What to Write in a Wedding Card – 85 Beautiful Message Ideas + Wishes

Planning
a newly married couple dressed in formal attire standing in the doorway of their traditional romantic reception venue
photo by EFEGE

If you’re wondering what to write in a wedding card that will make the newly married couple smile, laugh, and even shed a happy tear or two, we’ve rounded up 85 of the best congratulations message ideas and beautiful wedding wishes to get you started. From heartfelt messages for a family member to lighthearted wishes for your co-worker, these wedding card ideas are guaranteed to stand out from the crowd!

Plus, we’re also sharing a few tips and tricks to help you go beyond generic congratulations messages and write a personal wedding card that the love birds will cherish forever. Get ready to channel your inner Hallmark card!

What’s In This Guide?

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Breaking Down The Core Components – What Congratulations Messages And Well Wishes To Write in a Wedding Card

an infographic for "The Core Elements of a Memorable Wedding Card Message" with checkbox style bullet points that say: congratulations, your well wishes, a thank you message, and a sweet sign-off

While there are no “rules” for what to write in a wedding card (although we have tons of ideas down below!), there are a few core components when it comes to congratulations messages and well wishes that’ll blow away the newly married couple. Here’s a quick breakdown of the essential components of what to write in your wedding card:

  • Congratulations: You should start every wedding card by writing a quick congratulations message. Feel free to make it as straightforward or as in-depth as you’d like — even writing a simple “congratulations on your big day!” will get your wedding card message started off on the right foot.
  • Your well wishes: Alongside your congratulations message, it’s also sweet to write your well wishes for the newly married couple. Whether you’re wishing them a long and happy marriage or an epic honeymoon, try to make this message tailored to the love birds and their unique dynamic. A personal touch goes a long way, especially when you can include cute anecdotes about time you’ve spent with the couple.
  • A thank you message: While this isn’t necessary, it is good etiquette to write a “thank you” in your wedding card to show your appreciation for being invited to the celebration. After all, this is one of the biggest days of the couple’s lives, and they wanted you to be part of it!
  • A sweet sign-off: Conclude your wedding card by writing a sweet sign-off message — for some simple ideas, you can’t go wrong with: “best wishes,” “with love,” or another simple “congratulations.” If you’re particularly close to the newly married couple, whether you’re a close friend or family member, it’s always a nice touch to include a note in your wedding card message sharing how you’re always there to support them.

The Best Wedding Wishes and Wedding Card Message Ideas For Every Type of Relationship

cute wedding wishes and congratulations cards with messages that say "let's celebrate" in pink text alongside illustrations of two champagne glasses clinking together
“Let’s Celebrate” wedding card for writing your wishes: Richie Designs on Etsy

Now that you have a solid template for what to write in your wedding card, let’s get into some of the best well wishes and congratulations message ideas to include in your note to the newly married couple. To choose the best message for your card, we suggest thinking about what makes the couple unique. Are they adventurers? Hopeless romantics? The clowns of the friend group? This will help you write a wedding card that’s tailored to the love birds.

When writing well wishes for your wedding card, it also helps to think about your relationship with the newly married couple. That’s why we’ve broken these congratulations message ideas into different categories — from what to write in a wedding card for a friend, to the best well wishes for a co-worker. Keep scrolling for our favorite ideas!

What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Friend – Funny and Heartfelt Wedding Wishes and Message Ideas They’ll Love

brown and cream graphic with flowers and text that says: What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Friend, followed by a message that says: Congratulations on doing the damn thing. Now let's celebrate!

They’re your bestie, your ride or die, your partner in crime…but how do you write all of that in a wedding card message?! If you’re looking for unique ways to say “congratulations” to your friend (or friends) who just tied the knot, we’ve rounded up funny message ideas and heartfelt wishes to write in their wedding card. Bring on the happy tears!

  • Wishing you love, laughter, and happily ever after.
  • Your wedding day may be over, but the party is just getting started — congratulations!
  • I couldn’t ask for a better person to share my best friend with. Wishing you both the happiest marriage!
  • Congratulations on doing the damn thing. Now let’s celebrate!
  • “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” (- When Harry Met Sally) Congratulations on finding the Harry to your Sally!
  • And so the friend group grows. Wishing you both love and happiness!
  • Congratulations on your greatest adventure yet. Enjoy the ride!
  • Marriage looks good on you! Congrats!
  • I can’t wait to watch you turn into the cutest old married couple. Wishing you a long and happy marriage!
  • Congrats love birds. Enjoy your honeymoon, and have a glass of champagne for me!
  • No one deserves this love and happiness more than you do. Congratulations!
  • To two amazing friends, and an even better couple. Cheers on your marriage!
  • Congratulations on finding the one. Sending love and well wishes to you both!
  • And so the adventure begins!
  • Out of all our celebrations over the years, this is my favorite. Congratulations on your wedding!
  • You two are the ultimate power couple. Wishing you both the best!
  • Your love story is one for the ages — congratulations on your happy ending!
  • Wishing you a life of spontaneous adventuress, endless inside jokes, and a love that grows stronger with each and every day. Congrats!
  • Cheers to finding your lobster!
  • May the rest of your lives be the best of your lives. Congratulations on your wedding!
unique personalized blue and white travel illustration with a couple's initials framed up on a wall

