Wedding cards are easy to overthink. The couple will read dozens of them, usually the morning after, and the ones they remember are the ones that sound like the person who wrote them. You don't need a poem. Their names, one real detail and a warm wish are enough.
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What to write in a wedding card
Start with both of their names. Then say something about them as a couple, or about the day itself, such as how happy they looked or how much you enjoyed the dancing. Finish by wishing them a happy marriage.
If you're close to one of them and hardly know the other, write to both anyway. A line like "It's been so good getting to know you, Theo" is a kind welcome into the family or the friend group.
Most guests write the card before the wedding and bring it to the reception, where there's usually a card box on the gift table. If you're sending a gift from the registry, you can mail the card with it, or on its own.
For friends
- Nia and Theo, congratulations! I've never seen Nia happier than she's been since the day she met you, Theo. I can't wait to see what you two do next. Love, Grace.
- To Sam and Priscilla, it's been so much fun watching you two go from study partners at Chapel Hill to married. Wishing you a lifetime of happy Saturdays together.
- Congratulations, Jordan and Leah! Thank you for letting us be part of such a beautiful day. We're so happy for you both.
- Dear Ana and Chris, we're so glad you found each other. Here's to many more taco nights on your porch, with us invited. All our love.
For family
- Dear Emily, you've been my favorite little cousin for twenty-eight years, and now I get to add Josh to the family too. Congratulations to you both. Love, Aunt Deb and Uncle Phil.
- To our grandson Tyler and his lovely bride, Mariah. We are so proud of you both and so happy to welcome Mariah into the family. With all our love, Grandma and Grandpa.
- Congratulations, little brother. Marcus, Keisha is the best thing that's ever happened to you, and we all know it. Welcome to the family, Keisha. Love you both.
For a same-sex couple
Write exactly as you would for any couple you care about. Use both names, and "husbands", "wives" or "spouses" if you want a word for them.
- Dear Rob and Andre, congratulations to you both. That first dance to Stevie Wonder was the best thing I saw all year. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together.
- To Megan and Jo, congratulations on becoming wives! We've loved every camping trip with you two, and we can't wait for many more. All our love.
- Congratulations, David and Kenji. Watching you two build a life together in Seattle has been a joy. So happy to celebrate with you today.
Funny wedding card messages
Keep the joke about the couple or the wedding, make sure both of them will enjoy it, and finish with a warm line.
- Congratulations, Kyle and Brianna! Kyle, you're now officially outnumbered by Brianna and the two cats. We think you'll be very happy. Love, the Hendersons.
- Dear Tess and Omar, after six years of us asking "so when's the wedding?", we're very glad we can finally stop. Congratulations, and all our love.
- To Lauren and Nate, the most competitive board game couple we know. May every argument in your marriage be over Monopoly. Congratulations!
- Congratulations, Paige and Ethan! Thank you for finally giving us a reason to learn the Cha Cha Slide properly. Wishing you every happiness.
From a coworker
- Congratulations, Alicia! Wishing you and Ben a wonderful wedding and a very happy marriage. Enjoy every minute of the honeymoon. From everyone in accounts.
- Best wishes to you both on your wedding day, Darnell. We hope you have a beautiful day in Savannah. From all of us on the night shift.
When you don't know the couple well
If you're a plus-one or a friend of the parents, a short, simple message is just right.
- Congratulations to you both on your wedding day. Thank you for including us, and we wish you a long and happy marriage together. With love, Frank and Irene.
- Dear Olivia and Matt, it was a real pleasure to celebrate with you and your families today. Wishing you both every happiness in your new home in Austin.
Money, checks and registry gifts
Money is a common and welcome wedding gift in the US. Say it simply and never write the amount in the card. One short line is enough, and the rest of the card should be about the couple.
- Congratulations, Sofia and Liam! We hope this helps a little with the honeymoon in Maui. Enjoy every sunset. With love, Aunt Carmen and Uncle Joe.
- To Hannah and Wes, a little something toward the new house. We can't wait to come over for dinner once you're settled. Congratulations!
For a registry gift, you don't need to mention it at all, as the couple will see what arrived. If you'd like to, keep it light, such as "We hope the stand mixer gets plenty of use" or "Enjoy the new dishes".
More help with wedding words
If you've been asked to give a toast, the wedding toasts guide explains who speaks and in what order, and there's help with the maid of honor speech and the best man speech. If you're the one getting married, see our wedding vows guide. For other occasions, the main card messages page has a free tool for any kind of card, and there are retirement card messages too.
Common questions
What do you write in a wedding card?
Congratulate the couple by name, add one line about them or the day, and wish them a happy marriage. Two or three sentences is plenty. If you know them well, a short memory makes it feel personal.
How do I mention money in a wedding card?
Keep it short and plain, and don't write the amount. Something like "We hope this helps with the honeymoon" or "A little something toward the new house" is enough. The card should still be about the couple.
Who do I address a wedding card to?
Use both first names, such as "Dear Nia and Theo". You can also use "Mr. and Mrs.", "the Newlyweds" or both married names if you know them, but first names are warm and never wrong.
Can I be funny in a wedding card?
Yes, if you know the couple well and the joke is kind. Keep it about the couple or the wedding, never about exes, and add a warm line so the card still wishes them well.