Between showers with family and friends, pre-nuptial gifts from co-workers and wedding presents sent from afar, it can be a challenge to remember who gave what. With the big day approaching, the last thing any bride-to-be needs to worry about is making a mistake in thanking her well-wishers.
Keeping track of the gift givers and their offerings can be hard to do. It is not always effective or reasonable to rely on the matron/maid of honor for keeping notes. Planning strategies for tracking items ahead of time, means more opportunity to enjoy the festivities of the day without the post event P.I. work. Here are some strategies for making it happen.
DIGITAL RECORDINGS
Use smartphones or tablets to capture audio dictation of gifts. This allows you (or someone close to you) to create an itemized list by simply speaking into the device. This method cuts out the deciphering of typos and poor penmanship.
PICTURE THIS
Capture each present as it’s being opened using your photo or video option in your smartphone. This is also a great time to snap a picture with the guest presenting the gift. This make a very nice addition to a handwritten thank you.
PRIORITIZE YOUR RESPONSE
Whether you are a last-minute task maker, or a check-it off the list type of person, sending thank-you notes should be a priority. Instead of procrastinating on a response, answering each person’s offering with a short, but personalized, handwritten note is much easier to carry out when the event (and the gifts) are fresh in your mind. Purchasing thank you cards prior to wedding showers and other events makes this task effortless to begin.
SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES
Just as you do not enter into marriage alone, so should you not respond to well-wishers unaided. Recruit your partner to help in the process, making light work of the task. If your future mother-in-law wants to be part of the wedding planning, this is a perfect task to engage her participation.
LABEL IT
Prepare “make ahead” labels with guest names and addresses are an easy way to quickly track items opened at your bridal shower. Recruit a member of your wedding party to locate the correct label and stick it safely to the gift given by that person. An extra set of labels also means you can quickly address the thank you note envelope simplifying the process of thanking your guests even more.
While sending out notes of gratitude to shower guests and other gift-givers should be done within three months of receiving a gift, it is most important to remember that it is necessary to do it. Sending a note of thanks not only conveys your appreciation for the gifts, it also sends a message to the giver that their efforts were appreciated and added to the specialness of the day. This simple act of sending a thank you elevates your reputation with all of those who took part in your celebration. Don’t tarnish it!
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