Looking for heartfelt gift ideas to go with the heartfelt wishes you’re writing in the wedding card to the newlyweds? We’ve got you covered!

What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Family Member – Meaningful Wedding Wishes And Message Ideas They’ll Cherish

brown and cream graphic with flowers and text that says: What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Family Member, followed by a congratulations message that says: You've felt like part of the family from the start. We're so happy that now it's official!

Whether you’re celebrating your brother, your cousin, or your child, there’s nothing more special than seeing a family member say “I do.” For a wedding card that’s just as special as the occasion, look no further than these meaningful congratulations message ideas and heartfelt wedding wishes to write for the newly married couple (aka, your growing family!). Now that’s something worth celebrating.

  • Congratulations to you both, and welcome to the family!
  • You’ve felt like part of the family from the start. We’re so happy that now it’s official!
  • Today is just the beginning. Congratulations on your next chapter together!
  • “You don’t marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without.” Congratulations on finding your person!
  • Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness — we love watching you two do life together!
  • So happy to call you both family. Best wishes for your wedding!
  • May your love grow stronger each and every passing year.
  • From childhood memories to this incredible moment, I’m so grateful to have been a part of your journey. Wishing you even more love and happiness in the future!
  • Our family tree has never looked better. Congrats to the love birds!
  • The recipe to a happy marriage: a cup of love, a spoonful of laughter, and a sprinkle of understanding. Best wishes for a wonderful marriage.
  • Endless cheers to your forever love!
  • Best wishes to the newly married couple — may your marriage be as beautiful as your love.
  • Congratulations on having a forever plus one for all our family get-togethers!
  • To the happy couple, may the joy of today carry you through all your tomorrows. Congratulations on your wedding!
  • Wishing you both the very best, today, tomorrow, and every day.
  • Two amazing people, one beautiful love story. Congrats on tying the knot!
  • I am so thrilled to see you marry your best friend. May your life together be full of love and joy. Congratulations!
  • Thank you for inviting us to celebrate this special occasion. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!
  • “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” (- Mignon McLaughlin) Wishing you both a happy and successful marriage!

What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Coworker – Wedding Wishes And Message Ideas That Won’t Feel Generic

brown and cream graphic with flowers and text that says: What to Write in a Wedding Card for a Coworker, followed by a best wishes message that says: Congratulations on your wedding, and enjoy a week of not checking your email!

We know the struggle: choosing what to write in a wedding card for a coworker is like walking a fine line. You want your message to be meaningful, without being too heartfelt. You want to keep it simple, without sounding too generic.

That’s where we come in. We’ve narrowed down the best simple (but effective) well wishes and congratulations message ideas to write in a coworker’s wedding card — so you can avoid any future office drama and still make the newly married couple feel loved.

  • You’ve been promoted from fiancé to spouse — congratulations!
  • Congratulations on your wedding, and enjoy a week of not checking your email!
  • Thank you for inviting me to share this special day with you both. Wishing you a lifetime of love!
  • Teamwork makes the dream work — cheers to your new team!
  • In the words of Michael Scott: “Webster’s dictionary defines wedding as ‘the fusing of two metals with a hot torch.’ Well, you know something? I think you guys are two metals. Gold medals.” (P.S. We also found a great wedding card to go with this message!)
  • Congratulations on your merger!
  • Here’s to a beautiful wedding and an even more beautiful life together. Congratulations and best wishes to the newly married couple!
  • The best is yet to come. Cheers!
  • Congratulations! You’ve now joined the exclusive club of “Happily Ever After.”
  • Here’s to a lifetime of teaming up for success in love and in life. Congrats!
  • Warmest wishes on your wedding day. May your love for each other continue to grow.
  • Marriage is the greatest project you’ll ever work on. Congratulations, and happy “project” management!
  • Cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless Netflix marathons together!
  • It’s been a pleasure working with you, and now it’s a joy to celebrate this special moment in your life. Best wishes to you both!
  • Wishing you a marriage that’s as strong as our breakroom coffee. Cheers!
women wearing colorful flower patterned gowns to an outdoor ceremony

Headed to a wedding with a semi-formal dress code, and not sure what to wear? Don’t miss our complete attire guide — plus some chic outfit ideas for men and women!

