Offering wedding wishes to the newly married couple is customary and a great way to celebrate the wedding day and new life together. We have crafted the ultimate guide on wedding wishes taking the guesswork out of what to write on a wedding card and how to phrase wedding wishes.
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Whether you are looking for religious wedding wishes or wedding wishes for your family we have you covered with our complete guide.
QUICK NAVIGATION
- Wedding Wishes Outline
- Traditional Wedding Wishes
- Formal Wedding Wishes
- Casual Wedding Wishes
- Religious Wedding Wishes
- Funny Wedding Wishes
- Wedding Wishes For A Family Member
- Wedding Wishes For A Friend
- Wedding Wishes For A Co-Worker
- Wedding Wishes For An Elopement
- Wedding Gift Card Messages
- Wedding Wishes Etiquette
Brides Often Ask
Do you say congratulations for a wedding?
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Wedding Wishes Message Outline
Wedding wishes are an important way to shower the new couple with love and express your happiness for them as a newly married couple. Writing a congratulations message might seem easy but you might find yourself wondering how to phrase the perfect congratulations message. Here is a quick outline to follow:
- Only use the word “congratulations” once in your wedding wishes.
- Remember to congratulate the couple only in an effort to mark the significance of their momentous day and not congratulate them on finding each other, planning a perfect day, or items of possession.
- Keeping your congratulations message short and sweet is perfect, you don’t need to write them a long letter to express your happiness for them.
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Traditional Wedding Wishes
Traditional wedding wishes have stood the test of time and work for the majority of weddings you will be attending. If you are attending the wedding of someone you are not super close with or have a long history with you should consider using traditional wedding wishes. Traditional wedding wishes are a perfect way to express your happiness for the couple without sounding too informal or casual yet marking the significance of the day.
“May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years.”
“Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow.”
“May the love you share today grow stronger as you grow old together.”
“Thank you for letting me share in this joyful day. I wish you all the best as you embark on this wonderful union.”
“Wishing you joy, love, and happiness on your wedding day as you begin your new life together.”
“May the years ahead be filled with lasting joy.”
“Best wishes on this wonderful journey, as you build your new lives together.”
“Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.”
- Do write out your wishes on a separate piece of paper before you write it on the card you will be giving to the couple. A rough draft always helps.
- Don’t use colored pen ink, markers, or pencil.
- Do use an easy to write with a pen with blue or black ink as it is more formal.
- Don’t close the card too soon as ink can smudge.
- Do keep the wording somewhat sort and not too long.
- Don’t sign your card without a formal closing.
- Don’t thank the couple for inviting you to the wedding day.
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Formal Wedding Wishes
Formal wedding wishes can work for most weddings and generally are seen as a sign of respect for the couple. When thinking of using formal wedding wishes, remember you can personalize the message a little so that it is relevant to the couple. Unlike traditional wedding wishes, you have an opportunity with a formal wedding wishes to craft a message that is more personal to the individual couple and their journey together as a couple.
“Wishing you the best!”
“We are so very happy for you both!”
“Wishing you the best today, tomorrow and forever!”
“Hoping all your dreams are fulfilled in your new life together!”
“So thankful I got to share this day with you both!”
“As time passes may your love only grow beyond measure!”
“May all your dreams come true in your adventure together!”
“Nurture and care for your love from this day forward. It will then grow into the most beautiful thing you’ve ever known!”
“Thankful I was allowed to share this monumental day with you both!”
“May all your dreams come true in your life together!”
- Do use short messages as it is easy for the couple to read and take in.
- Don’t use several different formal wedding wishes mixed together.
- Do make sure you write the couple’s name on the opening of the card.
- Don’t forget to sign the card with a formal closing.
- Do make reference to the many years of happiness ahead.
- Don’t thank the couple for inviting you to the wedding day.
Casual Wedding Wishes
Your high school best friend, your closest girlfriend, a family member are all people who you might want to use a casual wedding wish for. Casual wedding wishes are just what they sound like, a little less formal yet still acknowledging the importance of the day. A wedding that is on the more casual side or relaxed is the perfect opportunity to use casual wedding wishes as it is made clear by the couple they are not sticking with formal wedding traditions.
