How to Write a Thank-You Card to Your Bridesmaids

Once the wedding bells have rung and you’ve started your blissful wedded life, there’s one thing you can't forget to do: Let your bridesmaids know how much you appreciate them. This post-wedding task should be at the top of your priority list.

From planning your bachelorette party to helping arrange the details of your wedding, the tasks your bridesmaids helped with demonstrate how they had your back. Sending out a bridesmaid thank-you card is the most thoughtful way to express your gratitude. We consulted with experts Tommy Elliott and Hovik Harutyunyan to help you get started.

Bridesmaid Thank-You Card Etiquette

First things first, let’s 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 expert-backed tips to kick things off.

Show Your Appreciation

“Your bridesmaids made a special impact in your life that’s why you chose them. They have been supportive throughout your engagement and helped make your dream wedding a reality,” says Elliott. “That’s why it is important to thank your bridesmaids, who were an integral part of making your wedding one of the best days of your life!”

Be Timely With Your Cards

“I recommend getting them done no later than three months post your wedding day, which is pretty common etiquette,” says Elliott. “You may want to include some photos from the day from your photographer, and depending on the time of year and their workload, this may take longer than the three-month timeline.”

Handwrite Each Card

“Make sure each one is handwritten and personally thanks the bridesmaid,” says Harutyunyan. “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.”

Consider Sending 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. “It can be very nice to send a thank-you gift after the wedding. 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 It With Pictures

Want to make the cards extra special? “Including some photos of you and your bridesmaids in the thank-you card makes it more personal and special,” says Elliott. “It’s not the typical thank-you card that every other guest would receive, and it shows you have gone that extra mile to show your appreciation to them.”

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

“Don’t go generic!” says Elliott. “Take the time to look back over your years of friendship and include special memories that made them the reason you chose them to stand beside you on your wedding day. Mention the good times and those times when they were there for you when you needed them most. Include any special moments or highlights from your wedding day that made you both laugh, smile, or shed a tear!”

Add an Anecdote

Make each bridesmaid's thank-you card unique. “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

You can ditch the airs. “Keep it simple, remember they know you pretty well so write as you would speak to them. Don’t overcomplicate it,” says Elliott.

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]