When do I need to send thank you cards after my wedding?

After the chaos of your special day, writing wedding thank-you notes is most likely the last thing you want to do, if not the final thing.

Perhaps you’re still on your honeymoon, enjoying the first few days or weeks of your new life together, or you’re back home but buried in post-wedding preparations.

Name changes, rental returns, catching up at work, or simply attempting to feel normal again are examples of thank you.

After all the confetti and newlywed dust has settled, you may be in that strange emotional limbo where the wedding is finished, the adrenaline has worn off, and sending hundreds of thank-you notes seems like the least interesting thing to do.

You’re not by yourself. One of the most dreaded aspects of the wedding process is writing thank-you notes.

It’s laborious, time-consuming, and frequently seems like a throwback formality. It doesn’t have to be difficult, though, and it’s also one of the most important ways to wrap out your party.

Why thank you cards still matter even in 2025

The good news is that your guests arrived for you.

They contributed generously—whether it was in the form of gifts, cash cards, or simply their presence—and traveled, dressed up, and danced.

A thank-you note is an expression of appreciation that completes the circle of your celebration, not merely a formality. Furthermore, it’s all about enjoyment, not perfection.

So when should you send them?

The “you have a year” guideline is out of date. This is how a more contemporary, deferential timeline would appear:

Etiquette	Timeline
Best practice	Within 3 months of your wedding date
Still acceptable	Up to 6 months, especially if you had a large guest list, a destination wedding or delayed honeymoon
A little late, but okay with explanation	Beyond the 6-month mark isn t ideal, but it s better to send a late thank you than none at all. Acknowledge the delay with humility and maybe a little humor. For example, We re so grateful for your gift and your patience as we (very) slowly came back to earth after the wedding!

How should you send them?

Though some formats still have more weight than others, there is more freedom here than you might imagine.

Handwritten cards are still the best since they seem deliberate, personal, and considerate. A few heartfelt sentences can make a big difference, but you don’t have to write a novel.

In some situations, typed notes are acceptable, such as while speaking with coworkers or other professionals in big groups. Just be careful to hand-sign them. Another option is to send a photo card that has been professionally printed. With a favorite wedding photo and a heartfelt statement that relates to each and every one of your guests, these are particularly adorable around the holidays. You might mention how delighted you were to have them join in your favorite season if you send them out around Christmas or the New Year.

Thank-you emails: Only for digital presents or in cases where the relationship is more informal (e.g., a friend or coworker who sent you a wedding gift via Venmo).

DMs or mass messages are definitely not a substitute for personal notes. Nevertheless, posting a generic thank-you note on your wedding website or social media accounts is perfectly acceptable, particularly if it has a sentimental text or a group photo. However, if attendees brought a present or made a special effort to attend, don’t limit your gratitude to that.

Who needs a thank you?

anyone who

gave a gift

, be it physical, monetary or experiential
anyone who

attended

, especially if they traveled or made special arrangements
anyone who

helped get you to the altar

, including members of your bridal party, a wedding planner, an officiant or those who contributed to or hosted pre-wedding festivities, like an engagement party, wedding shower or rehearsal dinner
anyone who

sent well wishes

, even if they couldn t attend

How to make it less miserable

Where to shop for the wedding thank you cards

Don’t worry if selecting thank-you cards seems like just another difficult choice. Online, there are many simple, fashionable, and reasonably priced solutions that make this step of the process quite straightforward.

The Knot

offers customizable thank you cards that can match your wedding theme or showcase a favorite photo from your day. Their designs range from classic to modern, and you can personalize everything from fonts to foil finishes.
Minted

and

Zola

are also go-to favorites for couples who want high-quality, design-forward options. Minted offers free recipient addressing, which is a major time save.
Etsy

is great if you re looking for something handmade, unique, or even printable. Many sellers offer digital templates that you can customize and print at home, through a Staples store or local print shop.
Shutterfly

is great for budget-friendly photo thank you cards, especially if you want to send a holiday-style card with a wedding portrait and a universal message of gratitude.
Paper Culture

offers sustainable, 100% recycled paper options for eco-conscious couples, and they re still incredibly elevated.

The nice part is that you can start with only your inner circle or try a few different styles because most of these sites let you to order in small amounts. Simply pick something that resonates with you and let the message take care of the rest; you don’t need to overthink it.

Final word on content: It s not about perfection; it s about gratitude

Thank-you notes are about bringing closure to one of the most significant moments in your life, not about crossing a box.

They don’t need to be flawless. All they need to do is be polite and deliberate.

Additionally, even though it could seem like a hassle at the time, it’s one of your last opportunities to think back on the love and support you received on your wedding day.

So inhale, pick up a pen, and begin, one card at a time. You’re capable.