What to Write in a Wedding Card When Giving Money

brown and cream graphic with flowers and text that says: What to Write in a Wedding Card When Giving Money, followed by a best wishes message that says: Here's a little money to spend on a something that isn't wedding-related. Congratulations, love birds!

There’s nothing wrong with giving money as a wedding gift — it’s actually something many newlyweds ask for! But with such a simple present, you want to write a wedding card that really stands out and provides a personal touch. For well wishes that the newly married couple will love, we’ve rounded up the best crowd-pleasing congratulations message ideas to write in a wedding card when you’re gifting cash.

And don’t forget to choose a cute wedding card to go with the message you write….this Etsy shop has some of our favorite ideas!

  • Here’s a little something to start your life together in style. Congratulations on your wedding!
  • May this gift help you build the life you’ve always dreamed of. Cheers to a future filled with love and happiness.
  • As Frank Sinatra said, “A simple ‘I love you’ means more than money.” But here’s a little extra cash just because — congratulations!
  • Thank you for inviting us to eat and drink while you got married. Now go have dinner on us!
  • Your love is priceless, but hopefully this contribution makes your happily ever after that much more special!
  • Here’s a little money to spend on something that isn’t wedding-related. Congratulations, love birds!
  • You vowed to love each other for richer or for poorer. Let’s start off with richer! Congrats on your wedding, and well wishes to the newly married couple.
  • Use this to create memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations on your adventure, and enjoy the ride!
  • We couldn’t be happier to invest in your beautiful marriage. Wishing you a rich and successful life together!
  • Thank you for inviting us to celebrate this special milestone with you both. Here’s a little token of our happiness — congratulations!
  • Cheers to the beginning of a fun and happy marriage. Here’s a little something to help!
  • Your love is worth celebrating. Wishing you a marriage filled with even more love-filled celebrations!
  • Congratulations on your wedding day! Use this for something romantic on your honeymoon — a couple’s massage, a candlelit dinner, breakfast in bed…you choose!
  • Here’s to your new chapter together. May your love story continue to grow with each passing year!
  • On your special wedding day, I’m sending love, well wishes, and a little something extra. Congrats!
  • Money can’t buy love, but it can help with the honeymoon! Enjoy, and congratulations on your wedding!
group of women wearing floor-length gowns in orange, black, bright pink and sage green colors for an outdoor ceremony

If the wedding dress code calls for something a little fancier, then dress to impress with our list of chic cocktail gowns. There’s something for every style!

What to Write in a Wedding Card When You Can’t Attend – Wedding Wishes and Congratulations Messages That Truly Express Your Excitement For The Couple

brown and cream graphic with flowers and text that says: What to Write in a Wedding Card When You Can't Attend, followed by a best wishes message that says: Please know I'm popping the champagne and cheering you on from afar. Congratulations, and here's to a lifetime of love and laughter!

If you won’t be there to tell the newly married couple “congratulations” at the wedding, it’s a sweet gesture to write your well wishes in a wedding card. This is your chance to tell the couple you’re thinking about them on the big day — as well as share your regrets for not being able to attend. Scroll on for the best heartfelt wishes and congratulations message ideas to write in your wedding card!

  • Wishing you both a beautiful wedding day and a lifetime of love and happiness. I’m sad I can’t be there in person, but I’m celebrating with you in spirit. Congratulations!
  • Congratulations on your wedding day — I’m sending my biggest hugs and well wishes through this card!
  • Thinking of you both with love on your wedding day — congratulations!
  • Please know I’m popping the champagne and cheering you on from afar. Congratulations, and here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter!
  • Sorry I can’t be there to embarrass myself on the dance floor at your wedding, but I’m wishing you a day filled with love, celebrations, and lots of laughter!
  • Sending my well wishes to the newly married couple — I’ll be sure to have a piece of cake in your honor!
  • Here’s to a long and happy marriage! Wishing you love on your wedding day, and every day after.
  • I’m sorry I can’t be there to celebrate with you in person — but to make up for it, I’ll be the first person to like your wedding photos on Instagram. Congrats!
  • Sending you both love and laughter from afar! I can’t wait to celebrate next time we’re all together again.
  • In the words of Sam Levenson, “Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.” Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!
  • So sad to miss out on the fun, but I’ll be there in spirit (and probably stalking your wedding photos online!). Congrats!
  • Best wishes on this wonderful journey as you build your new lives together. I’m sorry to miss your wedding day, but I’m sending all my love and congratulations.
  • Congrats to the lovely couple! Enjoy every moment!
  • Cheers to your new beginning! Sending all my love and best wishes on your wedding day.
  • Warmest wishes to the newly married couple! May your marriage be filled with happiness, laughter, and lots of love.

