Creating a Wedding Card Message: Tips for Wording & Formatting
A person holding a pen writing on a card. Image by Andilit.com.
When a couple you are close to begins planning a wedding, there’s a lot you need to do. You’ll need to purchase an outfit. You may even need to make travel arrangements. You’ll also need to buy a card to give to the happy couple.
Whether you fill it with cash or attach it to one of their registry items, the gift isn’t the most important element of this card: it’s the message!
Wedding card messages are just as important as the card you choose. The text conveys your deepest feelings to the couple. It gives them personalized well-wishes that cement the bond you share.
However, writing the right message can be difficult. It’s hard to decide if you want to be humorous, sentimental, or formal with the wording of your message. Of course, your relationship with the couple will determine which direction you go!
If you need help deciding on the perfect wedding card message, you’re in luck! Here’s how to format your wedding card message and some ideas you can use to write the perfect wedding card message for the bride and groom!
Formatting Your Wedding Card Message
A woman writing a message on a card. Image by American Greetings.
Wedding Card Message Outline
Following an outline is a great way to structure a wedding card message. Once you know a good format, you can easily write and personalize messages to suit each unique couple.
Start by writing a greeting that includes the couple’s names. Depending on how formal the message is, you can use a variety of catchy openers here.
Next, write a personal message that connects to the relationship you have with them. You can reference the first time you met the bride or groom, a memory you share of them as a couple or a verse/quote that reminds you of them. After that, write down some congratulations on their happy day. Finish the message with a closing statement. This could be what your hopes for the future are or a thank you for inviting you to share in their celebration.
This general outline can be applied to any message regardless of your relationship with the bride and groom. Feel free to write a few drafts on a Google Doc or paper before deciding on your final copy. Later, we will show you how to personalize your message to make it shine!
Design Tips
Once you have an idea of what you want to write, it’s time to find the perfect card for the occasion. You can survey the card aisle of your favorite big box store or order a custom card on Etsy. Most wedding cards are mostly white with silver or gold accents, but you can go more colorful if you know that’s what the couple likes!
Either way, look for colors that complement the invitation you received and images that connect with your message’s tone. For example, if you are writing a message that contains a religious quote, look for a wedding card that incorporates those images.
Customizing Your Message to Your Relationship with the Couple
Now it’s time to finalize your draft into your final wedding card message. You’ll need to ensure it’s tailor-made to fit how you are connected to the couple. Here are some ideas you can use.
For Close Family or Friends: If one of the people getting married is a family member or you are friends with one or both of them, your message should reflect that. Incorporate personal anecdotes or references to your familial connection.
For Friends or Distant Family: Messages for distant family or friends you don’t see very often, you can still share memorable moments you’ve shared with the couple. You could also focus on the qualities you admire in their relationship, like their sense of humor or their close bond.
For Colleagues and Acquaintances: If you don’t know the couple very well or have a working relationship with one of them, keep the message warm but formal. Use language that communicates your respect and congratulations for them.
Do's and Don'ts for Writing Wedding Card Messages
A clear wedding card box holder with a guest book behind it. Image by NYCPGarden.
When writing a wedding card message, it’s important to be respectful and sensitive to the couple. Always consider their unique situation and avoid jokes that may come across as insults when written down. It’s safer to craft a heartfelt message, especially if you are unsure about the couple’s sense of humor.
Be mindful of diverse relationships and beliefs. Don’t include religious texts if you are unsure of the faith of either person. Consider their ideologies and any relationship dynamics that may cause traditional sayings to fall flat.
Also, if you are closer to one member of the couple, it’s ok to reference that relationship. But be sure to include a reference to their spouse and your happiness that they found each other. If you don’t, the other person could feel left out.
If you are unsure about your message, err on the side of caution. Choose thoughtful messages that communicate your hopes that their marriage is a long and happy one.
Wedding Card Message Ideas
The message you choose should reflect your relationship with the bride and groom while incorporating any religious wedding practices they choose to observe.
If your couple isn’t religious, you can try something sentimental, humorous, or even a themed message from a loved TV show or movie. Let’s take a look at examples in each category.
