How To Thank Your Wedding Guests And Show Your Appreciation

The last year has been tough. But if COVID has given us anything, it’s a greater appreciation for the people we love.

Because people are the most important thing.

And with every couple I talk to, the same is true when it comes to your wedding.

Your people, your guests are the most important thing.

Outside of getting married, it’s what matters the most.

Because these people have been by your side, supporting you (and your relationship) for years, if not your whole life.

We’re talking about parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and close friends from all parts of your life.

These are important people.

So giving them some love is an important part of your wedding celebration.

And here are 5 ways you can show your appreciation at your wedding and say thank you.

5 WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR WEDDING GUESTS

#1 – Say It

The easiest and most straightforward way to say thank you to your wedding guests is just by saying it!

Have a thank you speech created to tell your guests how much you love them and appreciate them.

If you’re having multiple events over the wedding weekend, say it multiple times.

Take the time at each event to thank your guests.

And don’t just forget to thank the group as a whole, call out individuals too.

If there was someone who particularly helped you with the wedding like a family officiant, a florist friend, your mom or maid of honor, thank them.

And this can be done both in front of the entire group and/or one on one.

Because saying thank you to someone in particular doesn’t have to be a public affair.

In fact, it might mean more to them if it’s not.

So, consider taking them aside and thanking them personally for everything they’ve done. Just saying the words in a heartfelt way can mean so much.

#2 – Write it

Besides verbally expressing your thanks you can also write it.

Which can be easier for some people than saying it.

And this can take many forms.

There are of course thank you notes which are written after the wedding. But you can also write a note before the wedding.

It can be a part of your welcome note or even be integrated into a part of the wedding itself like your place cards or favors.

You can also express your thanks in a wedding program.

And another good spot is on your wedding website.

You can write your thanks in many areas that guests interact with prior to, during and after the wedding.

Just like saying it multiple times, you can write it multiple times. Some to the group as a whole and some to individual people.

It can be easier to express yourself in written words in more detail than verbally, so take the opportunity to be specific in your written appreciation.

#3 – Give a gift

Another way to say thank you to your wedding guests is with a gift.

Taking the time to select something you think your guests will enjoy is a nice way to say thank you.

This most commonly takes the form of wedding favors or welcome gifts.

But it could also be an individual gift.

Something special to express your thanks for their help, support and love.

Just remember whether you’re buying gifts for a group or for individuals, make sure to pick something that is actually a gift.

Pick something they’d use and enjoy.

So an item with your names and wedding date all over it is not a thank you gift.

It has to be something you think they’d enjoy in order for it to really be a thank you.

#4 – Do Something For Them

Besides saying it, writing it and giving a gift, you can also show your appreciation by doing something.

You can thank your wedding guests by doing something that helps them, that makes their lives easier, that is considerate or makes them happy.

That could be offering a shuttle so they don’t have to drive, paying for their hotel costs or spending more on comfortable chairs. It could be offering a full bar, keeping toasts to a minimum, making sure they can hear at the ceremony or having a robust website with all the info they need.

Anything that makes attending your wedding easier or happier is a way of saying thank you.

Because you’re doing something for them.

But once again this can also be for individuals too. Everyone appreciates certain things, so doing something that an individual would particularly enjoy is another way to say thank you.

Maybe that’s finding your mom an outfit because she doesn’t like shopping. Maybe it’s taking your sister out for dinner sans kids and making the reservation so all she has to do is show up. Or maybe it’s getting surprise flowers delivered to the friend whose been helping you plan the wedding.

Making your thank you an act, is a nice way to show how much you care.

And while it’s more subtle, the love behind the gesture will show through.

#5 – Make a memory

The last way to show your appreciation for your wedding guests is by sharing an experience.

This shared experience is a memory you make together.

It’s different kind of gift.

Instead of something physical, it’s experiential. Something you do together.

This is an event or activity you plan that’s either a part of the wedding week or takes place before or after the wedding.

It could be as simple as going out to dinner or going on a hike. Or it could be something bigger like a full day excursion or weekend getaway.

It doesn’t really matter what it is.

It’s just a chance to spend time together.

To share in something together and do something together.

Time together is the thank you.

Because your wedding guests are important to you. These are your people. The people you love, who love you.

Showing your appreciation for them and saying thank you is an important part of your wedding celebration.

And you can do it in multiple ways. Choose one way, a few or all that make sense for your wedding guests as a whole, groups like your wedding party and those special individuals.

And don’t forget about your partner too! They need some love too.

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