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What to Write in a Wedding Card: Congratulations & Wishes

So you’ve found the perfect wedding card, but now comes the really tricky part: what do you actually write in the card? Figuring out what to say to the couple as well as knowing what is appropriate is more difficult than you think. Luckily, there are no fixed rules about what to write in a wedding card. As long as you write something that is heartfelt and wishes the couple well then you should be all set. 

 

Types of Wedding Wishes

There are a variety of different ways in which you can wish a couple well on their wedding day. Below are examples of the various ways you can wish the soon to be married couple a happy and healthy marriage. 

 

Casual Wedding Wishes

 

If formal is not your style, casual wedding wishes are the way to go. It is best to do what makes you the most comfortable. Crafting a casual wedding message is perfectly acceptable no matter who is receiving the card. Be sure to keep your message short, sweet, and heartfelt.

Be positive and offer a wish for the couple as they embark on this next phase of life.

 

Examples:

  • Congratulations!
  • Best wishes!
  • Congratulations to the happy couple!
  • We’re/I’m so happy for you!
  • Wishing you endless love and happiness.
  • Here’s to a happy marriage!
  • Congratulations on your wedding!
  • Best wishes for an exciting future together.
  • We/I love you! Congratulations!
  • Hugs and kisses!
  • Wishing you a lifetime of joy together.
  • Lots of love today and always!

 

Formal Wedding Wishes

wedding card box

Whether you are attending a black tie affair or you just want to write something that is classy and romantic, a formal message is the perfect choice. This is also a great route if you are looking to be more traditional. Here are a few examples of formal wedding wishes that any couple will love.

 

Examples:

  • May the years ahead be filled with everlasting joy.
  • Best wishes on this beautiful journey as you build your lives and your love together. 
  • Thank you for allowing us/me to share in this wondrous day. We/I wish you all the best as you embark on your life together. 
  • May the love you share grow stronger as you grow old together. 
  • May today be the start of a long and happy life together. 
  • Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow.
  • Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness. 

 

Humorous Wedding Wishes

 

If you have a light and fun relationship with the couple, feel free to write them a message you think will make them laugh. A good rule of thumb when writing a humorous message is to avoid writing anything sarcastic or snarky. Those tend to be taken the wrong way when written down.

Also steer clear of anything that could be seen as insulting or offensive. There is a fine line between what you consider funny and what someone else considers rude. Be careful when going for a chuckle!

 

Examples: 

  • Glad we/I got to break out our/my best dance moves for your big day. Congrats to an amazing couple!
  • Thanks for inviting us/me to eat and drink while you two get married. Congrats to you both!
  • Thanks for the free booze! Wishing you a lifetime of endless love and laughter. 
  • You two make almost as good of a team as the [insert your/their favorite sports team’s name or the names of another iconic duo here].
  • Congratulations and thank you for making me sob uncontrollably!
  • If you can’t come up with anything on your own, feel free to grab a funny pre-written card and add “Love, us/me.”

 

Religious Wedding Wishes

If the couple is religious, it might be best to opt for a religious message in their wedding card. This type of message can mention religious deities, your prayers for their future together, or quoting scripture.

If the couple is not too religious or are not actively worshipping, maybe tone down the religious elements or forego them all together. If you are unsure of what to write, opt for a more general religious message. 

 

Examples:

  • May your marriage be blessed!
  • Wishing you a marriage as strong as your faith. 
  • Sending you prayers for a lifetime of love and happiness. 
  • Love is a blessing unlike any other. 
  • Cherish the love you have been blessed with.

Depending on the couple’s religion, you can also write a more specific religious message tailored to them and their beliefs. 

 

Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter or Son

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jen | NJ + SoCal Photographer (@jenniferlarsenphoto)

 

If your child is getting married, it is likely a huge deal. As their parent, you are likely feeling a wide range of emotions that are difficult to put into words. The most important thing is to ensure that you wish your child and their soon to be spouse well.

From there, you can add more personal touches to the card that truly express how you feel to see your child getting married. If you are happily married, feel free to add in a sprinkle of personal marriage advice. 

 

Examples:

  • We are/I am so happy to welcome a new son/daughter into the family.
  • Today we add one more member to our family, and we couldn’t be happier. Best wishes to you both, and may your love grow stronger each day. 
  • May your love be boundless and your happiness be everlasting. Wishing you a most joyous day.
  • My/our deepest love and very best wishes to you both.
  • Son/daughter, I/we love you so much. I’m/we’re so happy you’ve found someone wonderful to share your life with. Congratulations to you both. 