Thoughtful Wedding Messages
May your first dance be one of many.
As the days pass, never let the burning light of love extinguish.
Always remember what brought you two together and let nothing drive you apart.
The love you have for each other can overcome any obstacle.
Here’s to starting your life together on the right foot.
We wish for you a long and happy marriage.
This day is the first chapter of the book you will write together.
Just think of all the stories you’ll have to tell your future children about this amazing day.
Out of everyone you met, you both chose each other.
May the joy of this day last forever!
Here’s to love, laughter, and friendship!
I’m so glad I can now call you both family.
Thank you for including me in your special day.
Now you can hang out with each other for the rest of your lives.
Congratulations on finding the one you want to grow old with.
I’ll never forget the happiness I saw in your eyes when you said, “I do.”
Welcome to the family!
May your love story evolve with every passing year.
Wishing a lifetime of wedded bliss for the happy couple!
This day is the start of your forever.
We hope your marriage is filled with romance and prosperity.
This wedding is your sweetest dream come true!
Funny Wedding Messages
I’m glad you got married because I got to eat and drink for free tonight!
Your wedding made me ugly cry.
Can I crash your honeymoon? I promise I’ll close my eyes.
How are we old enough to get married? We are 28-year-old teenagers.
Now you have someone to argue over what to watch every night.
Booo! Who will go cruising for guys/girls with me now?
Don’t forget to pack me in your honeymoon suitcase.
Thanks for the free booze..I mean congratulations on your wedding day!
Here’s how to keep your new bride happy: feed her often, always agree with her, and never give her any dairy products!
I can’t wait to see the wedding photos when you get back to the office.
“Hey, Bella! where you been, loca?” (Twilight reference)
You may want to tattoo this date on the back of your hand so you never forget your anniversary!
I hope you give me this much money when I get married.
Thank you for not making me a bridesmaid.
What’s the secret to a happy marriage? No one knows, so good luck!
Secrets to a peaceful marriage: don’t build furniture together!
A wedding card for the bride and groom being held up in the sky. Image by Folksy.
Formal Wedding Messages
Congratulations on the happiest day of your life.
Wishing you a lifetime filled with joy, loyalty, and love.
Sending you luck and love on your wedding day.
Best wishes and kind regards to you and your family.
Wishing decades of happiness for you both.
Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful wedding.
Congratulations on this special milestone in your life.
May you always find joy in your partner.
Enjoy building your new life together.
I am grateful to share this special day with you and your family.
Congratulations on your wedding.
I’m so happy for both of you.
We couldn’t be more honored to attend your wedding.
Sending my heartfelt congratulations on your special day.
Themed Wedding Messages
You’ve found your lobster!
You had to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince/princess!
Here’s looking at you, kid.
Dr. Suess once said, "People are weird. When we find someone with weirdness that is compatible with ours, we team up and call it love."
"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." from "When Harry Met Sally”
Pam and Jim have nothing on you two!
“Be excellent to each other.” from “Bill & Ted”
“May the odds be ever in your favor.” from” The Hunger Games”
“It's an extraordinary thing to meet someone who you can bear your soul to, who will accept you for what you are.” from “Twilight”
When you love another with all your heart and soul, it’s suddenly enough.
“You better hold on tight, spider monkey.” from Twilight
You’ve found the Bonnie to your Clyde!
He/she liked it so he/she put a ring on it!
Religious Wedding Messages
May your marriage be blessed always.
God is smiling down on your union.
Love is the greatest blessing of them all.
Remember to always honor your spouse and walk with God.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
God bless you and your spouse on your wedding day.
Keep God at the center of your marriage and all will be well.
May your relationship be as strong as your faith in Jesus Christ.
Love is patient. Love is kind.
God has created the perfect partner for you.
Sending you unlimited blessings on your wedding day.
"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." Peter 4:8
Conclusion
As a wedding guest, you want to make sure the couple knows how much you support them. Customize your wedding card message to fit the relationship you have with one or both of the people getting married.
No matter what, remember to keep the focus on the happy couple. They will be thrilled with the unique message and remember your sentiments for years to come.