“Congratulations on becoming a family! I’m sure that you’ll have a lot of fun together. You are a perfect couple, everyone knows that.”
“Roses are red, violets are blue, and you are the best couple ever! These are facts. I couldn’t be happier for you two. May your married life be full of love. Congratulations!”
“I was sure that perfect couples don’t exist until I met you guys. You give me hope. There’s no doubt your married life will be full of love and understanding. Congratulations on your marriage!”
“My heart explodes when I look at you two! Wishing you the best of all this world can give! Congratulations on your wedding!”
“A successful marriage needs understanding, forgetting mistakes and falling in love many times, always with the same person!”
- Do use pen ink but you can use color if you desire.
- Do use closing “to you” message but it can be less formal such “as your friend”, “xoxo”, “love you” etc.
- Don’t pick a traditional wedding card if you plan to use a more casual message.
- Don’t forget to open the letter with the couple’s names.
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Religious Wedding Wishes
Couples who are religious and especially those who are hosting a religious wedding ceremony might appreciate a religious wedding wish. When using a religious wedding wish make sure to pay special attention to what sort of religion the couple is and don’t just pick any religious card off the rack. It is perfectly okay to reference God in your wedding wishes but make sure you are using the phrase in the correct manner.
- Do have respect when using a religious wedding wish.
- Do consider the couple’s religious beliefs.
- Don’t just write God Bless because the couple is religious, add something more to the card.
- Don’t assume you know what religion the couple is.
- Do use a scripture quote if appropriate.
Christian wedding wishes
Using Christian wedding wishes is perfect for the couple who is hosting a Christian wedding ceremony. Many Christian wedding wishes include the words God, God Bless, Blessings, or other traditional Christian phrases. You may also want to add a prayer or bible scripture to your card as well.
“Congratulations on your first big step together. May God send his blessings to you and the family you are about to start.”
“As you unite today in marriage as Christians, I wish you both an eternity of love and happiness together. I pray for Jesus to shine his light upon you.”
“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.”
“Congrats on this beautiful and lovely occasion! May the Good Lord give you a wonderful life together!”
“‘Love is patient. Love is kind… And love never fails.’ – 1 Corinthians 13:4-13”
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Jewish wedding wishes
For couples who are of the Jewish faith or hosting a Jewish wedding ceremony, it is ideal to use Jewish wedding wishes to congratulate them. There are several traditional Jewish phrases that can be used and most of the phrases are commonly accepted for a wedding wish as well.
“Mazel Tov! May the joy that is yours today always fill your life.”
“May this special day you share be filled with love and laughter, May all the days ahead Be happy ever after. Mazeltov!”
“May you be blessed.”
“Mazel Tov on your wedding!” or “Mazel Tov on your marriage!”
Islamic wedding wishes
When a couple is hosting a Muslim wedding you will want to wish them well by using some traditional Islamic wedding wishes. Islamic wedding wishes often reference Allah, but it is important to know if you are using the phrase correctly. There are many traditional Islamic well wishes you can add to your wedding card that share the sentiments of congratulations and blessings.
Allah created a soul at first and then he divided it in two. So that he can join them again together in marriage! You two complete each other!
You are both the gift of Allah. Always be honest and loyal. I hope you stay together on this wonderful journey of love. Congratulations!
Oh, Allah! You are loving. Give this loving couple the ability to stay together! Wishing you the happiest conjugal life. May Allah bless you!
Without trust, there can be no love! So, keep trust in each other and fell the happiness of life. Go ahead by following the way of the Holy Quran. Our prayer is always with you. Mubarak of Weeding!
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Funny Wedding Wishes
It is perfectly acceptable to make your wedding wishes funny as long as you know it will be appreciated by the couple. Funny wedding wishes can range from a shared joke to a well known funny phrase or quote. Funny wedding wishes work great for close friends and family who you know will not be expecting to receive only traditional wedding or formal wedding wishes.
