So you’ve decided to start writing a letter. Perhaps you’re a seasoned professional when it comes to signing birthday cards and composing thank you notes, but maybe.. Maybe you’re unsure of where exactly to begin. Here’s a list of 5 important things that you can include in your letter or follow as a guide to help you get started.

1. A Sweet Address

First and foremost, it’s important to make clear who your letter is addressed to. While a name at the top of your card doesn’t always have to be present, it adds a quality of personalization from the very start. 

It’s important to choose an address that feels appropriate for the message that you’re wanting to send. Friends and family might use punchy nicknames with each other that clearly indicate a closeness in their relationship, but for those who are less well-acquainted with each other, a kind and respectful address is the way to go.

When in doubt, simply put the recipient’s name and focus your sentiments in the message.

2. An Introduction

Clear and concise writing is an art form, but with a few simple tricks you too can be a masterful virtuoso with your words! 

Just as when you’re composing a longer piece or essay, an introduction for your letter can help orient your direction and keep you on track with what you are trying to say. It’s a simple way to introduce the purpose of why you are writing so the reader can understand why they are receiving it. 

In cases where it’s been a while since you’ve been in contact, an introduction can also help to preface your message with some genuine sentiment or regard, for example “I’m sorry that’s it’s been so long. I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I’m thinking about you”. 

3. Clearly Written

Don’t worry about trying to impress anybody with your words, just speak simply and truthfully. It’s better to write a shorter message with a clear intent and honest thoughts, then to deliver a word salad that requires a team of forensic scientists to decode. 

Once you have gotten your basic thoughts down on the page, then you can go over it again and refine your use of language and style. Our best advice for an impactful message is to write from the heart and that simplicity is key. 

4. Meaningful Message

One of the most beautiful things about relationships, romantic or platonic, is intimacy. The word comes from the Latin word meaning innermost, and it is all about connecting with and sharing ourselves and our inner life with others. Intimacy is something that is built over time in our relationships. 

Adding intimate details to your message is a way to encourage impact in your message. Take a moment to consider the time or conversations that you’ve shared with your sendee. Including details about a moment that you’ve shared together and how much you valued it can add deeper meaning to your message. 

“We each have a physical structure, a mind, emotions. All of us want happiness and do not want to suffer. I find that relating on that level makes it much easier to exchange and communicate with one another.” — Dalai Lama

5. A Personal Touch

Now that you’re thinking about ways that you can include more clarity and meaning in your message, it’s time to package it all up in the perfect presentation. 

We suggest one of our Classic Letters in your favourite colour combination with one of our added extras. Along with a hand-written note, you can also include a pressed rose for a little added sweetness, an Original Polaroid™ of Paris for nostalgia, or a spoonful of glitter for something really unexpected.