We all know that one of our favorite parts about getting married is to receive gifts. We have created our bridal registry and we are eager to see how many of those items we will receive. We look forward to sitting down with our spouse to unwrap the gifts and feeling blessed for all the friends and relatives who presented us with gifts. However, we become overwhelmed when it’s time to write the thank you cards. Here is our 20-step guide to assist you in making this experience a pleasant and easy one:

1. Make sure that you have your invitation guest list with complete addresses. This will come in handy when you are ready to mail your thank you cards.

2. Keep a good record of all the gifts you received prior to, at and after the wedding. Use a notebook or computer spreadsheet to record the name of the giver and the type of gift you received.

3. Purchase blank thank you cards prior to the wedding. Thank you cards should preferably coordinate with your wedding colors or theme.

4. It is impolite to send preprinted thank you cards. Handwritten notes are more personable and show that you appreciated for the gift.

5. Assign someone to label your cards while you are on your honeymoon. That way, as soon as you return, you can start writing your thank you notes. Put your return address on the cards as well.

6. Ask your husband to help you with the note writing. This way, it will not be too overwhelming for you and the job can be done much faster.

7. Write your notes in blue or black ink. This will make your note easily readable for everyone.

8. Keep your notes simple, but honest and sincere.

9. Greet the person you are writing the note to. e.g. Dear Cousin Mary.

10. Always say “Thank You.” e.g. “Thank you for the electric blender.”

11. Mention the name of the gift in your note and say how you and your husband can use the gift. If it’s cash, still say how you’ll use the money.

12. Mention your gratitude for the person attending your wedding. e.g. “It was a pleasure seeing you at the wedding.”

13. Say “thank you” one last time. e.g. “Thanks again for your generous gift.”

14. Wrap it up. e.g. “Love, Cindy and John”

15. Because the note is for the giver, be sure to say “you” more often that “I” or “me.” This will put the focus on the giver and show that you really appreciate their generosity. This is not the time to write about to talk about your honeymoon or how much fun you had on your wedding day. This note is to simply thank the giver for their thoughtfulness.

16. Send thank you notes to everyone who assisted you with your wedding – even caterers and bridal shower hosts. They’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

17. Write separate notes for each gift you receive, even if they are from the same person.

18. It is important that you send thank you cards for shower gifts within 10 days of the bridal shower and two weeks after the wedding. It is impolite to wait longer.

19. If you receive gifts before the wedding, be sure to send out those thank you cards as the gifts come in.

20. If you receive a gift that you do not like or that you cannot identify, never express that feeling in that note and never ask the person what the gift is. Keep your thank you note simple and sincere. e.g. “Tom and I sincerely appreciate your generous wedding gift.”