Thank you notes for wedding... we lost the list! Now what?

Question

I don't know how we managed this, but we lost the list of who gave us what... and we are also unsure if a few people were able to give us gifts or just their best wishes! We are so grateful to our family and friends, but now we don't know what to write on the thank you cards. If we send a generic "thank you for the gift" and they hadn't given us a tangible gift, we'd feel terrible for making them feel uncomfortable.

Can we just send something like "Thank you for your best wishes and love"? What can we write that would apply to everyone, including those that attended, those that didn't reply, those that gifted, those that gave best wishes?

Thank you for your help!

Answer 1

How about just telling the truth that you lost the list, but a Thank You card is still something that you wish to share with them for their thoughts, wishes and generosity (even someone just taking time to be there and wish you well would still be generous.)

Answer 2

I agree with the folks- be honest. Maybe you can have someone such as your maid/matron of honor or best man write an email memo on your behalf. They can write something like:

Dear everyone,

Jonathan and Judy have accidentally lost the guest list regarding gifts. Please email Ryan indicating what gift you bought for the couple. Please include your name, address, name of gift, and gift item number/amount on gift card etc.

Don't panic. Remember accidents happen and as long as you are honest, no one will fuss at you. Congrats on your marriage! :)

Answer 3

I know that something happened to one of my friends, they lost half of their list.

Send an email out plainly asking who brought what, everyone should understand since you'd like to thank everyone properly.

If not, you can just give a generic card.

Answer 4

i guess there is not much of a choice, yeah a generic one will do.  Better than nothing.  Of course if you remember what people gave, mention it if you want.

I just received a thank you note in postcard form with a picture of them on it.  My point is maybe you could make that the main point of it.

Answer 5

You do it by writing extra letters. First, you tell people how glad you were that they were able to attend your wedding. (You don't thank them for coming; guests thank the host, not the other way 'round.) In this letter you just honestly confess that the list was lost and ask people to help you do the right thing by volunteering any information they have that will help you send appropriate thank you letters for all the kind gifts you've received. (Notice that you avoid asking people specifically "Hey, what did ya gimme?" In this way you don't embarrass those who gave only letters of congratulations.) It would be an extra gracious touch to include self addressed stamped post card in these letters, especially one with a wedding photo. Either way, you then do the best you can on the thank you letters using the information you receive.  

Answer 6

Just write something like "Thank you for making our day so special" or something like that.