Wedding Wednesday: Can I Email "Thank You" Notes?

Your Wedding Wednesday Question

Is it acceptable to email a thank you note for wedding gifts?

Answer:

A handwritten thank you card is certainly traditional. Just like the wedding invitations. Handwritten notes are more personal and are extra special because people so rarely send physical letters anymore. Just like with any wedding tradition, you will have people on both sides. Some that consider it rude and some that feel it is perfectly ok.

The most important thing is try to consider your recipients. They took the time to purchase and give you a gift. Some will take the time to wrap it beautifully or mail it directly to you. They deserve a heartfelt "thank you." So how is the best way to express this? That choice is up to you.

One thing to consider is that unless you have some very 'with it' family and friends, there will always be someone on the list that requires an actual card. So will sending emails really save you that much time if you still have people on your list that don't have email or aren't likely to check it often?

Can you combine the best of both worlds by typing and printing the card messages then have both husband and wife sign each card? If you are really debating which is ok for your friends and family, a traditional mailed "Thank You" is the safest bet.

Perhaps you are worried you won't make the time to respond promptly via post. In this case, an email might be right for you. After all, any thank you is better than no thank you at all! Keep in mind a relatively quick response is expected, especially for individuals that mailed their gifts. Without a response, they are left wondering if your package arrived.

But the next question is – Why stop at just email? Technology is a wonderful thing. Take advantage!
Here are some ways you can make a digital thank-you even more special:

• Include a link to a digital photo album from the wedding.
• Embed individual photos that feature the person who you are thanking.
• Take a quick photo of the gift in its new home or with you and your new spouse.
• Use those gift photos to create an online album of Wedding Thank Yous and then tag people.
• Record a thank you video and attach  it to an email. It could be a general one you send to everyone or make it personalized.