I am wondering what is the proper etiquette for sending thank you cards. Are they sent to immediate family members? Distant family members, i.e. sister in law? Sister? Or just friends...
Thank you

Send them to everybody that gave you anything.

Give a personal thank you to your mother or mother in law via phone call or in person. Tell her why the gift was so fabulous. :) Treat her to luncheon at a local restaurant.

Other than that, if someone gives you a gift, as in gift gift, send them a thank you note even if you thank them in person.

I would do as Choux suggests, thank your immediate family , unless they insist on a thank you note for a keepsake,maybe at some point invite them round for dinner or alike.

Send out thank you notes to friends, family that live a distance away... you know the ones,you only meet at weddings,christenings or sadley funerals and aquitances.

If we are talking a wedding here, sometimes a thank you letter may be sent to the flower provider, car people, not forgetting the vicar or who ever covered the ceremony and of.course the caterers, then there's the entertainment... or music provider... if you had any.

I think that just about covers it... phew!

I agree with NoHelp4U - You should send a thank you to everyone. For your immediate family take a little time to write something heartfelt. Thank them not just for a gift but for their love and support.