Note Writing Basics: How to Get Your Card Right Every Time

Have you been putting off sending a note to a family member or friend? Whether it's a thank you note, a sympathy note, or just a note to express your love, what's holding you back?

These days, when people send 16 million text messages per minute and 156 million emails, a written note can make all the difference to someone who's feeling lonely or could use a kind word.

Many people avoid writing notes because they're worried about their writing abilities. It's okay if you're not a note writing expert, though. You can become one in no time if you keep these tips in mind.

It's Always the Right Time

You might think it's too late to send a note to someone you love. Maybe they got married a couple of months ago or they gave you a gift last year.

The truth, though, is that it's always a good time to receive a note or card. Everyone loves getting mail that's not a bill or a credit card application. Chances are good that your loved one will appreciate your note no matter how late it is.

Keep in mind, too, that you don't always need a reason to send a note. There's nothing wrong with sending a "thinking of you" or "hope you're well" note just because. Often, these are the very best notes.

Start with Great Stationery

Having some nice, high-quality stationery can make the note writing process a lot more appealing.
Whether you want something that contains a clever message or features the official color of the year, there are lots of stationery options for you to choose from.

Before you start writing your note, head to the store and look for some stationery or a card that's appropriate for the situation and gets you excited to write your note.

Create a Digital Draft

There's nothing more irritating than having to throw away several practice notes because you misspelled something or wrote the wrong thing.

To avoid wasting your new stationery, write your note on the computer first. That way, you can plan out exactly what you want to say and transfer it to the card after.

There's no more wasted paper when you do it this way, and you'll be free to make as many mistakes as you need to figure out the perfect message.

Follow a Formula

If you have no idea where to begin when it comes to writing a note for someone, try following this basic formula:

• Start by greeting the recipient by name
• Express why you're writing
• Use one or two sentences for a personal touch
• Wrap up with a closing message (thank you again, I wish you the best, etc.)

 There's plenty of room to get more creative with your notes, but this formula can be helpful if you're dealing with writer's block and have no clue what to say.

Talk About a Memory

When it comes to adding a personal touch to your cards, a memory is a great approach to take. Spending a sentence or two writing about a memory you have with your loved one shows them that they really do matter to you. It'll also make your note unique and separate it from other notes they've received.

Think About the Future

It's also helpful to spend a sentence or two addressing the future. Maybe you can let your loved one know that you're looking forward to seeing them soon or that you hope to make plans to see them the next time you're in the neighborhood.

If you're writing a thank you note, you could also talk about how you plan to use their gift in the future (I can't wait to bake lots of casseroles in this dish, Aunt Helen).

Don't be Something You're Not

It might be tempting to try and make yourself sound smarter or more sophisticated than you are, especially if you don't consider yourself to be a great writer.

It's important to note, though, that your loved one wants to hear from you. They love you for who you are, and they don't want to read a note that sounds like it was written by someone else.

Resist the urge to use the thesaurus to expand your vocabulary or change your tone and write from the heart. It'll make your note much more meaningful.

Focus on Them

When in doubt, focus on the recipient, not yourself. Emphasize how much you appreciate them, what their friendship means, why you love them, etc.

There are so many self-centered people in the world these days. If you can separate yourself by keeping the focus on the recipient, you'll be miles ahead of all the other people who might be sending them notes.

Keep it Short and Sweet

You don't need to send your loved one a novel. Instead, try to keep your note short. Limit yourself to a few really well-written, meaningful sentences. This will have more of an impact on your loved one than a long letter full of boring platitudes.

You can only read messages like "best wishes" and "congratulations" so many times before your head explodes.

Don't Overthink it

Finally, don't overthink it. Remember, most people are just excited to receive an original note.
As long as you're writing from the heart and being genuine, they won't care if it's the most well-written note in the world.

With so many people eschewing written notes these days, they might not have that many to compare it to, anyway.

Take Your Note Writing to the Next Level

Writing a heartfelt note doesn't have to be difficult. If you keep these note writing tips in mind, you'll have a much easier time expressing your thoughts and feelings and showing your loved ones that you care.

Do you know what makes a note even better? When it's attached to a stunning flower arrangement!
Next time you need to send someone a note, send some flowers along with it.

Contact us at Peachtree Petals today to learn about the different flower arrangements we offer or to order yours!