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Wedding wishes

What to write in a wedding card

In a wedding card, congratulate the couple by name, share a warm wish for their marriage, and add one personal touch, like a memory of them together or what you love about them as a pair. Two to four sentences is plenty. If you’re giving money or a gift, you can mention it lightly, but the message should be about them.

19 examples below: Short and simple · Heartfelt · Funny · Formal

Short and simple

For guests you know a little, or a card that comes with a gift.

“Congratulations, Maya and Jordan! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.”
“Here’s to love, laughter and many happy years. Congratulations!”
“So happy to celebrate you both today and every anniversary after.”
“Best wishes on your wedding day and for the adventure that starts now.”
“Two wonderful people, one great team. Congratulations!”
“Cheers to the newlyweds. May your home be full of good food and better company.”
A sample anniversary card front: a hand-drawn heart on blush paper
A sample card front in our hand-drawn style. The message is written inside with a real pen.

Heartfelt

For close friends and family, where a specific memory says the most.

“I knew after your first dinner together that this was different. You’ve both been more yourselves ever since. I love you two.”
“Watching you walk down the aisle, I thought about the little girl who made me marry her teddy bears. You finally got the real thing, and he’s perfect for you.”
“You make each other braver and kinder. I hope your marriage keeps doing that for the rest of your lives.”
“Sam, you’ve been my best friend for twenty years and I’ve never seen you this happy. Alex, thank you for that.”
“May you always be on the same side, even on the days you don’t agree.”
“Welcome to the family, Priya. We already loved you, and now we get to keep you.”

Funny

Gentle teasing works if you know the couple well. Keep it clean for parents who might read it.

“Congratulations on finding the one person who will tolerate your thermostat preferences forever.”
“May your Wi-Fi be strong and your arguments be about who loves who more.”
“Marriage is just a lifelong sleepover with someone who steals the covers. Congratulations!”
“Remember: the secret to a happy marriage is two words. “You’re right.” Practice daily.”

Formal

For coworkers, a boss or family friends you don’t see often.

“With warmest congratulations on your marriage and every good wish for your future together.”
“Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness. It was an honor to celebrate with you.”
“May your marriage be blessed with joy, patience and companionship through all the years ahead.”

Do

  • Use both names, and spell them exactly as the couple does.
  • Add one personal detail: how they met, a trip together, what they bring out in each other.
  • Welcome a new in-law to the family if you’re a relative.
  • Keep it to a few sentences so it fits neatly with a gift.
  • Write it before the wedding so you aren’t scrambling at the reception.

Don’t

  • Don’t mention exes, past relationships or how long it took them.
  • Don’t make divorce or “ball and chain” jokes.
  • Don’t write anything you wouldn’t want their grandmother to read.
  • Don’t write a dollar amount or call out what the gift cost.

How to write it

Open with congratulations to both people by name. Avoid writing only to the one you know best.

Add the heart of the card: a memory of them together, something you admire about their relationship, or a wish for their marriage. One specific sentence beats three general ones.

Close with a warm wish and sign off with “With love,” “Cheers to you both” or “Warmest congratulations.” If there’s a gift or cash, a light “a little something toward the honeymoon” is enough.

Questions

Write your normal congratulations, then a light line such as “a little something for your first home together” or “toward a great honeymoon dinner.” Don’t mention the amount.

A short, warm line is perfect: “Congratulations on your wedding. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.” You don’t need a personal story if you don’t have one.

Address both. You’re celebrating the marriage, so use both names even if you only know one of them well.

Yes. A card is a kind gesture whether or not you went, and you can add “Sorry we couldn’t be there to celebrate with you.” Be Thoughtful can write and mail it for you in real handwriting, timed to arrive near the date.

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