A wedding card is more than a pretty piece of stationery.
It’s an opportunity to share your warmest wishes with the happy couple on their big day.
But with so many emotions swirling around, it can be tough to find the right words.
Fear not!
This guide will help you craft the perfect wedding card message, whether you’re a close relative or a distant acquaintance.
We’ll cover:
- Heartfelt congratulations and well wishes
- Advice for a happy marriage
- Quotes and poems about love and commitment
- Ideas for personalizing your message
Things to Write in a Wedding Card
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to write a wedding card that’s sure to bring a smile to the newlyweds’ faces.
So grab your pen and let’s get started!
1. Offer your warmest congratulations
The first thing you’ll want to do is congratulate the couple on their marriage. This may seem obvious, but it’s essential to any wedding card message. Congratulations set the tone for the rest of your note, so make them count.
You could write something simple like “Congratulations on your wedding!” or “Best wishes on this wonderful journey, as you build your new lives together.” If you’re feeling extra sentimental, you might say “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together.” The key is to be genuine in your congratulations.
Avoid generic phrases that could apply to any couple. Instead, consider what makes this particular couple special and try to capture that in your wedding wish. If they have a shared passion or inside joke, referencing it can make your message more personal and meaningful.
2. Share a favorite memory
If you know the bride or groom well, consider sharing a favorite memory in your wedding card. This could be a funny story from childhood, a heartwarming moment from their relationship, or a time when they were there for you.
For example, you might write “I’ll never forget the day you two met. It was clear from the start that you were perfect for each other.” Or “Remember when we went on that road trip together? That’s when I knew you two would end up married someday.”
Sharing a special memory shows that you’ve been paying attention to their relationship and invested in their happiness. It adds a personal touch to your wedding card and helps the couple feel supported on their big day.
Just be sure to keep your memory appropriate for a wedding card. Avoid anything too embarrassing or private. Stick to moments that highlight the couple’s love and commitment to each other.
3. Impart some words of wisdom
As someone who’s been married for a while (or even if you haven’t), you may have some valuable insights to share with the newlyweds. Your wedding card is a great place to impart a few words of wisdom about marriage.
You could share advice given to you on your wedding day, like “Never go to bed angry” or “Always make time for date night.” Or you could offer your sage wisdom, like “Remember to be kind to each other, even when things get tough” or “Marriage isn’t always 50/50. Sometimes it’s 60/40 or even 80/20. The key is to balance it out over time.”
If you’re worried about sounding preachy, try framing your advice as a wish for the couple’s future. For instance, you could write “I wish for you the kind of love that grows stronger with each passing year” or “May your marriage be filled with more laughter than tears.”
The most important thing is to keep your advice positive and uplifting. This is a joyous occasion, so focus on the bright side of married life. Leave the warnings and cautionary tales for another time.
4. Use a quote or poem
If you’re having trouble finding the right words, consider using a quote or poem in your wedding card. A well-chosen literary passage can perfectly capture the love and commitment between two people.
Some classic options include Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s sonnet “How Do I Love Thee?” or William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 116, which begins “Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.” More contemporary choices include “I Carry Your Heart With Me” by e.e. cummings or an excerpt from “The Amber Spyglass” by Philip Pullman.
When selecting a quote or poem, look for one that reflects the couple’s unique bond. They may appreciate a passage from their favorite book if they’re avid readers. Nature lovers might enjoy a few lines about the beauty of the natural world.
Be sure to attribute the quote or poem to its author properly. You could write it out in full or include a few key lines. And if you’re handwriting your message, take extra care to ensure it’s legible. You want the couple to be able to read and cherish your words for years to come.
5. Remind them you’re there for support
A wedding marks the start of a new chapter, but it’s not the end of the story. As the couple embarks on this next phase of their lives together, they’ll need the love and support of family and friends more than ever. Your wedding card is an opportunity to remind them that you’ll always be there for them.
You could write something like “I’m so excited to watch your love story unfold. Know that I’m always here if you need me.” Or “Wishing you strength and resilience for the challenges ahead, and a lifetime of joy and adventure together. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”
If you’re particularly close with the bride or groom, you might make a more specific offer of support. For instance, “If you ever need a sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to share a pint of ice cream with, you can always count on me.”
The idea is to let the couple know they have a strong network of loved ones to lean on, not only on their wedding day but in all the days and years to come. It’s a simple sentiment, but it can mean the world.
