A wedding card is read twice: once on the day, in a blur, and again weeks or years later when the couple sits down with the box of cards. That second reading is the one to write for. The cards that get kept are the ones that say something about these two people, not weddings in general.
A shape that works
- Congratulate them both, by name.
- Say something true about them as a couple: how they are together, when you knew, what you love about seeing them happy.
- Wish them something for the years ahead.
"Congratulations, Ali and Hina! I've never seen Ali this calm about anything, and I'm fairly sure that's your doing. Wishing you a lifetime of exactly this."
For your best friend
- "I've known you through three haircuts, two careers and one very bad boyfriend. Today I finally get to watch you marry someone who deserves you. Congratulations, both of you."
- "You've always been my favourite person to celebrate with. Today I get to celebrate you. Love you both."
- "Congratulations! Don't worry, I'll still be around. Now there are just two of you to put up with me."
For a brother or sister
- "I've had you to myself for twenty-six years. I'm happy to share, mostly. Welcome to the family, Sana."
- "Seeing you this happy is the best present I could have been given today. Congratulations, bhai."
For a cousin or relative
- "Shaadi Mubarak! Wishing you both a home full of love, laughter and good food."
- "So happy to celebrate with you both. May this be the start of your happiest chapter."
For a colleague
- "Congratulations on your wedding! Wishing you both every happiness."
- "Warmest wishes on your big day. Enjoy every moment, and the honeymoon!"
For a couple you don't know well
If you know one partner from work, or you're a plus-one, keep it warm and general. There's no need to invent closeness.
- "Thank you for letting us share your day. Wishing you a long and happy marriage."
- "Congratulations to you both, and best wishes for the years ahead."
Nikah and Shaadi wishes
For Muslim weddings, a dua is a natural and meaningful thing to include. The traditional prayer for newlyweds asks that Allah blesses the couple and brings them together in goodness.
- "Nikah Mubarak! May Allah fill your marriage with barakah, patience and endless love."
- "Barakallahu laka wa baraka 'alaika wa jama'a bainakuma fi khair." This is the dua traditionally said to the groom: "May Allah bless you, shower His blessings upon you, and bring you together in goodness." Many people adapt it to address both of them.
- "Shaadi Mubarak! May your home always be a place of peace and kindness."
If you're giving money or a gift
It's fine to mention it lightly ("A little something towards the honeymoon") but don't make it the focus of the message, and never mention the amount.
How to sign off
- Close friends and family: "With all my love", "Love always"
- Colleagues and acquaintances: "Warmest wishes", "With best wishes"
- Couples signing together: put both names, so they know who to thank later.
What to avoid
- Jokes about divorce, being "trapped" or "the end of freedom".
- Mentioning exes, even as a joke.
- Advice nobody asked for. Unless they asked, save "the secret to a happy marriage" for the toast, and keep it short.
If you can't be at the wedding, or want to send your wishes with photos of the couple, our wedding card maker lets you add pictures and your own message and send it as a link.