 

Wedding Wishes for Your Sibling

 

If you have a good relationship with your sibling, the note you write to them on their wedding day is one that should be personal, meaningful, and shows how close you two are. It is likely that you know them better than anybody else so why not highlight that connection in your letter?

Recall some of your favorite moments or let them know how much they have impacted your life. Be sure to wish them and their new spouse a happy life together. 

 

Examples:

  • I always wanted a brother/sister and now I have one. Congratulations to you both. 
  • Best wishes to my best friend and sister/brother and new brother/sister as you start your life together. May your days be filled with endless love and laughter. 
  • I am so thankful to have a brother/sister as amazing as you. I wish you and your new wife/husband a lifetime of joy.
  • Today I gain a new sibling and I couldn’t be more excited! I love you both. 
  • Lots of love and happiness to the best sister/brother in the whole world and her/his new partner for life. I can’t wait to watch you grow together.

 

Wedding Wishes for Your Friend

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Signed with Love (@signedwithloveweddings)

 

When it comes to writing a wedding card for your friend, you can either go with a classic option like the formal or casual examples listed above or you can opt for a more personalized sentiment. Whatever you decide, be sure to consider the type of relationship you have with this friend and allow that to influence your message. 

 

Examples:

  • I am so lucky to call you both my friends. Congratulations!
  • Best wishes to you both as you embark on this new journey together. We/I love you!
  • Of all of the big life events we have celebrated over the years, today is at the top of the list. Congratulations on finding your forever!
  • Best wishes for a long, happy life together!
  • Here’s to endless love and an amazing friendship!
  • Congratulations to my incredible friend and his/her new wife/husband!

 

Wedding Wishes for Your Parent and Stepparent 

 

No matter how you feel about your mother or father getting married or remarried, it is understandable that finding the right words to say to them and their new spouse might be difficult.

If you are unsure of what to say, keep things short and simple. Do not write anything you do not mean. Be kind and wish them a happy and healthy future together. Just try to write what feels most natural to you. 

 

Examples:

  • Mom/Dad, I’m so happy you found someone to share your life with. Congratulations.
  • Welcome to the family. I/we love you both so much!
  • To the best mom/dad I could ever ask for, and her/his new husband/wife: I wish you nothing but endless love and happiness. Congratulations!
  • It makes me happy to see you so happy. Best wishes to you both. 
  • Mom/Dad, we/I love you. [Stepparent name], we/I open our arms and hearts to welcome you to the family. Congratulations.

 

Wedding Card Etiquette

 

While there are no set rules about what to write in a wedding card, there are a few things you should keep in mind when crafting your message to the couple. Here are some tips to help ensure that your message is perfect and will be well received. 

 

Address It To The Couple

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by art | design | calligraphy (@xoartanddesign)

 

All wedding cards will be read by both partners and not just the person you are closest to. It is important that you congratulate both of them on their union. Their wedding is about the both of them together so it is important to address them together. 

 

Plan What You Are Going to Write Before You Write It

 

Coming up with what to write is quite difficult, and you may end up wanting to change things while you are writing. This is one of the many reasons why it is beneficial to write out exactly what you want to say on a separate sheet of paper before putting it on the card.

If you mess up or want to change something, you can do so without having to get an entirely new card. Writing your message out beforehand will help you to avoid any errors when eventually writing it in the card. 

 

Spell Their Names Right

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Barb Summers Engler (@bdengler4)

 

Their names are the first thing they read on the card so it is critical that you spell both of their names correctly. Not only is it awkward, but it can come off as a bit insulting if one or both of their names are spelled wrong. 

 

Keep It Short and Sweet

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Foteini 🌟 Island Diaries (@girl.on.caffeine)

 

Longer is not always better when it comes to wedding cards. Wedding cards don’t leave you much space so keep your message short and sweet. It can be tempting to reminisce and express your excitement, but try to avoid being long winded. Remember whatever you don’t write can be said face to face or in a separate letter or email. 

 

Conclusion

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by WeddingVibeGiveaways.com (@weddingvibegiveaways)

 

At the end of the day, use the space you have on your card to offer your congratulations to the happy couple. Make sure that whatever you write sparks joy and reminds the couple that they mean a lot to you.

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Laura Gooch

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