Articles: thank-you gifts

A thank you card differs from an invitation in one way: it does not have to organise anything. There are no times, addresses or requests to confirm, so all the attention goes to the wording and the look. It is a piece that ends up on a shelf or in an album rather than in a drawer.

Wording that sounds like you

Short and personal works best. A few sentences in your own words make a stronger impression than a long verse copied from the internet. Address specific people directly - parents, witnesses and godparents usually get a different version from the other guests, and that is perfectly fine.

• Use names - a thank you addressed to someone in particular stays in memory.
• Brief and honest - a few sentences about what mattered to you.
• Date and place - a small detail that gains value over the years.
• A signature - handwritten, even if it is only your first names at the bottom.

Paper and format

Thank you cards look best in the same style as the invitations - same paper, same motif, same colours. Thicker, rigid board works well: it does not curl and stands nicely against a frame. Textured or softly pearlescent paper underlines the occasion, while matt or Soft Touch lamination adds a pleasant feel in the hand. Folded cards are popular too, since they leave room for a longer message inside and a photograph on the cover.

Timing matters. Parents and witnesses usually receive their cards during the reception, while other guests can get theirs later along with a photograph - a reminder of the day once the excitement has settled.