One of the simplest yet tedious tasks before going to a wedding is writing perfect wedding messages. After spending hours and sifting through a large amount of wedding cards, you finally decide on one and take it home. Once you are home, you sit with your beautiful wedding and decide to write something down to wish the soon to be married couple. However, writing great wedding messages isn’t that easy. Most people struggle to write it, especially within a short span of time. However, as far as writing wedding messages are considered, their are no rules that are set in stone. Just pour your heart out in the wedding messages and add a splash of positivity to the would-be couple’s future. If you need any help with that, this post has got you covered.
Basic Wedding Card Etiquette
As far as weddings are concerned, wedding cards are still the most customary of all tools which people use to express their good wishes towards a couple which is about to tie the knot. Traditional wedding etiquette requires you to bring the card to the wedding reception or mail it directly to the couple (the ideal time period for that would be between the time you receive the wedding invitation and a few weeks after the wedding). Honestly though, you can send it whenever you want. No couple is going to scoff at heartfelt wedding messages etched inside a lovely card (unless they hate the sender for some reason).
Can wedding cards have “Congratulations” written on them?
Yes of course. That said, it used to be saying or writing “congratulations” to a newly married woman was once considered a faux pas because it was thought of as congratulating her on actually landing a man! (Yep, you read that right.) Today though, that’s considered an outdated rule and school of thought. Still, if the couple happens to be very traditional or come from a very traditional family, you might want to avoid the term altogether and just say “best wishes.”
How to write formal wedding messages?
If a wedding invitation mandates the wearing of formal tuxedos and expensive formal gowns, it doesn’t mean that your wedding card needs to carry words written in Shakespearean English (The card doesn’t have to be exactly like the event, you can write wedding messages in your own way). Still, if you want to write a nice message that’s timeless and romantic, a formal note is the way to go.
Samples:
• “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.”
• “Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow.”
• “Best wishes on this wonderful journey, as you build your new lives together.”
• “May the years ahead be filled with lasting joy.”
• “May the love you share today grow stronger as you grow old together.”
• “May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine.”
• “May today be the beginning of a long, happy life together.”
• “Thank you for letting us/me share in this joyful day. We/I wish you all the best as you embark on this wonderful union.”
• “Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together.”
• “May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years.”
How to write wedding messages for a co-worker?
Wedding messages for your co-workers should ideally not contain phrases like “lots of love”. Keep the phrasing formal and general. You can use some of the formal wedding messages samples for wishing your co-workers. In case the co-worker happens to be your friend, you can refer to the sample wedding messages for friends as well.
Samples:
• “Thank you for inviting me to share in this day with you and your family. Best wishes.”
• “I’m so glad to have gotten to know you at work, and I wish you and your new husband/wife a long and happy life together.”
• “Best wishes to a very cool coworker and his/her new husband/wife.”
• “Wishing you success—and most of all happiness—in your marriage.”
• “You’ve got a new title: husband/wife! Wishing you and your spouse the best.”
• “What a wonderful day to celebrate my coworker and his/her spouse. All the best to you both in your marriage.”
How to write wedding messages for parents and step-parents?
Whether you like or dislike the fact that your parent/step-parent is getting married, you will probably end up at the wedding anyway. And while you are there, you might as well take a wedding card with you. Writing the wedding message might be a little tricky but it’s good to be honest. Don’t go on a hateful rant though. Just wish them a happy and prosperous future together. Your parents deserve it.
Samples:
• “Congratulations! [Name of stepparent], you make my mom/dad so happy. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
• “Mom/Dad, I’m so happy you found a partner to share your life with. Congratulations.”
• “I’m/we’re thrilled you make each other so happy. Best wishes!”
• “Welcome to the family. We love you both!”
• “Mom/Dad, thank you for all the advice you’ve given me over the years. Now here’s mine: [Fill in your own advice].”
• “I’m overjoyed to see you so happy. Lots of love.”
• “Mom/Dad, we/I love you. [Name of stepparent], we/I warmly welcome you to the family. Congratulations.”
• “I’ll give you the advice you once gave me. [Fill in your parent’s best love advice.]”
• “To the best mom/dad I could ever ask for, and his/her new husband/wife. Much happiness to you both.”