“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!”
“Our marriage advice: Love, honor and… scrub the toilet.”
“Marriage: A relationship where one person is always right, and one person is the husband. Congratulations!”
“Treat marriage like a hockey game. No roughing!”
“Thanks for the free booze. Best wishes on a long, happy marriage!”
“This calls for congratulations, and probably champagne.”
- Don’t use a funny message the couple won’t understand.
- Do reference the source if using a quote or phrase.
- Don’t use inside jokes that the only partner will understand or that you are not sure the couple will get.
- Do add a closing that expresses your love for the couple even though the message is funny.
- Don’t use a joke that pokes fun at one partner.
Wedding Wishes For A Family Member
If you are attending the wedding of a family member you should think about using a message that reflects your relationship and family dynamic. When you are adding wedding wishes for a family member it is considered good etiquette to acknowledge your relationship as in cousin, sister, brother, aunt, etc…
- Do make the wedding wish as personal as you can give your close relationship.
- Don’t be afraid to mix a family wedding wish with a religious one if it appropriate.
- Do sign your wedding wishes “with love”, “sending love”, etc.
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Wedding wishes for brother or sister
Perhaps your closest bond is with your brother or sister so you make sure your wedding wishes are from the heart and express your love, gratitude, and admiration for your sibling. Start your wedding wishes by acknowledging your close relationship and how happy you are for your sibling and end the message by wishing them many years of love and happiness.
“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 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.”
Wedding wishes for daughter or son
If your son or daughter is getting married you probably have played a role in helping the wedding come to life. Making a special statement about how proud you are of your son or daughter and then welcoming the new spouse to the family is appropriate. A good etiquette rule to remember when writing wedding wishes for a daughter or son is to not just congratulate your son or daughter but to make sure you spend time acknowledging their partner and new life together.
“My/our deepest love and very best wishes to you both.”
“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 and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful day for our family.”
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Wedding wishes for son and daughter in law
When writing wedding wishes for a son and daughter in law you should remember to acknowledge both partners and not only craft the wedding wishes toward your son/daughter. It is considered good etiquette to welcome your new daughter in law into the family and also wish the couple well on their new life together as a married couple.
“We are/I am so happy to welcome a new son/daughter to the family.”
“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.”
“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.”
Wedding wishes for a parent or step-parent
The best wedding wishes for a parent or step-parent center around acknowledging their new union and their new status as a married couple. If you want to write a special note just to your one parent that focuses on your relationship you can certainly do that but etiquette rules would say that should be a separate note or card.
“What a wonderful day for our family, and especially you two. May the joy you feel today last a lifetime.”
“Welcome to the family. We love you both!”
“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!”
“I love you both. I couldn’t be happier!”
“Lots of love and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful day for our family.”
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Wedding wishes for a niece
Since your niece is family and based on how close you are to the couple your wedding wishes might range from traditional and formal to casual. Etiquette to follow when sending wedding wishes for a niece center around acknowledging your relationship and welcoming their new partner to the family.
“You have the kindest heart my niece and I hope it lives on with you as you grow older with the man you love. Congrats on your wedding.”
“First best is falling in love second best is being in love and then comes marrying the one you love and spending forever with them. Wishing you love and joy on your wedding niece.”
“I’m sure the man beside you today is the dream man you never had, thank God you’re enjoying the magical moment, and may it last forever. Happy married life niece.”
“It’s good that you open up your arms to allow this special man into your life, you’ll love every bit of the journey though it might not be too smooth. Enjoy your home niece.”
“Our lives are shaped by our experiences, ensure to have a great home so you could be shaped by joy and happiness that emanate from your home. Happy married life niece.”
Wedding wishes to your spouse
Sending wedding wishes to your spouse is common and a significant way to mark the special occasion. These wedding wishes can be the most intimate and personal since you are sharing one life and journey together. Many couples write cards or notes to each other that will be opened on their wedding day.
“Loved you yesterday. Love you still. Always have, always will.”
“Forever is a long time. I can’t wait to spend it with you.”