6. Add a personal touch
Adding a personal touch is one of the best ways to make your wedding card message stand out. Think about what makes your relationship with the couple special and find a way to incorporate that into your note.
Maybe you and the bride have a longstanding inside joke that you could reference. Or perhaps you and the groom bond over your love of a particular sports team. You could even mention a special moment from the wedding ceremony, like “Your vows brought tears to my eyes!”
Adding a personal detail shows that you put real thought and effort into your message. It proves this isn’t just a generic wedding card, but a heartfelt note written specifically for this couple.
Don’t feel pressured to be overly clever or humorous in your wedding wish. Sincerity is more important than wit. Even a simple “I’m so happy I could be here to celebrate your special day” can be incredibly meaningful when backed by genuine emotion.
7. Express your joy
Before you seal your envelope, take a moment to give your wedding card one last review. Does it communicate how thrilled you are for the happy couple? Remember, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Your card should reflect the magnitude of the occasion.
If you haven’t done so already, express your heartfelt congratulations. You could say something like, “Congratulations on tying the knot! Your love for each other is an inspiration to us all” or “What a joyous day! My heart is bursting with happiness for you both.”
Your final words should leave the couple feeling loved, supported, and celebrated. Let them know how much they mean to you, and how excited you are to witness the next chapter of their love story unfold. You can help make their wedding day even more special with your caring words and positive energy.
So go ahead, put pen to paper, and share the joy you feel. Your heartfelt message will be cherished for a lifetime.
8. Mention the wedding gift
Consider mentioning a gift with your card if you’re including it in your message. You could say something like “Please enjoy the enclosed [gift] as a small token of our affection” or “We hope you can use this [gift] to create many happy memories in your new home together.”
Referencing the gift is a nice way to further personalize your wedding card. It shows that you put thought into choosing something meaningful for the couple.
However, you don’t have to go into detail about the gift or why you selected it. A simple acknowledgment is enough. The focus should still be on celebrating the couple’s love and commitment.
9. End with a loving sign-off
End your wedding card with a warm, loving sign-off. Some options include:
- With love,
- Lots of love,
- Love always,
- All my love,
- Much love to you both,
- Sending all my love,
Choose one that feels natural and heartfelt. Sign both your names if you’re writing for yourself and a partner or family.
No matter which words you choose, the couple will surely appreciate the thought and care you put into celebrating their special day. Your message of love and support will be a cherished part of their wedding memories for years.
10. Compliment the couple
Weddings are a time to celebrate the unique love and bond between two people. One way to make your wedding card message stand out is to compliment the couple on their relationship.
You could praise their deep commitment, unwavering support for each other, or ability to weather life’s storms together. For example, “In all the years I’ve known you, I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. Your love is truly an inspiration.”
Or you might commend them on bringing out the best in one another. “Together, you two are unstoppable. Your combined strength, passion, and determination will take you far.”
If spirituality is important to the couple, you could even say something about how they exemplify the true meaning of a godly marriage. “Your love is a shining example of ‘two becoming one’ in God’s eyes. May He continue to guide you on this sacred journey.”
Whatever compliment you choose, make sure it’s sincere. Empty flattery won’t have the same impact as a genuine observation about what makes their relationship special.
11. Acknowledge the importance of marriage
A wedding is more than just a fancy party. It’s a sacred ceremony that marks the joining of two lives in love and partnership. Your wedding card is an opportunity to acknowledge the profound significance of this commitment.
You might say, “Today, as you exchange vows and rings, you’re not just gaining a spouse—you’re gaining a lifelong best friend and partner in all things. May your marriage be a source of strength, joy, and growth for you both.”
Or “Marriage is a beautiful adventure that will take you to new heights and challenge you in ways you never imagined. But with love as your guide, you can weather any storm and emerge stronger than before.”
If the couple is religious, you could reference the spiritual importance of marriage. For instance, “As you step into this holy covenant of marriage, may God’s love and grace surround you always. Your union is a sacred gift to be cherished and nurtured.”
By highlighting the meaning and gravity of the occasion, you show the couple that you truly understand and support their commitment to each other.
12. Reflect on the couple’s love story
Every couple has a unique love story—the tale of how they met, fell in love, and decided to spend their lives together. If you know the couple well, consider incorporating elements of their love story into your wedding card message.
