These wedding wishes give you warm, ready-to-copy words for a wedding card, a gift tag or a text, whether the couple is your best friend and her groom, your son and his husband, or a coworker you know mostly from meetings.
Below are short, heartfelt and funny wedding card messages, with congratulations for a friend, a son or daughter, a sibling, a grandchild and a coworker, plus blessings and wishes for second marriages, blended families and couples who are already parents. Every message is original to Betteroo, so copy one as written or change a word to sound like you.
After the wishes come belated, bridal shower and engagement lines, sign-offs, a simple formula for what to write in a wedding card, and quick etiquette answers.
Table of Contents
Short and Simple Wedding Wishes
One or two lines for a gift tag, a guest book or a card with a printed verse. Short is also the safe choice when you know only one half of the couple.
“Congratulations to you both. Being married already looks good on you.”
“Best wishes on your wedding day and on every plain Tuesday after it.”
“Congratulations. You two are easy to root for, and I plan to keep at it for fifty years.”
“Wishing the two of you a calm wedding morning and a very long marriage.”
“Married at last. It suits you both.”
“To the newlyweds: may your table always have space for one more chair.”
“Two good people, one very good decision. Congratulations.”
“Wishing you a marriage full of plain kindness and good dinners.”
“Congratulations, you two. I hope the cake is as good as the company.”
If You Only Read One
“Congratulations. You two are easy to root for, and I plan to keep at it for fifty years.”
Heartfelt Wedding Wishes for a Couple
Name one true thing you have noticed about them as a pair, then wish them more of it.
“You became a team one small decision at a time. Today only makes it official.”
“You bring out the patient side of each other. May your marriage keep doing that.”
“Hearing your vows reminded everyone in those chairs what a promise sounds like.”
“May your marriage be where you both head after hard days and where good news goes first.”
“You are kind to each other when nobody is watching. That is the part that lasts.”
“May you keep choosing each other at the big moments and in the grocery store.”
“Today you promised each other a whole life. May it be long and wonderfully ordinary.”
Wedding Wishes for a Close Friend
You know the whole story, so use it.
“I knew you before you two met, and I have never seen you this settled.”
“You found someone who laughs at your jokes on the first try. Well done.”
“From our first apartment to your wedding day, I have had the best seat.”
“I heard about the first date the morning after. Standing up for you today is an honor.”
“You picked a good one, and so did they. Congratulations to my favorite newlyweds.”
“To my best friend and his husband: I am glad I get to keep you both.”
“To my friend’s new spouse: you married the most loyal person I know. Welcome to the group chat.”
Wedding Wishes for a Son or Daughter
A card from a parent gets kept. The first three are from Mom, the next three from Dad, the last three from both.
“Son, I loved you before you had a name. Now I love who you chose too.”
“Daughter, I once checked on you every night. Now you have a home of your own.”
“From your mom: be gentle with each other, call often and come for dinner.”
“Son, you keep your word. Today you gave it to someone wonderful.”
“To my daughter: walking beside you this morning was the honor of my life.”
“From your dad: a marriage is built on small repairs made early. You two have the knack.”
“We raised you to recognize a good heart, and you found one. Welcome to the family.”
“From Mom and Dad: our table just got bigger and our family just got better.”
“To our daughter and her wife: now we have two daughters to brag about.”
Wedding Wishes for a Brother or Sister
Siblings can tease, as long as one line is sincere.
“Little brother, I taught you to tie your shoes. Today you tied the knot without my help.”
“Sis, you were my first friend. I am so glad you found your person.”
“Big brother, you taught me how to treat people. Your spouse is getting our best.”
“Sis, you covered for me all through high school. Today I am just here to hold your flowers.”
“To my brother and his bride: we are loud, and we are all yours now.”
“I gained a sibling today and did not even have to share a bathroom.”
“To my sister and her wife: my two favorite people at every holiday table.”
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Wedding Card Messages for a Grandchild, Niece, Nephew or Cousin
A memory of the bride or groom as a child is the message nobody else can write.
“Granddaughter, I held you on your first day. I am so thankful to see this one.”
