DEAR ABBY: My husband and I attended a wedding in September of last year. We purchased expensive crystal for the bride and groom, which cost us nearly $600. This was separate from the bridal shower gift we gave them in May. We have not received thank-you notes for either of these gifts.
My husband told me that you have said it's appropriate to send thank-you notes up to one year after the wedding. My mother taught me to send them as quickly as possible.
My sister had her wedding thank-you notes out in three weeks, and I had mine out in two weeks. My sister and I both worked and were setting up new households with our husbands, but we felt it was a priority. We wanted to ensure that our family and friends knew how much their thoughtfulness was appreciated.
Can you please clarify thank-you note etiquette? I am tired of wondering if my gifts were received and appreciated. -- DISGUSTED IN DELAWARE
DEAR DISGUSTED: I have said in the past that a thank-you note anytime is better than none at all. However, good manners dictate that thank-you notes should follow within three months at the latest, and preferably within one month -- regardless of whether the giver has been thanked verbally.