Frequently Asked Questions

a wedding wishes card for a newly married couple with a message that says "congratulations love birds, your greatest adventure awaits" along with an illustration of a car driving through a forest with a dog peeking out the window
wedding card for writing your wishes: NoteworthyPaperPress on Etsy

You’ve found the perfect wedding card and written your most heartfelt congratulations and well wishes for the newly married couple. Now what?

To help you write and send the best card for the wedding, we’re breaking down a few must-know FAQs. From when to send the wedding card to how to add a personal touch to your congratulations message, these are our best tips and tricks for the occasion. Let’s get into it!

What are the best ways to personalize your congratulations message in the wedding card without sounding cheesy?

a personalized laser cut blue and white wedding congratulations wishes card with messages that say "on your wedding day" above the newly married couple's names and ceremony date with a cutout of a vintage car adorned with flowers
wedding card with personalized writing: 3DFORUSLLC on Etsy

If you want to write a personalized congratulations message in your wedding card — but you don’t want it to sound cheesy — start by thinking about what makes the newlyweds unique. We get it: there’s a delicate balance between writing a wedding card that’s too generic and writing one that’s just plain cheesy. For the perfect in-between message, we suggest writing a special memory or inside joke in the card along with your wishes for the newly married couple.

Here are a few ideas for personalized congratulations messages and well wishes to write in a wedding card:

  • Congratulations on finding the person who loves pineapple on their pizza just as much as you do. You two are made for each other!
  • For my favorite travel enthusiasts, I’m wishing you a lifetime of amazing adventures together.
  • Since the first time I saw you two together on our group camping trip, I knew you were soulmates. Congrats on making it official!

GWS Pro Tip: In addition to writing a personalized congratulations message, you can also add a personal touch with a custom card. Etsy has tons of beautiful wedding card ideas that can be personalized with the newly married couple’s names, a special written message, or even an illustration of the love birds!

women wearing dark floor-length gowns to an elegant outdoor ceremony

Wondering what to wear to a black tie optional wedding? We’ve deciphered this tricky dress code in our full attire guide!

Is it customary to send your card along with the couple’s gift?

a personalized white painted engraved wood box where guests can put their wedding wishes cards and congratulations messages for the newly married couple
personalized box for written wedding cards: PersonalizationMall on Etsy

It is common etiquette to send your wedding card along with the couple’s gift. However, this isn’t the only option. If you’re sending your gift before or after the big day, you can still bring a card to the ceremony to say congratulations and give your well wishes to the newly married couple.

Some guests also choose to mail their cards before or after the wedding to avoid adding any tasks to the couple’s to-do list on the big day. It’s totally up to you!

If you’re not attending the ceremony, when should you send your card?

a personalized floral wedding wishes card with messages that say "congratulations on your wedding day" above the newly married couple's names and ceremony date in gold foil text
wedding card for writing congratulations message ideas: PixelcoutureDesigns on Etsy

If you’re not able to make it to the wedding ceremony, it’s best to send your card about a week before the big day. This way, the couple will see your well wishes before the hustle and bustle of the wedding weekend kicks in — and they’ll also know you’re thinking about them as they say their “I do’s”!

Not sure what to write in your wedding card if you’re not attending the ceremony? Don’t miss the best congratulations message ideas to write in the wedding card up above!

Attending a Wedding This Season? We’ve Got You Covered.

a congratulations wishes wedding card with an illustration of a newly married couple in a pink convertible car and messages that say "let the adventures begin"
wedding card for writing your well wishes: MantaMakesLtd on Etsy

Now that you know what to write in the wedding card, let’s get you ceremony-ready with the rest of our wedding guides!

In addition to writing a heartfelt wedding card message, you also want to celebrate the newly married couple with the perfect present — and we’re here to help with our go-to list of unique gift ideas for the wedding. We also rounded up the best engagement gifts if they just popped the question!

Now for the fun part: outfits. Dress to impress with our wedding guest dress guides for every season, from summer to spring to winter to fall. We also narrowed down our favorite dresses and pant suits for the mother of the bride, as well as elegant gowns for the mother of the groom!

Which of these congratulations message ideas or heartfelt wishes are you planning to write in your wedding card? Let us know in the comments below!

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