Writing thank you cards for every wedding event, shower, party, and your reception is a must. But when should thank you cards be ordered? Should you cross thank you’s off the list now, or wait until a specific event or after your honeymoon? We’ll tell you! Plus, we’re showing you three different types of cards to consider AND sharing a really awesome custom-design tool we spotted over at Basic Invite. It’s all inside…

Thank You Cards: When to Order?

When planning your wedding, it may seem like paper goods are a never-ending list. But thank you cards are probably the second most important thing to order, following just behind invitations.

So, when should you order them?

Immediately, we say! Stock up on thank you cards for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding as soon as possible. Along with your thank you cards, stock up on plenty of stamps, a return address stamp, and lots of envelopes (which usually come with the cards anyway). A favorite pen is a great idea, too. Personally, I always gush about these markers because they write like a pen, but they dry like a fine-point marker with NO SMUDGES. It dries immediately. And, my favorite — no bleed through! I use them everywhere. Plus, two for under $2? That’s crazy good.

Okay, immediately — got it! But what kind should I get?

There are three types of thank you cards to consider:

1.) Simple (basic) thank you cards

This type of thank you card is typically purchased in a large amount — a box of 100 ct. with envelopes is the norm. This style usually features a simple folded white card with black lettering and a white background, and pretty much goes with anything. This is the best choice for the couple who wants a mass-amount of cards at the ready — but with no real personalization or custom feel.

Pros: Affordable. Easy to get in a pinch.

Cons: No customization.

2.) Wedding thank you cards with a personalized design

A custom-designed thank you card will make a beautiful presentation for guests. Look in The Marketplace or on Etsy to find a custom design that mimics your wedding theme.

Pros: Customized look and feel. Your names in print; a beautiful style that goes with your wedding theme. Can be ordered early and used for all events throughout your wedding. Better quality paper (depending on where you order).

Cons: You’ll want to order in advance, as custom orders *might* take longer (but that’s not always the case).

3.) Thank you cards with a photo

These thank you cards feature your photo on the front, whether you hold a “thank you” sign at your wedding and have your photographer snap a shot, or use engagement photos you took before the big day. This is customized charm at its fullest.

Pros: Include your engagement photos or wedding photos for added charm. Finally USE those engagement photos. Better quality paper (depending on where you order). Make a cute keepsake for guests after the wedding!

Cons: May cost more (again, not necessarily).

Pro Tips for Writing Thank You Cards

These two tips are important to note:

o Keep a list of gifts as you receive them — it’s easy to forget who gave what

A simple notebook will do the trick! Or, if you’re a spreadsheet nerd like me, maximize those cells, yo! Ha.

o Don’t write too many at once (you’ll get bored and your cards will look messy. Also, your words might start sounding generic)

o Send out thank you cards as soon as possible immediately after the event

People say you have a full year to send thank you cards, but I don’t buy it. I say six months — max. Otherwise, you’re more likely to forget — and that’s the worst. Or, people will think you didn’t get the gift OR you’re not really all that grateful for it.

You Will Want to Try This Custom Design Tool

Ready to get started? You have to check out the really amazing custom thank you card maker we spotted over at Basic Invite. We made that top image using their super-easy card generator. You essentially pick a professional-grade design and then order it or customize it with your choice of color and wording. The best part? You can see a preview instantly! Take a look at this example that shows you how easy it is in 3 easy steps!

1. Pick your design

2. Change your color, text, or font

3. Preview

Love it? Order! Or, try another combination. Oh, I could spend a lot of time using this!

You can see hundreds of customized-ready cards Basic Invite.

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Oh, and hey — you’ll probably also love these related posts:

o How to Write Thank You Cards in 5 Easy Steps
o How to Write a Thank You Card for Cash Gift

Now that you know WHEN to send thank you cards… tell us:

What other thank you card questions do you have?

Tell me with a comment in the box below! I would wholeheartedly love to hear from you. :)

Sidebar: I was talking about my terrible bee sting last night on Twitter. (See the cutting-edge news you miss when you’re not following? Ha, I kid.) I was literally walking on grass with bare feet and STEPPED ON A BEE. He proceeded to sting me, not once but twice. In between my toes. On a scale of one to childbirth, a bee sting is definitely a 7.

So, help me out! Any tried-and-true tips on treating a bee sting? I’m sitting here with a huge sock over my foot and tons of itch-relief goop. Send me positive vibes! #AtLeastImNotAllergic

xo
-E.