What to Write In a Wedding Card

Wedding Card Etiquette

Much fuss is placed upon brides and grooms in regards to wedding gift etiquette, yet not much is said about how guests are supposed to handle writing proper congratulations to the happy couple. To avoid creating an awkward moment for the newlyweds, keep in mind some guiding principles of writing best wishes:

• While it is okay to be funny, avoid risqué topics such as mentions of the wedding night or honeymoon “activities.”
• Avoid insulting either the bride or groom, even if the joke is an inside or long-running one. Some couples keep the cards and may grow to resent the tone of the card, given on the happiest day of their life, over the years.
• Do not mention previous girlfriends or boyfriends, even if it is to highlight the positive aspects of the newly wedded spouse.
• Acknowledge both spouses, even if minimal contact is the only relationship with the other.
• Positive advice about love and marriage is terrific, but keep lengthy personal stories out of the message.

Mail the card to the couple’s home together, send it to the parents of the bride, or give it to the couple on the day of the wedding. For cards sent after the wedding has taken place, mail cards as soon as possible after the wedding date. Include a word of regret if the card is being mailed due to missing the wedding itself.

What to Write in a Wedding Card: By Relationship

Even the most eloquently versed store bought card from the likes of Hallmark needs to have a few handwritten lines of personal message from the guests. Those who choose to make a wedding card themselves should try to find short quotes, similar to scrapbooking quotes, about love and marriage to use as a main theme for their card. This provides a starting point for further reflection upon the happy day and couple.

Immediate Family

Moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents and special relatives should write a meaningful note inside a card given to the bride and groom. Expressing happiness about the new addition to the family is essential. Knowing the union has the blessing of those most important to them will make new spouses feel truly welcomed into their new family. Let the bride and groom know those closest to them share their hopes and dreams for the future. Further reflection on love and marriage is also appropriate, as is advice from those who have had enduring and rewarding unions themselves.

Close Friends and Relatives

Close friends and relatives, which often include bridal party members, should also write their sincerest wishes down for the newlyweds. While they should still reflect joyfulness and hope, they are not expected to be as emotionally charged as those from close family are — although it is still appropriate for most close relationships.

Acquaintances or Outer Circles of Friends

Guests who are in an outer circle often include neighbors, co-workers, parental friends, and business associates. Outer friend circles may also include childhood or college friends who have fallen out of close touch. Guests who fall into an outer circle can often let the card speak for them. Choose one that offers words of congratulations for a wedding that can be built upon in a few simple sentences of congratulations after the inside verse.

The Thought That Counts

When it comes to what to write in a wedding card, it truly is the thought that counts. Sometimes even the most articulate writers are at a loss when it comes to truly expressing how they feel about a marriage involving their best friends or siblings.

Avoid a wedding guest etiquette faux pas by writing out a few lines on scrap paper before transferring it to the final card. This gives the writer a chance to clean up rambling sentences and express their thoughts clearly.

Finish off the card by writing with a black felt tip or gel tip pen. Test to make sure it does not skip. Use fine cursive inside the card and address the outside of the envelope to the couple in the same writing style. If the card is given with a gift, be sure to attach the card securely with tape or ribbon.

Knowing what to write in a wedding card can help guests share congratulations and supportive, welcoming words with the happy couple with ease and sincerity.