• “So now we get to enjoy [stepparent’s name]’s cooking on holidays? Yes!” (Or refer to something else you really like about the new stepparent.)
How to write religious wedding messages?
This is by far the best option for a couple that is highly religious. A religious wedding message can contain the mention of God and it can also feature prayers and direct quotes from scriptures. However, don’t just write the wedding message based on your own religious beliefs. Take the couple’s religious views and choices into account while formulating your religious wedding messages. If they aren’t too religious or don’t worship regularly, something very religious could make them uncomfortable, so it’s be best to tone down religious elements or avoid them altogether. And finally, if you are unsure about the couple’s religious convictions, it’s best to write a more general message and go through some of the other examples on this post.
Christian samples:
• “May God bless you and your union.”
• “May God grant you all of life’s blessings and love’s joys.”
• “Sending you prayers for unending love and happiness.”
• “God bless you both on this day with a lifetime of shared love and joy.”
• “May the One who brought you together bless your marriage, enrich your lives and deepen your love throughout the years.”
• ” ‘God has poured out His love into our hearts.’ – Romans 5:5″
• ” ‘Love is patient. Love is kind… Love never fails.’ – 1 Corinthians 13:4-13″
Jewish samples:
• “Mazel Tov! May the joy that is yours today always fill your life.”
• ” ‘I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.’ – Shir Ha’Shirim/Song of Songs 6:3″ Or ” ‘Ani L’Dodi, v’Dodi Li.’ – Shir Ha’Shirim/Song of Songs 6:3″
• “May you be blessed.”
• “Mazel Tov on your wedding!” or “Mazel Tov on your marriage!”
How to write casual wedding messages?
In case you don’t prefer writing formal wedding messages on wedding cards, you can go the casual route. Being yourself is always great. It’s completely fine to write a more casual wedding message in the card, no matter the recipient. As long as you say nice things and add a positive wish for the couple’s future, short and sweet works well.
Samples:
• “Best wishes!”
• “Congratulations!”
• “Congratulations on your wedding!”
• “We’re/I’m so happy for you!”
• “Wishing you lots of love and happiness.”
• “We/I love you. Congrats!”
• “Lots of love today and beyond.”
• “Here’s a little something to start your life together.” (If you’re including a gift.)
• “Hugs and kisses.”
• “Wishing you a long and happy marriage.”
• “Here’s to a long and happy marriage!”
• “Wishing you the best today and always.”
• “So happy to celebrate this day with you both!”
• “Best wishes for a fun-filled future together.”
How to write funny wedding messages?
If you have some funny wedding messages in mind, by all means, write them down on the card and make people laugh. Exercise a bit of caution with your jokes though. What might easily come across as a joke in conversation could be taken the wrong way on paper. In general, unless you know the couple really well, avoid jokes that are sarcastic or snarky. Also off-limits? Steer clear of anything that could be considered insulting, imply that one of them is the “better half” or mention anything about it having taken way too long (or way too little time) to get married. Oh, and it goes without saying, no divorce jokes.
Samples:
• “As Bill and Ted said, ‘Be excellent to each other.'”
• “Thanks for inviting us to eat and drink while you get married. Congrats!”
• “Wishing you lots of love—and lots of makeup sex!” (If this is appropriate given your relationship with the couple.)
• “Our marriage advice: Love, honor and… scrub the toilet.” (Or fill in any other funny advice you have.)
• “Love is all you need… stick with that crap and you’ll do great!” (If this is appropriate given your relationship with the couple.)
• “Treat marriage like a hockey game. No roughing!”
• “Thanks for the free booze. Best wishes on a long, happy marriage!”
• “Getting married is like going to drama school. May there be more comedy than melodrama.”
How to write wedding messages for a family member?
Writing wedding messages for your family in general is free of stringent rules. Your wedding message can range from something very general to something very personal. It’s completely up to you.
Samples:
• “Congratulations on your marriage, and welcome to the family!”
• “We are/I am so happy to welcome a new family member. Best wishes to you both!”
• “We’re/I’m so happy [name] has found ‘the one.’ Welcome to the family!”
• “We’re delighted to share this day with you both.”