You could reference the moment they first laid eyes on each other, like “From the second you two met at that party freshman year, it was clear that you had something special. Now look how far you’ve come!”
Or you might mention a significant milestone in their relationship, like “I’ll never forget how nervous [partner’s name] was when they asked me to help pick out the ring. That’s when I knew this day was inevitable.”
You could even allude to challenges they’ve overcome together, showing the strength of their bond. “You two have already weathered so many storms and come out stronger. With the unshakeable foundation of your love, you can handle anything life throws your way.”
By weaving in personal details from their love story, you show that you’ve been invested in their relationship from the start. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate how far they’ve come and the bright future that lies ahead.
13. Share your hopes for their future
A wedding is not just a celebration of a couple’s past and present, but also a send-off into their future together. Use your wedding card to share your hopes and dreams for this next chapter in their lives.
You might wish them a marriage filled with adventure, laughter, and growth. For example, “May your life together be a never-ending exploration—of the world, of your passions, and of the depths of your love for one another.”
Or you could express your confidence in their ability to build a beautiful life together, no matter what challenges come their way. “With two hearts as caring and determined as yours, I just know you’ll create a future even more incredible than you can imagine. I can’t wait to see all the amazing places your love will take you.”
If the couple plans to start a family, you could allude to the joys of parenthood that await them. “Seeing the love you two share, I know you’ll be the most amazing parents one day. Your future children are so lucky already.”
The key is to paint a picture of a bright and hopeful future, while still acknowledging the realities of married life. Offer encouragement and support without sugarcoating the challenges that lie ahead.
14. Recognize the joining of two families
For many couples, a wedding represents not just the joining of two hearts, but the merging of two families. If you’re a family member of the bride or groom, use your wedding card to honor this sacred bond.
You could officially welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law into the family, like “We’re so thrilled to officially call you our [son/daughter/child] today. You’ve already brought so much joy into our lives and we can’t imagine our family without you.”
Or, if you’re gaining new stepchildren through the marriage, let them know how excited you are to be part of their lives. “As you and [your mom/dad] start this new chapter, I want you to know that I’m here for you always. I’m so honored to be your [stepmom/stepdad] and to watch you grow into the incredible [woman/man/person] you’re becoming.”
You could also acknowledge the bittersweet emotions that come with gaining a new family member, especially if a parent has passed away. For example, “I know your [mom/dad] is shining down on you today, bursting with pride and love. They may not be here in person, but I know they’ll always live on through the amazing [woman/man/person] you’ve become and the love you and [partner’s name] share.”
By recognizing the familial bonds forged by marriage, you show the couple that their union is about so much more than just the two of them. It’s a beautiful reminder of the love and support that surrounds them as they begin their married life.
15. Offer a prayer or blessing
If faith is an important part of the couple’s lives, consider including a prayer or blessing in your wedding card. This could be a personal prayer you’ve written just for them, or a passage from religious scripture.
You might pray for God’s guidance and protection over their marriage, like “As you begin this sacred journey of marriage, may the Lord watch over you, guide you, and fill your hearts with His perfect love. May your home be a haven of peace, joy, and faith, now and always.”
Or you could offer a blessing for their future, such as “‘May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may He turn His face toward you and give you peace.’ (Numbers 6:24-26)”
If you’re not particularly religious yourself, but know that faith is significant to the couple, a simple “God bless you both” or “Praying for a lifetime of love and happiness for you” can still be a meaningful addition to your message.
Just be sure to tailor your prayer or blessing to the couple’s specific beliefs and religious traditions. A heartfelt wish for God’s love and guidance is almost always appreciated by a couple of faith.
16. Tell them you’re proud of them
For many older relatives, a wedding is a proud moment—a chance to reflect on how far the bride and groom have come and the incredible adults they’ve become. If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other close family member, let the couple know just how proud you are of them.
You could share a cherished memory from the bride or groom’s childhood and marvel at the person they are today. For example, “It seems like just yesterday you were a little girl playing dress-up in my closet. Now here you are, a stunning bride and an incredible woman, inside and out. Words can’t express how proud I am of you.”
Or you might praise their character, work ethic, or resilience in the face of challenges. “Watching you overcome so many obstacles to get to where you are today, I’m just in awe. You have grown into such a strong, compassionate, and determined young man. I couldn’t be prouder to call you my [son/grandson/nephew].”
