Whose name goes first on wedding thank you cards?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

When it comes to wedding thank you cards, it is customary for the bride’s name to appear first. This tradition stems from the historical practice of the bride’s family being more involved in the planning and hosting of the wedding. However, it is important to note that these days, many couples are taking a more modern and egalitarian approach to their wedding, so the order in which the names are listed can vary.

In the past, wedding thank you cards were often sent from the bride’s family, as they were considered the hosts of the wedding. Therefore, it made sense for the bride’s name to be listed first on the cards. However, with changing societal norms and the increasing involvement of both families in wedding planning, this tradition has evolved.

Nowadays, it is common for couples to send thank you cards jointly or for each partner to send cards on behalf of their respective families. In such cases, the order in which the names are listed can be determined by personal preference or practical considerations. Some couples may choose to list the bride’s name first, while others may opt for alphabetical order or even switch the order for each set of cards.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that both partners’ names are included and that the thank you cards express sincere gratitude to the recipients. It is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the love and support received from family and friends during the wedding celebration.

In my personal experience attending weddings and receiving thank you cards, I have seen various approaches to the order of names. Some couples choose to list the bride’s name first as a nod to tradition, while others opt for alphabetical order or simply alternate the order to be fair. Regardless of the order, what truly matters is the sentiment expressed in the thank you cards.

To summarize, while tradition dictates that the bride’s name should appear first on wedding thank you cards, modern couples have the freedom to choose the order that best suits their preferences. The most important aspect is to convey genuine gratitude to all those who have supported and celebrated the couple’s special day.