“Grandson, your grandfather would have straightened your tie and told you he was proud. So am I.”
“From Grandma and Grandpa: our best marriage advice is to say thank you every day.”
“Niece, I remember you planning a wedding for your dolls. The real one was lovelier.”
“Nephew, you were the ring bearer at my wedding. Now I am a guest at yours.”
“Cousin, we survived every kids’ table together. I love seeing you at the head table.”
“To my cousin and their new spouse: the family reunions just got better. Welcome.”
Wedding Congratulations for a Coworker, Boss or Client
Keep it warm, brief and professional. The first four suit a coworker or a group card, the next two a boss, the last a client.
“Congratulations on your wedding. Everyone at the office is delighted for you both.”
“Wishing you and your spouse every happiness. Enjoy the time away.”
“Congratulations from the whole team. Your inbox can wait until after the honeymoon.”
“It has been a pleasure hearing the plans come together. Congratulations on the big day.”
“Congratulations on your wedding. Wishing you a wonderful celebration and a restful break afterward.”
“Warm congratulations on your marriage, with thanks for the example you set for all of us.”
“Congratulations on your marriage. Working with you is a pleasure, and I wish you both well.”
What to Write When You Do Not Know the Couple Well
For a plus-one or a colleague’s child: congratulate them, thank them for including you, and stop there.
“Congratulations to you both, and thank you for including me in your wedding day.”
“It was a pleasure to celebrate with you. Wishing you a long and happy marriage.”
“Your parents talk about you with such pride. We are delighted to share your wedding day.”
“Thank you for the warm welcome. I am glad I met you both on such a happy day.”
“Wishing the two of you a wonderful start to married life.”
“What a lovely ceremony. Congratulations, and every good wish for the years ahead.”
Funny Wedding Wishes
Gentle humor only. Aim the joke at the cake, the dance floor or yourself, never at marriage itself.
“Congratulations. You now have someone who is required to look at all your vacation photos.”
“Marriage tip: whoever cooks does not wash the dishes. Congratulations to you both.”
“May you always agree on the thermostat, or at least own a spare sweater.”
“Thank you for the free dinner and the excuse to dance badly.”
“You two are proof that the group chat can be right about something.”
“Wishing you a lifetime of sharing desserts, including the ones only one of you ordered.”
“I came for the cake and stayed for the vows. Both were excellent.”
Religious and Christian Wedding Wishes
Original blessings for a couple of faith. For a longer card, borrow from our prayer for family.
“May God bless your marriage with patience, laughter and a peaceful home.”
“Praying that the promises you made today grow stronger with every year you keep them.”
“May the Lord watch over your home and keep your hearts turned toward each other.”
“Thanking God for the two of you today, and praying for your marriage in the years ahead.”
“May your home be a place of welcome and your marriage a blessing to everyone near it.”
“God bless you both on your wedding day. May you pray for each other and forgive quickly.”
Wedding Wishes for a Second Marriage or a Blended Family
Write about this couple and this day. The Emily Post Institute advises couples planning an encore wedding to leave former and late spouses out of the day’s remarks, and a card can follow that lead. If children are joining the household, include them. Our blended family quotes have more.
“It is wonderful to see you this happy. Congratulations on the family you are building.”
“You two found each other at exactly the right time. Wishing you every happiness.”
“Congratulations to all of you. Today a couple got married and a family got bigger.”
“To the bride, the groom and three very important kids: here is to pancakes and patience.”
“Wishing your new family time to grow together at its own pace.”
“Congratulations on your marriage. The kids now have one more grown-up in their corner.”
Wedding Wishes for Couples Who Are Already Parents or Expecting
Plenty of couples marry with a toddler in the front row or a baby on the way. Name the children and congratulate the whole family. The first four wishes are for couples with children, the last two for couples who are expecting (our new baby wishes cover the next card).
“Congratulations to you both and to the smallest guest, who stole the show from the front row.”
“You were already a family. Today you made it official, with your little one as witness.”
“To the bride, the groom and the flower girl who calls them Mom and Dad: congratulations to all three.”
