Here's a good one. The party's over. You want to send a thank-you card to the host/hostess. When should you send it? The simplest answer to this question is to send thank-you cards as soon as possible. You always have a window but it's different for brides than for party guests. Here's the difference.
Sending Thank You Cards After A Wedding
Most people do not expect thank-you cards to arrive quickly after a wedding because the couple is on their honeymoon. They know you're busy. It can wait a week. If it waits two…or three…or four…they'll probably think you've forgotten about them, returned the gift or didn't like it.
So, you have a window of about two (2) weeks to get your kind words in the mail. This is not to say that you should wait until the very last minute and start filling out the cards two weeks after your return. Instead, avoid a lot of hassle by getting them finished a few days after your return. This will give you time to rest and recuperate but is still inside an acceptable time frame for guests.
Just a little tip: Thank you cards for wedding gifts/attendance/participation should always be mailed or hand-delivered. Like other wedding stationery, treat thank-you cards as if they were a prized possession for the recipient. After all, they are! They're from you!!
Sending Thank You Cards After A Party
Again, the thank-yous should be sent as soon as possible. Party hosts like to receive thank-you notes within 1-7 days. Life is busy and hosts are understanding if they don't receive a thank-you note right away. Many won't expect the "thank you" at all. In this way, it's an extra warm feeling when they receive your thank-you card.
Just a little tip: Thank-you cards for parties can be sent through the mail or hand-delivered. While email is the communication beacon of today, choose this option almost last (texting is the lowest on the list).
Tags: Etiquette, Party Etiquette, Thank You Cards, Thank You Notes, Wedding Etiquette, Wedding Stationery