You could also express confidence in the couple’s ability to build a beautiful life and marriage together. “[Bride’s name], you couldn’t have found a more perfect match than [g
[Bride’s name], you couldn’t have found a more perfect match than [groom’s name]. Seeing the incredible couple you’ve become and the love you share, I know you’ll build an amazing life together. I’m so proud of you both.”
Let the couple know that they’re a source of pride and inspiration to those who love them most. It’s a beautiful way to honor their past while celebrating their future.
17. Thank them for including you
Weddings are intimate celebrations reserved for a couple’s nearest and dearest. If you’ve been invited to share in their big day, whether as a guest or a member of the wedding party, let the couple know how honored you are to be included.
You might say, “Thank you so much for inviting me to be part of your special day. Witnessing the love you two share and the beautiful life you’re building together is a true privilege. I’m so grateful to celebrate alongside you.”
Or, if you’re in the wedding party, “Being your [bridesmaid/groomsman/maid of honor/best man] is one of the greatest honors of my life. Thank you for including me in this sacred moment and trusting me to stand beside you as you begin your forever. It means more than you know.”
Expressing gratitude for being part of their celebration shows the couple how much you cherish your relationship with them. It’s a heartfelt addition to any wedding wish.
18. Reminisce about how far they’ve come
Take a trip down memory lane in your wedding card by reminding the bride and groom about how far they’ve come as a couple. You could reference their early days of dating, major milestones they’ve celebrated, or obstacles they’ve overcome together.
For example, “From your first date at that little coffee shop to the beautiful wedding day, you two have come so far. I’ve watched your love grow deeper and your bond grow stronger with every passing year. I can only imagine the adventures that lie ahead!”
Or, “It’s been a joy to watch your relationship blossom from those early butterflies to the unshakable commitment you share today. You’ve faced every challenge with grace, courage, and unwavering love. Seeing you two together, I know there’s nothing you can’t handle.”
By reflecting on their journey, you paint a beautiful picture of their love story and the solid foundation they’ve built. It’s a touching way to celebrate their past while looking forward to their future.
19. Welcome them to the club
If you’re already married yourself, your wedding card is a chance to officially welcome the newlyweds to the “married club.” Offer a lighthearted congratulations on joining the ranks of the happily hitched.
You could say, “Welcome to the wonderful world of marriage! It’s a wild ride full of love, laughter, and the occasional load of laundry. But there’s no one I’d rather have by my side on this journey than my spouse, and I know you two will feel the same. Congratulations and buckle up for the adventure of a lifetime!”
Or, “Congrats on tying the knot and joining the married crew! It’s not always a walk in the park, but it’s always worth it. May your love be the light that guides you through good times and bad. And remember, we married folks gotta stick together—so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need newlywed backup!”
Welcoming them to the marriage club is a playful way to show your support and camaraderie as they embark on this new chapter. Just be sure to keep it positive and avoid any cynical jokes about the trials of married life.
20. Congratulate them on finding “the one”
Above all, a wedding is a celebration of two people finding their soulmate, their perfect match, their one true love. Use your wedding card to congratulate the bride and groom on discovering that special someone they can’t imagine life without.
You might write, “True love is rare and precious—but you two have found it in each other. I see it in every smile, every glance, every precious moment you share. You have found your other half, your missing puzzle piece, your one in a million. And that is truly something to celebrate.”
Or, for a more lighthearted approach, “They say when you know, you know. And it’s clear from the way you two look at each other that you’ve always known you were meant to be. Congratulations on finding your lobster, your penguin, your forever person. Never let them go.”
Conclusion
By emphasizing the special love and bond between the newlyweds, you’re reminding them that their connection is unique and worth cherishing.
It’s a heartfelt way to honor the incredible love they’ve found.
So go ahead—pick a few of your favorite tips, grab a pretty card and your best pen, and start writing!
With a little thought and a lot of heart, you’re sure to craft a wedding message that perfectly conveys your love and support for the happy couple.
Remember, there’s no one “perfect” thing to write in a wedding card.
Ultimately, the most important thing is that your words come from a place of sincere joy and well wishes.
Wedding cards may be small, but they carry a big emotional impact.
The couple will cherish your heartfelt message for years to come.
Happy writing and happy celebrating!