Once the wedding ceremony is over, you still have tasks to accomplish that stem from your wedding. You will receive many gifts at your wedding reception and must send thank-you notes to your guests. Writing a thoughtful thank-you note is not difficult. However, it is important to try to write it promptly and make it personal.

Make sure to keep track of your wedding gifts. Use a copy of your guest list to record what each guest gave you. As you write each note, check off the guest's name.

If you receive gifts before your ceremony, try to write those notes in advance. Your guests will appreciate receiving the notes quickly, and you will be happy to finish some notes before you receive the bulk of your wedding gifts.

When you return home from your venue, check your purse and the groom's jacket for wedding checks. Put any gifts and checks in one area. When you record your gifts, some may be missing. Some guests may mail a gift after your Maine wedding ceremony.

Although a bride may write most of her notes, consider sharing the chore with your groom. If you each write thank-you notes to the guests you know, it will be easy to write notes that are personal.

Some ideas for personalizing thank-you notes are:

• Mention the specific gift they gave you.
• If it is a registered item, thank the guest for selecting it.
• Indicate how glad you were the guest attended, especially if he/she traveled a log distance.
• Mention your regrets when a guest could not attend.
• Indicate how you will use a cash gift.
• State how much you value the relationship.

A bride and groom may have a hectic post-wedding schedule. If you take a honeymoon, bring thank-you notes on your plane ride. It will be the perfect time to write them. When you return, keep some notes in your briefcase or car. Before you know it, you and your groom will finish them. Then you can focus on spending time enjoying the many items that will help you start life as a bride and groom.