What to write in a wedding card: congratulations for every couple
In a wedding card, congratulate the couple, wish them a happy life together and add one personal line if you know them well. “Congratulations on your wedding – wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together” is always right. Below are messages for close friends, family, colleagues and couples you know less well.
How to write a wedding card message
- Address both people by name: “Dear Amy and Tom,” or “To the new Mr and Mrs Patel,”. Check the couple’s names and any change of surname first.
- Congratulate them on the wedding.
- Add a personal touch – a memory of them as a couple, or what you admire about them together.
- Wish them well for the future.
- Sign off with love or best wishes.
Wedding messages for close friends
- We’ve watched you two fall in love, and today we get to watch you promise forever. Congratulations!
- Congratulations to two of our favourite people. We knew from the start you were perfect together.
- Here’s to a marriage full of laughter, adventure and Sunday lie-ins.
- So happy for you both. Thank you for letting us share your special day.
- From the first date to “I do” – it’s been brilliant watching your story. Here’s to the next chapter.
- You bring out the very best in each other. Wishing you every happiness.
Wedding messages for family
- To our wonderful son and new daughter-in-law: welcome to the family, and congratulations. We love you both.
- Congratulations, little sis. I’m so proud of you, and so happy you found each other.
- Welcome to the family! We couldn’t have wished for anyone better.
- Our hearts are full today. Wishing you both a lifetime of love.
- To my grandchild and their new husband: may your marriage be as happy as the one I’ve been lucky enough to have.
Wedding messages for colleagues or couples you know less well
- Congratulations on your wedding. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness.
- Best wishes on your wedding day and for your future together.
- Warmest congratulations to you both on your marriage.
- Wishing you every joy as you begin married life together.
- Congratulations from all of us in the team. Enjoy every moment.
Funny wedding card messages
Save humour for couples you know well, and keep it kind – the card may be read aloud or kept for decades.
- Congratulations! Remember: the secret to a happy marriage is two words – “you’re right”.
- Finally, someone to blame for the missing remote. Congratulations!
- Marriage is just a sleepover that never ends. Enjoy it!
- Congratulations on finding the one person you’ll happily share your chips with.
- Here’s to love, laughter and never having to plan a wedding again.
Religious wedding messages
- May God bless your marriage with love, patience and joy.
- Wishing you both every blessing as you begin your life together in faith.
- May your home be filled with love and your hearts with peace. Congratulations.
A star for the newlyweds
Name a real star. A heartfelt gift they’ll cherish forever. Our sister company, The Star Naming Co., dedicates a real catalogued star to the happy couple, with a certificate and a live sky viewer showing where it is — a keepsake to frame for their first home together.
Short wedding messages
- Congratulations, Mr and Mrs!
- Wishing you a lifetime of love.
- Here’s to happily ever after.
- Cheers to the newlyweds!
- So happy for you both.
- Love, laughter and happily ever after.
Wedding card messages with a gift of money
Many couples now ask for money towards a honeymoon or home. A light touch keeps it warm rather than transactional:
- A little something towards your honeymoon – enjoy a cocktail on us!
- Please accept this towards your first home together. Congratulations!
- For your adventure fund. Wishing you a lifetime of happy travels.
- We hope this helps make a lovely memory together.
Messages for wedding variations
| Occasion | Message idea |
|---|---|
| Engagement | Congratulations on your engagement! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. |
| Civil partnership | Congratulations on your civil partnership – wishing you both every happiness. |
| Second marriage | So happy you found each other. Here’s to a wonderful new chapter. |
| Vow renewal | Saying “I do” all over again – what a beautiful way to celebrate your love. |
| Can’t attend | So sorry we can’t be with you on the day. We’ll be raising a glass to you from afar. |
| Elopement | What wonderful news! Congratulations – we can’t wait to celebrate you properly. |
Wedding card etiquette
- Bring the card on the day or post it to arrive shortly before. Most venues have a card box.
- Write your full names – the couple may receive a lot of cards and want to send thank-yous.
- Don’t mention exes, past break-ups or the cost of the wedding.
- Keep cash secure: seal the envelope and write the couple’s names on it.
- For future milestones, see our anniversary card messages and, later still, new baby card messages.
Questions people ask
What is a simple wedding card message?
“Congratulations on your wedding day. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness.” It suits any couple, however well you know them.
Who do you address a wedding card to?
Address it to both people by their first names, or as “Mr and Mrs [surname]” or “the newlyweds” if you know they are both taking the same name. If unsure, first names are safest.
Should you write in a wedding card if you’re giving money?
Yes. A short, warm note such as “A little something towards your honeymoon” makes the gift feel personal. Avoid stating the amount in the message.
What do you write in a wedding card if you can’t attend?
Congratulate them warmly and say you’re sorry to miss it: “We’re so sorry to miss your big day, but we’ll be thinking of you and raising a glass from afar.”
Is naming a star a good wedding gift?
It can be a romantic, symbolic keepsake for a couple. Star names given by commercial companies are not recognised by the International Astronomical Union, so treat it as a sentimental gift rather than an official name.
Looking ahead
A year from now they’ll be celebrating their first anniversary — our anniversary gifts by year guide has ideas for every milestone after the big day.
More card messages: Anniversary card messages · New baby card messages · Gift tag messages