A wedding card is a lovely gesture that can sometimes mean more to the newlyweds than a physical gift. After all, they’ll be able to look back on your words for years to come and reminisce about the love and warmth shared on their special day. However, knowing what to write can sometimes be hard. Do you stick with the classic, “Congratulations!”, or go for something a little more creative?

Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you. This article explores what to write in a wedding card, some top tips for what to include, and some great examples of wedding card messages.

What is a wedding card?

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A wedding card is a card given to the happy couple on their big day. Cards can be given in addition to traditional gifts or simply as a tribute so you don’t show up empty-handed. You don’t have to include money in the card. However, it’s a nice gesture if you aren’t giving a wedding gift.

Wedding cards are a token of your appreciation for being invited to the wedding reception or ceremony. There are no strict rules for what should be written inside, but our advice is to keep it short, sweet, and warm. Offer your words of wisdom, wedding wishes, or share a personal memory to make the card truly special.

What do you write inside a wedding card?

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It can be tricky deciding what to put in a wedding card. Trying using the following writing tips for inspiration:

Include the key components

The key components of a wedding card include:

Greeting the couple. This is simply a line addressing the bride and groom. For example, “Dear [X] and [Y]” or “To the newlyweds”.
A congratulations message. This is another short and sweet message. “Congratulations on your big day” is fine, as is “You did it! Congrats.”
A heartfelt story, memory, or wedding wishes. This is where the card can get a little more complicated. You need to decide what message you would like to share with the couple. Try to make your message unique and memorable. For example, you can recall how they met, offer advice for a happy marriage, or simply convey your love and best wishes.
A sign-off. Conclude the card with a warm closing, such as “With love,” “Best wishes,” or “Sincerely.” Don’t forget to sign your name below so the couple knows who the card is from.

Check out the infographic below as a handy reference:

What to Write in a Wedding Card: Structure Guide — Follow this general structure when composing your wedding card message

Consider writing etiquette

Writing etiquette is a series of small mannerisms you need to consider when writing your card. For example:

Use appropriate titles. Address the couple with the appropriate titles. Tradition dictates that the man’s title usually comes first in a male-female couple. However, if they’re a same-sex, gender-neutral, or non-binary couple you can mix it up however you’d prefer. For example, ‘Dr. and Mr,’ ‘Mr. and Mrs,’ or ‘Mx. and Mx.’
Handwritten is best. Where possible, hand-write your card. Typing your card on a computer takes away the personal element and may feel a little transactional.
Avoid any controversial topics. Trust us, a couple’s wedding card is not the time to remind them they owe you £5.
Respect the happy couple. If the couple has asked guests to omit something specific from cards, you should respect this. For example, if they’ve stated they don’t want money or no personalised messages, you should respect this. Although it can feel disappointing to have a dampener put on your generosity, ultimately, it’s their big day, and you should oblige their wishes.

Consider your audience

Consider your relationship with the couple when writing your wedding card. For example, are they family, friends, colleagues, or neighbours? The nature of the relationship will change the tone of your card. For example, you might want to keep it more light-hearted and funny with a friend, but more formal with a work colleague.

Wedding card for a friend. A wedding card to a friend should be warm, friendly, and convey your support for the couple’s future. Consider including a happy memory you’ve shared, a funny anecdote from the hen or stag-do, or even a piece of advice for the journey ahead.
Wedding card for a family member. A card to a family member is usually more traditional and celebratory in tone. It’s your chance to thank the couple for having invited you, to welcome their new partner to your family, and to include your well-wishes on their happy day.
Wedding for a colleague or acquaintance. Keep the tone traditional or formal for a colleague or acquaintance. In this instance, you may not have been invited to the wedding and may be passing on your congratulations afterwards. So, keep it short, sweet, and to the point.

Be mindful of tone

As above, your relationship with the happy couple will determine the tone you take in the card. You might consider keeping a more traditional tone in a card to a family member. However, if the family member is your sister or close cousin, a funny or casual tone might also be appropriate— It all depends on your relationship with that person.

To achieve different tones, try following these tips:

A funny tone. Try including a playful anecdote, funny story, or even a light-hearted joke in your card to keep the tone funny and playful.
A traditional tone. For a more formal or traditional tone, use polite and respectful language. Express your congratulations and best wishes in a sincere and straightforward manner.
A casual tone. When writing in a casual tone, use relaxed and conversational language. Talk to the couple as you would in person, sharing your excitement and affection.

What to write in a wedding thank you card

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You might like to position your wedding card as a thank you card. For example, “Congratulations on your big day, and thank you for inviting me!”

This is a handy way to express gratitude to the couple for inviting you, while also acknowledging their big day. Think of it as hitting two birds with one stone!

Try using the following template for a casual wedding thank you card:

Dear [NAME] and [NAME],

A massive congratulations on your big day! I’m so excited for both of you to start your new married life together.

It’s been a privilege to watch you grow in your relationship together. I can’t wait to witness your shared journey as you move forward.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your special day. It’s been one in a million, and means the absolute world!

Love,

[YOUR NAME]

Wedding card examples to inspire you

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Check out two more examples of both funny and traditional wedding cards.

Funny wedding card example

Hey lovebirds,

You did it! A huge congrats on your special day. I’m super proud of both of you for making it through together.

I remember when you guys met on that rainy night out! Who would have thought you’d end up here when you were both sharing that kebab lady-and-the-tramp style?!

Seriously though, jokes aside — I wish you guys a happy lifetime of love and laughter together.

Best wishes,

[YOUR NAME]

Traditional wedding card example

Dear [NAME] and [NAME],

Congratulations on your big day. It was such a lovely day, and I am so grateful for the invite.

I wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness in your life as a married couple.

Kind regards,

[YOUR NAME]

Casual wedding card example

To my wonderful besties,

Wow, you’re officially hitched! A massive congrats on this fantastic day. I’ve got to say, I’m impressed you two made it this far together.

Thinking back to when you first crossed paths, who could have predicted that you’d wind up right here, starting this incredible journey on married life?

Wishing you both so much love, joy and all the good stuff that comes with it.

Cheers to your happily ever after,

[YOUR NAME]

Top tips for writing a great wedding card

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Keep it simple. There’s no need to write an essay in the couple’s card. Don’t forget, they’ll have a lot of these to read! Instead, keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
Personalise your message. Steer clear of generic or boring messages. Even a traditional card can include a thoughtful wedding wish or express heartfelt excitement for the couple’s future.
Sign clearly. Sign your name clearly so the newlyweds can know who the card is from.
Proofread thoroughly. There’s nothing worse than receiving a card that’s full of spelling mistakes! Consider writing out what you want to say on a separate piece of paper first. You can then commit to writing in your card with confidence.

Write your heartfelt wedding card today

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A wedding card is an often-underrated way to express your heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for being invited to a wedding. It can be used alongside a traditional gift, or in place of one where couples have asked for no gifts.

The most important thing about writing a wedding card is that it’s short and sweet. There’s no need to write an essay about how grateful you are. Instead, thank the couple for inviting you, pass on your congratulations, and personalise your card with a special story or wishes for their future.

If you’re struggling with what to include, we have a great selection of wedding advice and tips available here to help guide your wedding card writing.