“Thank you for making my dreams come true.”
“To my future husband: I’m so happy I tricked you into marrying me.”
“You are my happily ever after.”
“To my beautiful wife. I can’t wait to marry you!”
“You’re my greatest adventure.”
“I can’t wait to marry you. I will cherish and love you forever.”
“And they lived happily ever after.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
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Wedding Wishes For A Friend
When a friend gets married it is very exciting so of course, you want to send them the best wedding wishes. It is not uncommon for people to have several different groups of friends including close friends, best friends, distant friends, or casual acquaintances so there is no one way to word your wedding wishes for a friend. If you have a close relationship with the friend that is getting married it is best to write something personal and from the heart that acknowledges your friendship to one another.
“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.”
“We’ve had so many laughs together! May you always make each other laugh!”
“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!”
“I’m/we’re so thrilled to celebrate this wonderful day with you both.”
“May your marriage be filled with all the right ingredients: a heap of love, a dash of humor, a touch of romance, and a spoonful of understanding. May your joy last forever. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations to a wonderful friend and his/her new husband/wife.”
- Do acknowledge the couple and not just the person you are friends with within the wedding wishes.
- Don’t write a long statement or sentiment that would take up the entire card.
- Do acknowledge your happiness that your friend has found a life partner.
Wedding Wishes For A Co-Worker
Some co-workers are close friends and they just happen to also share a workspace while other co-workers have a much more formal and professional relationship. Either way, when writing wedding wishes for a co-worker it is best to keep things professional.
“Wishing an awesome life, a happy future with your new spouse!”
“Wishing you and your spouse a lifetime of happiness!”
“Thankful that I was invited to share this day with you and your family! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.”
“A very important title has been added to you today! Wishing you all the best in your future together”
“Best wishes to an awesome coworker!”
“May you have a successful, happy marriage!”
“When two people like you become a team, a successful marriage is inevitable!”
“So glad to see my co-worker so happy!”
“Seeing you so happy around the office has been a joy to all of us! Wishing you all the best in your marriage”
“I am so honored to share this special day with my special coworker! May your days be filled with happiness”
- Do thank them for having you be part of their special day.
- Don’t reference where you work.
- Do wish them well for the future and where life may take them.
- Don’t mention anyone else from your work or professional life.
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Wedding Wishes For An Elopement
When a couple elopes it is because they don’t want to host a traditional wedding but you still should write to them wedding wishes and send a gift. Just because the couple eloped it does not mean that they are letting go of all wedding traditions so it is totally normal to send traditional wedding wishes but of course given the nature of the wedding, casual wedding wishes work as well.
“Yay, it’s official! Congratulations, newlyweds!”
“I’m thrilled to hear the news of your union! Wishing you so much happiness.”
“May your joining together bring you more joy than you can imagine.”
“Here’s to success in your new titles: bride and groom, husband and wife, and any more you will pick up over the years together.”
“You have made a wonderful decision. As your days as newlyweds turn to months and eventually unfold into a collection of years, we hope you continue to grow closer to each other.”
- Do wish them well for all days forward.
- Don’t say anything about such as you wish you could have been there to see the elopement.
- Do acknowledge you hope their elopement was the day they always dreamed of.
- Don’t reference the fact that an elopement is not a traditional type of wedding.
Wedding Gift Card Messages
It is not uncommon to give a gift card as a wedding gift and of course, you will want to wish the couple well so the best thing to do is to enclose the gift card with a proper wedding greeting card and write your own message. If you purchased the gift card to a specific store you might want to write why you chose the gift card or the specific location.
If a couple does not registry for many items a wedding gift card is a great option since they will be able to spend it on something they really want. Another great reason you should give a wedding gift card is if you don’t know the couple very well and you don’t want to just give cash. Giving a gift card makes it feel like you put more time and effort into picking something out for them than just giving cash.
“Congratulations, [couple name]! It means so much to be a part of your big day!”
“Thanks for inviting me to your wedding. It’s an honor to share in such a beautiful and important day. Best wishes for a future filled with happiness and love.”
