• How to Word Your Wedding Invitation
• 7 Ways to Word a Reply Card
• 5 Ways to Word a Save the Date Card
• When to Order and Send Your Wedding Invitations
• Wording the Wedding Invitations-Sticky Situations
• Your Complete Wedding Stationery Checklist
• Q&A: Thank You Cards and Gift Registry Etiquette

Q&A: Thank You Cards and Gift Registry Etiquette

• Home Sweet Home / Letterpress Wedding Thank You Card / Apple & Chocolate

  Q. When should I send out thank you cards?

  A. For gifts received prior to the wedding, send your thanks immediately-or at least within two weeks. Once guests discover where you registered, presents will start popping up on your doorstep. That's especially true now that so many gifts are ordered online and shipped out instantly. You'll also need to thank the hosts of your bridal shower, bachelorette party if you're having one, and any other celebrations honoring your upcoming nuptials. Because of the potential for premarital gifts, order thank you cards with your invitations.

  For gifts received on your wedding day, custom allows you a full month after your honeymoon to respond. If any gifts drift in later, follow the same rule and try to have the thank you card out within one month.

• Orchid / Letterpress Wedding Thank You Card / Aubergine & Gravel

  Q. I'm expecting over 200 people at my wedding. Do I really have to send a personal thank you card to every single guest?

  A. Unfortunately, yes. Fortunately, it's not quite as arduous as it may seem. You already have a list of names and address that you used to mail invitations or gave to the calligrapher. Make an extra copy of that document, and stow it away until it's time to write thank you cards. The benefit? You won't be scrambling to collect addresses or to remember the names of all who attended.

  In fact, many couples use the guest list as a way to track incoming gifts and outgoing thank you's. As soon as you receive a present, write down what it was next to the person's name. Once you've sent the thank you card, you can check that one off the list. Before you know it, you'll be done.

• L'Oiseau Letterpress Thank You Card / Lake

  Q. I have no idea what to write inside the card. What should it say?

  A. It's imperative that you mention the gift. A generic thank you just won't do. Say how you'll use it. For example,"We can't wait to use the casserole dish! It's perfect for lasagna-you'll have to come over for dinner soon." Or,"We can't tell you how much we love the crystal vase! It'll look gorgeous displayed in our dining room."

  If it's a monetary gift, mention how you will spend it, but avoid stating the amount. For instance,"Thank you so much for the generous gift. It will help John and I purchase our dream home, which we hope to move into next fall." Or,"John and I are planning a belated honeymoon-a trip to Europe. Your gift helps immensely. Thank you so much, and thanks for joining us on our special day."

• Honeysuckle Letterpress Thank You Card / Chocolate

  Q. My fiance and I are registering for gifts. How do we tactfully let guests know?

  A. Traditionally, guests discover the registry through word of mouth. In a small town with only one major department store, that's not so difficult. It's also easier for couples coming from tight-knit families that communicate regularly.

  However, if you can't imagine word spreading and don't want to wind up with 12 crock-pots, a wedding website is crucial. Your save the date can offer the URL. Once guests are at the site, provide links to places where you registered. This truly is the simplest solution, for both you and your guests.

  The biggest taboo is stating outright on the wedding invitation where you registered. If you're not sending save the dates, at least include a separate card with the invitation that gives the address of your wedding website.