Don't Forget to Thank Those Who Couldn't Attend Your Wedding: 4 Etiquette Tips for Giving "Uchiwai" Gifts
2016.04.04 published
It Was a Day Like a Dream: Our Wedding Ceremony ♡
Since being proposed to, the newlyweds have worked hard through the introductions to parents, meeting of the families, searching for a wedding venue, preparing for the wedding, and finally the big day itself… Thank you for all your efforts, dear newlyweds! ♡
After such a wonderful day, while you might want to take a break… there’s one last big task remaining: “Thank-You Gifts” ♡
"Thank-You Gifts" for Those Who Celebrated Your Wedding ♡
"Thank-You Gifts" are items given to those who couldn't attend the wedding but sent congratulatory money (gifts) as a way to express gratitude for their well wishes. ♡
Think of it as a substitute for the "wedding favors" given to those who attended the ceremony! ♡ However, it's important to note that there are established manners for choosing and sending these gifts, so be cautious!
This time, let's learn about the manners of "Thank-You Gifts" that you should be mindful of after the wedding! ♡
Manners for "Thank-You Gifts" to Be Mindful of After the Wedding① Timing of Sending
The timing for sending Thank-You Gifts is not just anytime!*
The appropriate timing is decided to be "within one month" after the wedding ceremony.*
If you take too long, it can leave a bad impression, so even though you might want to relax and enjoy after the wedding, let's send Thank-You Gifts to those who celebrated with us as a show of gratitude! ♡
Manners for "Thank-You Gifts" to Be Mindful of After the Wedding② How to Choose Thank-You Gifts
When selecting Thank-You Gifts, it’s customary to choose items worth about 30% to half of the amount of the congratulatory money or the value of the gifts received.*
Generally, common choices include towel blankets, catalog gifts, and snacks, but make sure to carefully select items that would be appreciated, considering the recipient’s age as well! ♡
Manners for "Thank-You Gifts" to Be Mindful of After the Wedding③ Include a Thank-You Note
When sending Thank-You Gifts, be sure to include a Thank-You note along with the item!*
The content of the Thank-You note typically expresses gratitude for the wedding congratulation and conveys the message of looking forward to future interactions! ♡ It’s best to keep it simple and easily understandable! ♡
Manners for "Thank-You Gifts" to Be Mindful of After the Wedding④ Always Include "Noshi"
Since marriage is a celebratory occasion that should not be repeated, we use "musubikirikiri" noshi.*
The types of noshi are well-understood by department store staff or shopkeepers, so don’t forget to mention that it’s for a wedding thank-you gift when buying thank-you items! ♡
On the upper section of the noshi, write "内祝" or "結婚内祝."*
In the lower section, it’s common to write the names of the bride and groom together, either using the last names or just first names like "Groom’s Name, Bride’s Name." ♡
Bonus ♡ / Marriage as an Opportunity to Send New Year Cards ♡
Marriage is a beautiful occasion that connects families.
Many people who had never sent New Year cards before have started doing so after getting married! ♡ Why not send out New Year cards as a way to announce your marriage? ♡
As you grow older, sharing news like the birth of children and expanding your family is also wonderful! ♡ It could become a delightful tradition to exchange New Year cards every year! ♡
How was it? ♡
Even after getting married, the connections with the important people around you continue! ♡ Let’s always remember that the happiness we have now is not only built by the two of us, and carry that feeling of gratitude as we move forward in life! ♡