Follow the perfect gift with the perfect note

Once the wedding's over, most couples are overwhelmed by all of the amazing gifts their guests send or bring to the wedding. Along with the job of figuring out how to store all these new possessions, it's time to write your thank you notes!

It might seem like a tedious process -- especially if you had a large wedding and have already written notes for engagement and shower gifts. But etiquette mandates you get these out soon after the wedding. And you'll want to thank your generous guests, plus you don't want them worrying about whether their present actually got to you or may have gotten lost in the mail.

So get out your stationery -- it's your last chance to match your wedding colors and a great time to use that new married monogram. You'll need good pens, stamps and maybe address labels as well (to save you time if you don't have your address engraved on your envelopes already).

Tip: If you use the Connected Weddings Guest List Manager to keep track of all your guests names and addresses and gifts when you receive them, you'll have all of the information you need right on your computer screen. Just add the personal touch to your notes and you're there.

Follow this template for a great thank-you note.

Dear (insert guest name(s)),

Thank them specifically for gift they sent you. This lets them know that the gift reached you safely. Thank you so much for the wonderful Cuisinart blender.

Say how you'll put their gift to good use. We both love making smoothies, and we can't wait to have you over to taste test our strawberry-banana concoction.

Thank them for being at the wedding, and if applicable, for anything they did to help with the wedding, for travelling from far away, for being such good friends to you, your parents and/or your new family. We were touched that you came all the way from Kentucky for our wedding and we'll always remember your toast at the rehearsal dinner. We're very lucky to have such loving cousins.

Closing. Much love, OR Best wishes, OR Thanks again, (insert your names)