• “What a wonderful day for our family, and especially you two. May the joy you feel today last a lifetime.”
• “Today, we add one more member to our family, and we couldn’t be happier. Best wishes to you both.”
• “What a wonderful addition to our family. We’re/I’m so happy to share in your celebration. Congratulations!”
• “We/I couldn’t be happier to call you both family. Best wishes for a long and happy future together.”
• “We/I love you both. Thanks for letting us share in your celebration!”
• “Congrats! Love and hugs.”
How to write wedding messages for your sister or brother and sister-in-law or brother-in-Law?
If you are tight with your sibling, write a personal and sentimental message. In case your relationship is strained for some reason, write a message which is more formal. You can add some inside jokes in your wedding message or share some wonderful moments from your childhood. While you are at it, don’t forget to mention the spouse as well.
Samples:
• “It seems like yesterday we were playing ‘house’ in the backyard, and now you get to do it in real life. I couldn’t be happier for you both. Congratulations!”
• “I always wanted a brother/sister and now I get one. Congratulations to you both on finding one another.”
• “Best wishes to my best friend and sister/brother and new sister/brother as you start your life together.”
• “We/I love you both. Today I gain a new sibling and I couldn’t be happier!”
• “Lots of love and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful day for our family.”
• “Remember when you made that list of qualities of a ‘perfect man/woman?’ Well, you found him/her. Lots of love now and always.”
• “Lots of love to the best sister/brother in the whole world and her/his new partner for life. May you have a marriage full of love and happiness!”
• “You bring my sister/brother so much joy. All my love!”
• “I’m so thankful to have a sister/brother like you. And I wish you and your new husband/wife lifelong joy.”
• “My/our deepest love and very best wishes to you both.”
How to write wedding messages for your son or daughter and son-in-law or daughter-in-law?
Watching their son or daughter getting married is one of the most cherished moments of parents’ lives. Getting the cavalcade emotions out on paper will end up being trickier than expected. Just wish the couple well and add a little bit of personal touches as well. In case you are married, your wedding message can also contain some advice to maintain a long and successful marriage.
Samples:
• “We are/I am so happy to welcome a new son/daughter to the family.”
• “What a wonderful day for our family, and especially you two. May the joy you feel today last a lifetime.”
• “Today, we add one more member to our family, and we couldn’t be happier. Best wishes to you both.”
• “Best wishes to my son/daughter and son-in-law/daughter-in-law as you start your life together.”
• “We/I love you both. We/I couldn’t be happier!”
• “Lots of love and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful day for our family.”
• “My/our deepest love and very best wishes to you both.”
• “Son/daughter, I/we feel many emotions on this day. Most of all, I’m/we’re happy you’ve found someone wonderful to share your life with. Best wishes to you both.”
• “We/I know we’re/I’m not losing a son/daughter. We’re/I’m gaining a son/daughter. Much happiness to you.”
How to write wedding messages for a friend?
You can basically write whatever you want as wedding messages for your friends. You can go slightly formal or completely informal. Prior to putting pen to paper, contemplate about your relationship with your friend. Based on the nature of the relationship, you can choose to write a funny, serious, or sentimental. Once you decide that, the world is your oyster.
Samples:
• “I’m so happy to call you both my friends. Congratulations!”
• “That fortune-teller we saw in Vegas was right. You did meet the man/woman of your dreams. Best wishes to you both!”
• “Of all the big life events we’ve celebrated over the years, today tops the list. Congrats!”
• “Thank you for inviting me to share in this day with you and your family. Best wishes.”
• “I’m/we’re so thrilled to celebrate this wonderful day with you both.”
• “Best wishes for a long and happy life together.”
• “May you bring each other as much happiness as your friendship has brought to my life — and more!”
• “We’ve had so many laughs together! May you always make each other laugh!”
• “Here’s to love and friendship!”
• “Congratulations to a wonderful friend and his/her new husband/wife.”
Disclaimer:
The suggested wedding messages in this post are not the writer’s own and have been curated from multiple sources online. The contents of this blog are for suggestive/educational purposes only. The writer or the website don’t claim ownership of the suggested wedding messages. No copyright infringement is intended.