A wedding gift giver is wondering whether to address the lack of a thank-you card after sending cash to a friend's daughter.
The gift was cashed 10 days after the wedding, but no acknowledgment has been received.
Etiquette experts say thank-you notes should be sent within two to three weeks of receiving a gift. A handwritten note is considered the gold standard, though a phone call or email is acceptable if circumstances warrant.
Whether to say something depends on several factors: your relationship with the couple, how much time has passed since the wedding, and your communication style.
If only a few weeks have passed, it may be worth waiting a bit longer. Thank-you notes sometimes arrive late due to busy schedules or organizational challenges.
If significantly more time has elapsed, a gentle, non-accusatory approach can work. A simple phone call to the bride or groom saying you wanted to confirm they received your gift is less confrontational than a written reminder.
Keep in mind that while thank-you notes are important, the absence of one doesn't necessarily reflect ingratitude. Newlyweds may be overwhelmed with tasks, traveling or dealing with personal circumstances.
If you choose not to address it directly, consider it a lesson for future gift-giving decisions.