“Your kids watched their parents make a promise today. What a thing to grow up remembering.”
“Congratulations on your wedding and on the baby who will keep your first year busy.”
“Newly married and soon to be parents: what a year. We are cheering you on.”
A card from your own small child. Ask what your child liked best about the wedding and write down exactly what they say. A drawing or a traced hand counts as the signature.
“Congratulations on getting married. I liked the cake and the dancing the best.”
“Happy wedding day. I drew you a picture of you two and the very big cake.”
“Thank you for letting me throw the petals. Congratulations on your wedding.”
“I am happy you got married. Can I come to your house and play soon?”
“I stayed up past my bedtime for your party, and it was worth it.”
If you are a guest with a baby. Check the envelope first. The Emily Post Institute explains that the names on a wedding invitation show exactly who is invited, and that guests should never add uninvited children to the reply card. It also tells parents to be ready to step outside with a crying baby, so choose an aisle seat near a door.
Plan the day around sleep, too: time a nap before the ceremony if you can, decide in advance when you will leave, and keep your usual bedtime routine wherever you are staying. For a faraway wedding, see flying with a baby. The last line below is for a child-free wedding that gave you a night off.
“Congratulations from the three of us. The baby loved the music and napped through the speeches.”
“We may slip out at bedtime, but we would not have missed your vows for anything.”
“Thank you for our first evening out since the baby arrived. We danced, and dinner was still hot.”
Wedding Wishes When You Cannot Attend
Say you are sorry to miss it in one line, then celebrate them. The Emily Post Institute says a guest invited to the ceremony should send a gift whether or not they attend, and a card belongs with it.
“So sorry to miss your wedding. I will be thinking of you at the hour of your vows.”
“We cannot be there, but we will be celebrating you from our kitchen table.”
“Distance is keeping me away, not a lack of love. Save me a look at the photos.”
“I wish I could be in that room. Dinner is on me when you are home.”
“Sending love on your wedding day from many miles away. I want to hear every detail.”
“Sorry to miss the big day. I hope it goes just the way you planned.”
Belated Wedding Wishes
The Emily Post Institute suggests sending a wedding gift before the wedding or soon after, ideally within three months. It calls the one-year allowance a myth, and adds that late is better than never.
“The card is late. The good wishes started the day you got engaged.”
“Belated congratulations on your wedding. I hope married life is treating you both kindly.”
“I just heard your happy news. Congratulations, a few weeks behind everyone else.”
“I missed the wedding and very nearly missed the card. Congratulations to you both.”
“By now the gifts are unwrapped and the cake is gone. My good wishes are still fresh.”
Bridal Shower and Engagement Card Messages
Bridal shower. The Emily Post Institute places a shower ideally two months to two weeks before the wedding, so look ahead to the day.
“Happy shower day. May the weeks before the wedding be calm and full of spoiling.”
“Something for the new kitchen, with love for the cook and for whoever washes up.”
“Wishing you a lovely shower and an even lovelier walk down the aisle.”
“So glad to celebrate the bride-to-be today. The wedding cannot come soon enough.”
“One practical gift and a great many good wishes. See you at the wedding.”
Engagement. Congratulate the couple and skip the questions about dates.
“Congratulations on your engagement. I hope the planning is half as much fun as the yes.”
“You are engaged. I am thrilled for you both and already looking forward to the wedding.”
“What happy news. Wishing you an easy engagement and a joyful road to the wedding.”
“Congratulations to the future newlyweds. Enjoy this in-between season before the lists begin.”
“Congratulations on the ring, the plans and, most of all, each other.”
One card from your household is fine: the Emily Post Institute notes that families generally send one gift. Let the kids sign.
“From our family to your brand-new one: congratulations, and welcome to married life.”
“All five of us send our love. The kids are still talking about the dance floor.”
“With love from our house to your new one. Congratulations on your wedding.”
“Congratulations from all of us, including the dog, who was not invited but sends his best.”
“Our whole family is cheering for you two. Come for dinner once the suitcases are unpacked.”
