How to Write a Thank-You Card to Each of Your Bridesmaids

Yes, the wedding bells have rung and you’ve started your blissful life as newlyweds, but you still have at least one task to check off your to-do list: thanking your bridesmaids for their help and support leading up to and on the wedding day. In fact, in our opinions the post-wedding task of writing a thank-you note for each of your bridesmaids should be at the top of your priority list.

From planning your bachelorette party to helping arrange the details of your wedding, your bridesmaids worked hard to ensure everything went off without a hitch. Sending out a bridesmaid thank-you card is the most thoughtful way to express your gratitude. To ensure you follow the proper etiquette protocols, we consulted with Hovik Harutyunyan, a Los Angeles wedding planner, and asked for her top tips to help you get started.

Ahead, your ultimate guide to writing perfect bridesmaid thank-you cards.

Bridesmaid Thank-You Card Etiquette

First, we need to delve into the basics of bridesmaid thank-you card etiquette. Ensuring that the cards you send are right for your special ladies is important. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, here are five tips to kick things off.

Show Your Appreciation

The entire point of thank-you cards for your bridesmaids is to express how grateful you are that each of these important women stood by your side on the big day. Showing your gratitude for their contributions—including the financial expenses they took on, the emotional support they gave you, and how much of their time they devoted to your wedding and related celebrations—is essential. For anyone who went above and beyond the typical call of bridesmaid duty, it's nice to recognize and call out the extra efforts they put in.

Make Them Personal

“Make sure each one is handwritten and personally thanks the bridesmaid,” says Harutyunyan. Though it might be tempting to purchase pre-penned notes that you can simply sign, this isn't the time to take the easy way out. “Let them know how important and meaningful it was for you to have them stand by your side, not just at the wedding but each day leading up to it.”

Send the Cards in a Timely Manner

It's best to send a bridesmaid thank-you card as close to the wedding as possible; you may even choose to surprise your bridesmaids with small gifts and cards on the morning of the wedding. If you go this route, know that this thank-you card does not replace one for a big-day present—you should always mail a separate note thanking them for any wedding gifts.

Consider Giving a Gift

“It's common for many brides to give thank-you gifts to their bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner or on the morning of the wedding, but sometimes this can feel rushed,” says Harutyunyan. If you decide to wait, know that including a gift is still an option. “It can be very nice to send a thank-you gift after the wedding," she adds. "Make the gift specific and personal to each bridesmaid. They will truly cherish and appreciate the double impact of a gift and a heartfelt thank-you note from you.”

Personalize Your Cards With Pictures

Want to make the thank-you cards extra special? If you're waiting until you receive your wedding photos, it's a nice idea to include a couple of printed snapshots that they can keep and enjoy—group photos, pictures of just you two, or any candids from the reception are all wonderful keepsakes.

Bridesmaid Thank-You Card Writing Tips

Itching to put pen to paper? Before you unleash your inner Shakespeare, you may want a few tips to help you get the words just right. From how to make each bridesmaid's thank-you card personal to the anecdotes you may want to mention, here’s what you should know.

Make It Personal

While we understand how tempting it can be to create a form message that you can then write to each member of your wedding party, avoid making your bridesmaid thank-you cards too generic. They've committed a great deal of time, energy, and money to your wedding, so show your appreciation with a personalized note. It's always nice to include a special wedding-day memory or a funny moment from the planning process that you two shared.

“Explain why they are one of your closest friends—share your favorite memories with them; recall a moment at the wedding where you looked over and thought how great it was that she was one of your bridesmaids,” suggests Harutyunyan.

Don't Be Too Formal

Write your thank-you note in the way you'd normally speak to your family members or friends; there's no need to adopt a formal writing style just because you're putting pen to paper. Whatever you do, make sure that your overall message sounds like it's coming from you!

Keep It Breezy

“Be light-hearted, and even funny,” says Harutyunyan. “Be serious enough where you are thoughtful and affectionate but not too serious where it can come across as cold or harsh.”

Look Toward the Future

“Focus on a pleasant, positive moment you look forward to in the future,” says  Harutyunyan. “You can mention an event coming up. Maybe you're going to soon be a bridesmaid for them, so you can discuss how you're looking forward to being there for them like they were there for you. Maybe they're expecting a baby or buying a new home or getting a promotion at work.”

Bridesmaid Thank-You Card Wording Examples

No two friendships are the same. Each bridesmaid's thank-you card you write will be unique to the recipient. However, if you’re looking for some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at a handful of different thank-you card styles that you may choose to adopt for yours.

Personal 

Dear [Name], 

Thank you for making my big day extra special. I could not imagine saying ‘I do’ without my bestie by my side. We’ve come a long way since our high school hockey team days, but you’ve always had my back when I need you the most. 

Love, 

[Your name]

Quirky 

To my partner in crime,

My wedding day would not have been complete without my favorite lady there. Thank you for everything you did to make it extra special—from holding my flowers to helping me go to the bathroom. You are a wonderful friend and an ace bridesmaid. 

Love, 

[Your name]

Touching 

Dear [Name], 

Believe me when I say that I am the luckiest bride in the world to have you as a bridesmaid. You made my big day everything I’d ever dreamed of. Thank you so much for being by my side in life and on my wedding day. 

Love, 

[Your name]

Modern 

Hey [Name], 

Thanks for being my bestie and making my wedding day a blast! Although I’m a married woman now, you’ll always be a VIP in my life. It wouldn’t have been the same without you!

Love ya, 

[Your name]