear Sue" are all ways of starting the note.

- The first sentence begins with yourself (and/or spouse or baby). "I would like to thank you…" or "Dan and I would like to thank you…" lets the recipient know who is thanking them.

- Mention the gift - Be as specific about it as possible. Tell the person how nice it is and why. A few descriptive words you can use when they fit the situation are: appropriate, beautiful, charming, elegant, generous, lovely, perfect, special, unique and useful.

- Tell them how you plan to use the gift - In the case of money gifts, you should not mention that it is a check, cash or even the exact amount of the gift. An example would be, "Your generous gift is highly appreciated. We have it earmarked for our house fund."

- Thank the person again - Maybe include a personal thought about your relationship with the giver or a special memory of your wedding or event.

- Close the note - Give a heartfelt closing with something like "Fondly," "Best regards," "Sincerely," "Love" or "Cordially" and sign your name.

Both the bride and groom should write the notes together. Sharing responsibility takes the pressure off a little. Try to write a little each day and the whole project of writing the cards will seem less daunting.

Everyone involved in a wedding from the flower girl to the best man should receive a note. Try to remember to thank all those involved.

(Source: Verseit.com)