Wedding thank you cards help you express your appreciation to everyone who shared in your special day. Whether your guests showed up in person or sent well-wishes from afar, all of them merit a thoughtful acknowledgment of their kindness. There are just a few extra points to make when it comes to guests coming from out of state, to make sure that your thank you cards are as meaningful as they are efficient! Use this guide for a thorough understanding of the etiquette of sending out-of-state wedding thank you cards.
Why You Should Send Wedding Thank You Cards
Wedding thank you cards aren’t just polite, they are a crucial step in solidifying relationships and expressing gratitude to those who contributed to your big day. These cards provide an example for you to think about the love and support you received, but also add something that messaging you or an email can’t do. For guests who traveled from out of state, thank you notes are a particularly nice touch to recognize the time, energy, and cost that may have gone into attending your big day.
Predicting the Future: The When For Your Wedding Thank You Cards
The second most important thing to remember when sending thank you cards for your wedding is to send them on time, be it to your in-state or out-of-state guests. Although it is traditional to send thank you notes within a few weeks after your wedding, this is not always do-able, particularly if you traveled for your wedding or if your wedding was a destination one. But do try to send your thank you cards within three months after your wedding at the latest.
This is particularly true for out-of-state guests, who will want to be sure their presence is recognized as soon as possible. Because they may have traveled from afar to be with you, getting your thank you card out in a timely manner reinforces your appreciation for their effort.
How To Personalize Your Wedding Thank You Cards
Personalizing each of your wedding thank you cards is one of the best ways to make them personal and meaningful. You might be sending a ton of cards, but you want each one to feel special. Here are some ways you can make sure your thank you cards stand out:
Mention the gift or gesture
Whether the gift was something tangible (physical item), a donation to your honeymoon fund, or a lovely sentiment, specifically mention the gift in your note. This lets your guest know you appreciate their deliberate effort.
Acknowledge the distance
For guests traveling from out of state, be sure to acknowledge how much you appreciated their making the effort to come. You might say something like, “Thank you for coming out to [state] to celebrate with us! That meant so much to have you there.”
Include a personal memory
Reference specific moments If the guest had a particular moment with you during your wedding, make sure to reference it in your note. This brings a level of authenticity and facilitates a long-lasting bond.
Labeling the Envelope and Stamps
Proper addressing of envelopes is vital to ensuring your wedding thank you cards reach out-of-state wedding guests at the correct destination. Keep the following in mind:
Double-check the address
Have each guest’s address correctly (especially out of state guests). This might involve contacting a close relative or friend to get the most up-to-date information.
Add the correct postage
Because you’re sending thank you cards across state lines, ensure that you’re placing the right amount of postage. Standard thank you card postage is generally enough for your guests in the same state, but be sure to have you personally take care of any excess weight or international postage if you’re sending them overseas.
Sending Wedding Thank You Cards Abroad
Preparing thank you cards for delivery can take extra work if your wedding guests traveled internationally. International postage can also be tricky, and you’ll need to consider that countries differ from one another in postage requirements. Here’s how to handle it:
Investigate prices for international postage
Check with your local post office or the postal service website to find out how much it costs to send a letter overseas. The postage costs might be more in some countries, and you will need to plan for that.
Research a trusted mail service
If you are sending your items abroad, we recommend using a tracked shipping service to be sure your cards are delivered safely and securely. This also adds extra security for you and your guests particularly if the postal system in some areas can be a little unpredictable.
Consider electronic options
But if international shipping is too expensive or too complex, send e-cards instead. Sending an e-card may not be as personal as physical thank you cards, but it is still a thoughtful gesture that can convey your gratitude.
How to Organize Your Wedding Thank You Cards List
If you are sending wedding thank you cards to guests from out of state, it is best to stay organized. One is a list of everyone who came to your wedding, with addresses and what gifts they gave you. This allows you to log who has received their card and who still needs one.
Create a spreadsheet
Recommended using a spreadsheet to help organizar your guest list and track the progress of thank you notes. Add columns for the guest’s name and their address, a description of the gift received, and the date the thank you card was sent. So you will stay on top of your thank you card obligations and no one will be forgotten.
Set a timeline
This will help you prioritize time to write and send out your wedding thank you cards. If you want, you can do this in smaller batches (i.e., write 10 cards a day until they’re all done). This way you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Consider the Special Touches
Along with personalized messages, you can add small signature touches, to make your wedding thank you cards especially special for out-of-state guests. Also a tiny picture from the nuptials, perhaps the whole gang, including your guest, or a message that reflects the experience you had together at the wedding.
Which Types of Thank You Cards to Choose?
There are several types of thank you cards to choose from that can make your wedding correspondence feel extra special. Here are a few options:
Pre-printed thank you cards
If you don’t have much time, you can use thank you cards that come pre-printed, but leave room for a personal message. These are fast to fill out and still quite reflective.
Bespoke thank you cards
If you want a more personalized approach, create customized thank you cards that match your wedding theme or have pictures from your special day. This could be a great option if you want your cards to be extra special.
Digital thank you cards
Not the most traditional, but digital thank you cards can be great for out-of-state guests who might be a little more computer savvy. There are lots of sites and apps that let you create and send ecards with your own messages.
Conclusion
Wedding thank you cards sent out-of-state do take a little extra effort, but will be a warm gesture of gratitude that will really convey your token of appreciation for your guests. By personalizing each card, organizing your guest list, and making sure you get them out on time, you’ll ensure that your gratitude reaches every guest, no matter how far they came to celebrate your special-day with you! And keep in mind that a wedding thank you card is not just about acknowledging gifts; it’s about expressing your genuine gratitude for the love and support you received.
For More Articles Click