“From the grown-ups and the little ones at our address: best wishes for a long, happy marriage.”
Wedding Day Wishes for a Text or Caption
For a morning-of text or a photo caption.
“Just married, and we got to watch.”
“Front row for our favorite couple.”
“They said their vows. We cried right on schedule.”
“Officially family now.”
“Thinking of you both this morning. Go get married.”
“Still smiling about your wedding. Thank you for having us.”
How to Sign a Wedding Card
Match the closing to how well you know the couple, then sign every name the card is from.
With love,
With love and congratulations,
Cheering for you both,
Warmest wishes,
Best wishes, (coworkers)
With warm regards, (a boss or client)
With love from all of us, (a family card)
God bless you both, (a couple of faith)
What to Write in a Wedding Card: A Simple Formula
Writing your own? Four short parts are enough:
Congratulate them: use both first names.
One specific thing you love about them as a pair: how they laugh at each other’s stories, or how they hosted you last winter.
A wish for the marriage: tie it to their real life: the new apartment, the garden, the baby on the way.
Sign-off: pick one from the list above.
Stuck? Start with one of these openers:
I knew you two were a good match the day…
One thing I admire about the two of you is…
Watching you together has taught me…
Thank you for inviting us to…
My wish for your marriage is…
Wedding Card Etiquette: Quick Answers
Question
Short answer
Do I write in the card if I bought a registry gift?
Yes, in our view: the card carries your own words. The Emily Post Institute calls a registry a convenience for guests, not a mandate.
How long after the wedding is a card or gift still fine?
Ideally within three months, says the Emily Post Institute, and late is better than never.
Do I send something if I cannot attend?
The Emily Post Institute says a guest invited to the ceremony should send a gift either way. Add a card.
Should I mention the amount of a cash gift?
No, in our view. The Emily Post Institute says there is no rule on how much to give.
How do I address the couple?
Do not assume a shared surname. For a couple with different last names, the Emily Post Institute writes both full names, in either order. Inside the card, use first names.
What if I was not invited?
A short card of congratulations is still kind, in our view. Leave the guest list out of it.
What if I have doubts about the marriage?
Stay kind and brief. Wish them well and sign your name.
Is a text enough?
For a coworker or a distant friend, yes. If you were invited, we would send a card as well.
Points credited to the Emily Post Institute come from its wedding gift, wedding guest and addressing guidance. The rest is Betteroo’s view.
The wedding wishes above are starting points. Add both names, a place or a shared memory and the line becomes yours. One real detail (the camping trip, the terrible first apartment) does more than three extra sentences of praise.
Write to both people, even if you know only one of them well, and mention any children in the family.
The best wedding wishes sound like you and say something true about the couple. A reliable one: ‘Congratulations. You two are easy to root for, and I plan to keep at it for fifty years.’ Add both names and one detail only you would know.
What do you write in a wedding card?
Use four parts: congratulate the couple by name, mention one specific thing you love about them as a pair, add a wish for the marriage and sign off. For example: ‘Congratulations, Maya and Chris. I love how you make every guest feel at home.’
What is a short and simple wedding wish?
Try ‘Married at last. It suits you both’ or ‘Wishing the two of you a calm wedding morning and a very long marriage.’ Short wishes suit gift tags, guest books and group cards, and cards for couples you do not know well.
What do you write in a wedding card when you cannot attend?
Say you are sorry to miss it in one line, then celebrate them: ‘We cannot be there, but we will be celebrating you from our kitchen table.’ The Emily Post Institute says a guest invited to the ceremony should send a gift whether attending or not.
How long after a wedding can you send a card or gift?
Sooner is better, but late is fine. The Emily Post Institute suggests sending a wedding gift before the wedding or soon after, ideally within three months. It calls the idea that guests have a full year a myth, and says late is better than never.
What should you not write in a wedding card?
Skip jokes about marriage being hard, mentions of past relationships, comments on the cost of the wedding and unrequested advice. Do not assume a shared last name either. When in doubt, congratulate the couple, wish them a happy marriage and sign your name.
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