“It’s such an honor to witness your vows and be among those to wish you a beautiful beginning.”
“You’ll always remember this day and so will those who were there when the whole beautiful happily-ever-after started. Best wishes forever.”
“Watching you together is like catching a sunrise—I’m witnessing the start of something beautiful. Thanks for letting me be here with you.”
- Do enclose the gift card in a wedding card with a handwritten note.
- Don’t write your wedding wishes on the gift card itself.
- Don’t forget to write the amount of the gift card.
- Do sign your name on the card and gift card in case they get separated from each other.
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Wedding Wishes Etiquette Tips
There are a few etiquette tips you should be aware of when navigating through uncommon wedding territory such as postponed weddings and canceled weddings. Also, pay special attention to the best way to sign your card.
What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Postponed Wedding
Weddings definitely get postponed and that can be for a large variety of reasons but you still need to know what to write in case. When sending wedding wishes to a couple who postponed their wedding it is acceptable to acknowledge that their day has been postponed and focus on the positive and not on the negatives of having to reschedule the wedding. If you are dealing with the unique case of a postponed wedding it is better to keep the statement short and not spend a lot of time referencing the new wedding date or the reasons for having to postpone the wedding.
“Sending you all our love.”
“We’re sorry and we’re thinking of you. Take courage in knowing better times are ahead.”
“Your wedding will be special no matter the day.”
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What to Write in a Card for a Canceled Wedding
Weddings get canceled and there is no good way to say you are sorry. It is considered better to wish them well in life and not spend too much time harping on the reasons their wedding was canceled or why they are better off, that will only make it more difficult for the person. If a wedding is canceled you typically don’t send a gift or a card but you may want to send a note to acknowledge what has happened. When sending a card for a canceled wedding, short and sweet is the key.
“Sending you hugs, kisses and warm wishes.”
“If you need anything, let us/me know.”
“We will always support your decisions.”
Wedding Wishes During Covid
Have you been invited to marriage and wondering if there are any new rules for writing wedding wishes during covid?
Last year has completely redefined the meaning of “normal”. The list of things that have drastically changed our lives is too long to mention. But, thankfully, one thing remains true: absolutely nothing can top the power of love.
We won’t be able to gather in large groups in the near future but there’s no reason why you can’t contribute to a magical event with a sweet wedding message during covid.
Doing so will require the standard components of a successful wedding wish.
- A well-written, sincere wish of happiness, prosperity, and longevity.
- A personal anecdote of sage advice
- A notable quote or bible verse
Depending on your relationship with the couple, feel free to address the topic with stoicism, optimism, or humor.
Religious:
“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people … I will heal the land”
This can be used as a metaphor to say “God blesses your union and will reward you with peace”.
Stoic:
“Even though we are socially distanced, your hearts are forever intertwined. It means so much to be part of your big day. Congratulations.”
Essentially you would be saying “there’s no force stronger than your love”. It’s beautiful.
Optimistic:
“Covid is temporary, but your love will last for eternity. “Congratulations on your wedding day and best wishes for a happy life together”
Covid is a blip on the radar and life has a lot more to offer.
Humor:
“Tonight the masks come off and social distancing doesn’t apply. We’re predicting cute babies!”
Sometimes the easiest way to deal with stress is to laugh it off.
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How To Sign A Wedding Card?
With as many cards as the newlyweds are going to receive you will want to make sure they know who it is from. It is important to sign your wedding card with a closing that reflects your relationship and sentiments. There are hundreds of ways to sign a wedding card but you should always make sure you include your first and last name even if very close to the couple since they will be receiving many cards and it also makes it easier on the couple when making their thank you card list.
“Love always”
“Much love to you both”
“Best wishes!”
“Best wishes for your life together”
Sending wedding wishes is a lovely way to celebrate the wedding couple and extend your congratulations to them on their big day. Wedding wishes for couples, wedding wishes for friends and family along with wedding wishes for co-workers are essential when wishing the couple a happy wedding day along with sending a gift.
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