After the loss of a loved one, most people receive a variety of items such as gift baskets, floral arrangements, mass cards, and sympathy cards. Some may wonder if all of these things should be acknowledged with a sympathy thank you card. While it is always recommended that a floral arrangement, gift basket or mass card is acknowledged with a thank you card it is considered optional to send one when receiving sympathy cards. Sometimes, the sheer volume of cards received makes it challenging. However, the act of sending out these cards can actually assist with the grieving process.
In recognizing all the people who were so thoughtful, loving, kind, and supportive, it can help the bereaved to realize they are not alone. Writing out these greeting cards may bring about thoughts and memories of the loved one they lost, helping them to grieve.
If you are in the process of composing sympathy thank you cards, you may want to include a personal thought or two about your deceased loved one that is appropriate for the recipient or you may want to keep your note very simple by saying “Thank you for your expression of kindness.” The type of message you include depends on your relationship with the recipient. If the card is being sent to a co-worker or client the message might be brief; with family and close friends something with more meaning would be appropriate.
If a religious ceremony was performed at the funeral, you may want to send a kind note to the clergyman. It would also be nice to send a note of thanks to any special participants of the funeral service such as a pallbearer or someone who gave a speech. If you choose to send out sympathy thank you cards, an appropriate time frame to get your cards in the mail is two weeks following the funeral. However, it is understandable that you are going through a very difficult time filled with grief and sorrow. If you don’t get to the cards for several weeks or even a few months, it’s ok. Remember, you’re not only saying thank you, you’re also helping the grieving process. So do what you are emotionally capable of handling…your family and friends will understand.
FAQs
If you choose to send out sympathy thank you cards, an appropriate time frame to get your cards in the mail is two weeks following the funeral. However, it is understandable that you are going through a very difficult time filled with grief and sorrow.
Is it proper etiquette to send thank you cards for sympathy cards? ›
Who should receive sympathy thank you notes? You don't need to send a formal thank you note to everyone who attended the funeral/visitation or sent you a sympathy card. Instead, a thank you note or acknowledgement should be sent to anyone who has done something extra, including: People who sent or brought flowers.
How long do you have to send thank you cards after a funeral? ›
There is no set deadline when it comes to sending out thank you cards, though getting them out within two to three weeks after the funeral is ideal. Even if it takes some time for you to feel ready to tackle the task of writing thank you notes, it is never too late to send them out.
Are you supposed to say thank you after condolences? ›
If the condolence was delivered to you face-to-face, the best way to reply is with a simple “thank you” or “I appreciate that”. You may not feel ready to hold a long conversation, which is perfectly fine.
How do you say thank you for receiving a sympathy card? ›
Sympathy Card
- Your sympathy card was so kind and very much appreciated. You are such a thoughtful friend.
- Thank you for thinking of our family during this difficult time. Your card was sincerely appreciated.
- Thank you so much for your sympathy card. I/ we truly appreciated the warm words of comfort. You are so kind.
Is it ever too late to express your sympathy to someone who has suffered a loss? If you're trying to follow proper etiquette, it's best to send a note, gift or flowers within two weeks of the funeral. However, you can do it later, as long as you feel it would be helpful rather than painful.
What is an example of a thank you note after a death? ›
"We appreciate your support during this difficult time in our lives." "Thank you for your thoughts and prayers." "We are grateful to have had you there to honour _____'s life." "Thank you for your attendance.
How long should you leave sympathy cards up? ›
It's entirely up to what makes you comfortable. As long as you wish. There is no rule. When you see you never read them and don't think you ever will, then it's time for them to go.
How long is too long to send thank you cards? ›
You may have heard that you have a year to send your Thank You cards, well, that's just not right. According to traditional protocol, you need to send them in the first three months. Ideally, do it as soon as you can while it's still fresh in your and your guests' memories.
What is the proper response to a sympathy card? ›
A simple “thank you” works. Other short phrases you can say are, “I appreciate it,” or “That's very kind.” If the other person knew the deceased and is grieving too, you can acknowledge that by also responding, “This must be hard for you, too.”
Closing line
Thank you for your words of support. Your kindness/support means more than words can possibly express. (I, the family) will always remember your kindness. You were a true friend to (loved one) and will always be an important part of the family.
What to write in a sympathy thank you card for money? ›
What to write in a funeral thank you card:
- “I am so appreciative of your generosity. ...
- “Thank you for the generous contribution. ...
- “I honestly can't say thank you enough. ...
- “Your words were so kind and very much appreciated in these tough times. ...
- “Thank you for the donation in [name]'s honour.
Ways to Respond When Someone Says 'Sorry for Your Loss'
- I know this is difficult for you too.
- It's comforting to have people around me.
- It's comforting to know [the deceased] is reunited with [previous deceased].
- They're singing with the angels today.
- I appreciate the well wishes/support/prayers/kind words.
While it is always recommended that a floral arrangement, gift basket or mass card is acknowledged with a thank you card it is considered optional to send one when receiving sympathy cards.
How do you send thank you cards after a funeral? ›
There is no need to send a formal thank you note to every single person who came to the funeral or sent you a card acknowledging the passing of your loved one. However, you should make it a point to formally acknowledge people who have done the following: Sent or brought flowers.
Do you send thank you cards for funeral mass cards? ›
Today, in most cases, a signed Thank You Card is sufficient to say “Thanks” for flowers, Mass cards, sympathy cards, and personal services. Computer “e-mails” are generally not the appropriate method to express your gratitude. Thank You cards are usually sent between ten days and two weeks following the funeral.
Should sympathy cards be acknowledged? ›
Sympathy cards with no personal message, online sympathy notes, and visits to the funeral home or the service don't need to be acknowledged in writing. Letters of thanks are customarily written to pallbearers, honorary pallbearers, ushers, eulogists, and readers.
Is it proper etiquette to send money in a sympathy card? ›
You don't have to send a gift along with the card, but you certainly can. Many people send flowers, but it's also really easy to put money on the card. When you send the money, let the family know you want them to honor their loved one in whatever way they see fit.
How long do you leave sympathy cards up for? ›
As long as you wish. There is no rule. When you see you never read them and don't think you ever will, then it's time for them to go.
