How to Write Wedding Shower Thank-You Messages for Every Gift and Guest
Nothing amps you up for your big day quite like a bridal shower or wedding shower. The thought of gathering with loved ones, giggling over silly party games and opening attendees' thoughtful gifts totally gives us butterflies. That's why penning some heartfelt wedding shower or bridal shower thank-you messages is important—your guests' presence and presents make you feel so special and loved! The key to great wedding shower thank-you notes is the same as your regular wedding thank-you notes: make every note personal. With a few thoughtful flourishes, it'll be clear you put just as much care and thought into sending your shower thank-you messages as your guests did into writing cards, choosing gifts and bringing their A game to celebrate you.
Feeling a little overwhelmed? All good—we're sharing everything you need to know about writing wedding shower and bridal shower thank-yous for every guest and gift situation. And when you're ready to put pen to paper, The Knot Invitations has lots of gorgeous thank-you cards to choose from.
In this article:
- Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording Template
- Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording Examples
- Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording FAQ
Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording Template
You're overflowing with gratitude, but you don't know how to translate that into thoughtful, yet concise wedding shower or bridal shower thank-you notes. Sounds like you need to follow the three G's: gratitude, gift, guest. It's an easy-to-follow thank-you note template that'll ensure you're covering all the basics. We're breaking them down below. If you feel strongly about only including certain "G"s based on your relationship with the recipient or rearranging them to better suit your note's flow, that's totally fine. Whatever feels most authentic to you is the way to go.
- Express your gratitude that they took the time to celebrate you at your shower. Sincerely thank them for their attendance and mention how happy you were to give them a hug and catch up a bit before the big day.
- Thank them for the thoughtful gift they gave you. Additionally, include a line or two about why you love it or how you plan on using it in your newlywed life.
- Close with how much you're looking forward to them being a guest at your wedding. If they're unable to attend the nuptials, a sweet line about how much their friendship means to you will also do the trick.
Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording Examples
If you're really not sure where to start, let these wedding shower/bridal shower thank-you card wording ideas be your guide. We're sharing examples for a variety of scenarios, whether you're writing to a close friend or you're thanking an acquaintance (think: your S.O.'s aunt) for a gift from your wedding registry. Whatever the case, you can use one of these shower thank-you wording examples to get started—just make sure to add your own personal touch.
What to Write for a Registry Gift
Your wedding registry isn't just for the big day—some guests will use it to pick up a winning wedding or bridal shower gift. Here's exactly what to write to say "thank you:"
Dear [guest name],
We were so delighted you shared in our joy at our wedding shower. Thank you so much for the beautiful cake stand. Now we have somewhere to show off our signature bakes! We're thrilled to celebrate this special time with you and we can't wait to see you on the big day.
Love,
[Your names]
What to Write for an Alternative Gift
It's not unusual for guests to shop independently when it comes to bridal shower presents. No matter where they got their gift inspiration, you should still thank them for the lovely gesture. This simple bridal shower thank-you wording is the perfect place to start:
Dear [guest name],
We are so grateful for the crystal serving bowl you got us as a wedding shower gift. Every time we look at it, we'll be reminded of you. Thank you so much for your generosity!
All the best,
[Your names]
What to Write for a Money Gift
If a guest gave you a cash gift or contributed to a cash fund on your wedding registry, let them know how you plan on using it. Whether it's for your honeymoon, home improvements or a cuddly new fur baby, they'll be thrilled to find out how they're helping you achieve your happily ever after.
Dear [guest name],
We'd like to sincerely thank you for your generous wedding shower gift. We're really looking forward to starting married life together and your contribution will help make our honeymoon a very special beginning. Thank you for continuing to support us during this exciting time!
Much love,
[Your names]
What to Write to Someone Who Didn't Give a Gift
Gifts aren't everything. This wedding shower thank-you note template is for the guest who didn't give a present (but still gave you their time and attention).
Dear [guest name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to celebrate this special moment in our lives at our wedding shower. We really look forward to having you by our side again soon at the wedding.
Sincerely,
[Your names]
What to Write to Someone Who Couldn't Attend
Not everyone can make it to every prewedding event. Use this bridal shower thank-you note template for guests who didn't attend the shower, but did send a sweet gift.
Dear [guest name],
Thank you very much for the gorgeous wine glasses—we can't wait to raise a toast with them on our first anniversary. We're sorry you weren't able to celebrate with us this time, but we look forward to seeing you at the wedding!
Fondly,
[Your names]
What to Write to the Person Who Hosted
Don't forget to thank the person who put it all together! Follow this thank-you note wording for the host of your wedding shower.
Dear [guest name],
We can't even begin to thank you for planning the perfect shower in our honor. We loved every detail, especially the personalized photo backdrop—it was a big hit on Instagram! Thank you so much for supporting us during our wedding-planning journey—we couldn't do it without you. We look forward to having you by our side on the wedding day and in married life!
All the best,
[Your names]
What to Write to Close Friends and Family
Want to express your gratitude to a loved one you're super close with? Check out this wedding shower wording example:
Dear [guest name],
Thank you so much for your thoughtful gift. We can already tell the espresso machine will make our mornings so much easier (and you know how much we love our coffee). You've been a truly great friend over the years and we can't wait to share our special day with you, adding to our list of amazing memories together. See you on the dance floor—we love you!
Love,
[Your names]
What to Write to an Acquaintance
At a traditional bridal shower, it's not unusual to invite your partner's female family members as well as your own. Or, if a parent is hosting, they may want to invite one of their close friends to join in the festivities. Here's how to word a thank-you note to someone you're still getting to know:
Dear [guest name],
It was a pleasure seeing you at our wedding shower and we really appreciate your generous gift. We can't wait to use the cheese board—it'll make date nights at home feel especially fancy. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Sincerely,
[Your names]
Wedding Shower Thank-You Card Wording FAQ
So now that you've got the message taken care of, there are just a few additional deets you've got to cover before you seal those envelopes. Find answers to a few popular thank-you note etiquette questions below.
Should you handwrite a wedding shower thank-you card?
You should most definitely write your wedding shower thank-you cards by hand. Taking the time to send personal, handwritten notes immediately shows recipients the thoughtfulness and appreciation you're trying to express before they even read the message. Just as they've taken the time to attend your shower, you're showing them you took the time to pen every word of your thoughtful message of gratitude.
How should you sign a wedding shower thank-you card?
You should sign a wedding shower card with the name of whichever partner is being honored at the shower. If you're holding a joint couple's shower, then you should include the names of both partners. Though, if you do feel strongly about signing the card from the both of you because, say, the gift given is something off your registry that you truly both will be enjoying, then go for it. Just tweak the contents of your note to focus more on the gift and how excited you are to see the gift giver at your wedding rather than how much you appreciate their attendance at the shower (since one partner wasn't there to enjoy it).
How should you address a wedding shower thank-you card?
In your wedding shower thank-you cards, you can address guests by their first names, since these messages err a little more casual than wedding thank-you notes. Though, if you're writing to a formal acquaintance you don't know very well, you might choose to address them by their title and last name instead.
When it comes to the envelope, you should aim to address guests the way they were addressed on your bridal shower invitations (and similar to how you addressed your wedding invitations). Finally, if you're not sure who to address in your thank-you notes, a good rule of thumb is to include everyone who signed the card. Even if they didn't attend the shower, they're still sending their well-wishes and may have contributed to a gift.