According to the Wedding Report, over 2.4 million people were wed in 2022 in the United States. That’s a lot of love, a lot of cake, and a lot of wedding wishes.
But weddings are more than just cake and flowers; they’re crazy, beautiful adventures, and our wishes should reflect that, right? We certainly think so.
Picture this: We’re not just aiming for a ‘congrats’ here; far from it. We’re ditching tired clichés and crafting well-wishes that resonate with the true love, shared laughter, and unique quirks that make the happy couple, well, them.
A little tip right up front: If you want to make your wishes special, be sure to allow enough time. Personally, I know that every time I sit down to write out a wedding card, it takes me at least ten minutes to decide what I want to say. So, be proactive, and maybe don’t wait until you’re walking out the door to the ceremony.
Now — that being said — you don’t have to write a novel in their card. But you do want it to be heartfelt, however long or short.
Whether you plan on channeling your inner poet, comedian, or philosopher, your job is finding the right words to capture the essence of their new journey together. And, of course, to help them celebrate the lifetime of love which lies ahead.
So, grab a comfy seat and a cup of your favorite brew, and let’s cook up some wedding wishes that are as special and one-of-a-kind as the love story we’re toasting to. Ready for a ride through the heartfelt, the humorous, and the offbeat? Just sit tight; we’ve got all your bases covered.
JUMP TO:
What to Write in a Wedding Card
Short Wedding Wishes
Wedding Day Congratulations
Wedding Wishes for a Friend
Best Wishes for Wedding Couples
Wedding Wishes for Sister
Wedding Wishes for Brother
Wedding Wishes for a Colleague
Funny Wedding Wishes
Wishes for Marriage Blessing
Wedding Wishes Images & Captions to Share
What to Write in a Wedding Card?
So what is a good message for a wedding card? Something simple and sweet, but ever so heartfelt is a great start! Whether you’re close friends and have known the couple for years, or only just met through your third cousin twice removed, tailor your handwritten message accordingly.
For some expert insight on this topic, we asked Abhi Madan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of wedding and special occasion design house Amarra:
“Writing in a card involves [more] thought. Start with their names and a warm congratulations. Express your happiness for them and, most importantly, base it on your relationship with them, such as ‘Your love inspires me’ or ‘I am thrilled to witness your journey.’ An absolute ‘no’ would be speculating about future potential issues, like ‘hope you survive the in-laws.’
If you can’t attend the wedding, it’s essential to reassure the couple that your thoughts are with them: ‘Though I can’t be there physically, my heart celebrates this beautiful journey with you.’ Always sign off warmly. Remember, the goal is to provide comfort and joy.”
As you craft your sentiments, here’s a basic outline that you can personalize:
- Address the couple by their names (not just the one you know)
- Offer heartfelt congratulations
- Add a personal touch:
- Advice or words of wisdom
- Hopes for their new life together
- Blessings
- Scripture verses or other quotations
- Special memories or stories
- A description of your “I’m happy for you” emotions
- Don’t forget to sign!
Best Wedding Wishes
Toast to joyous beginnings, laughter-filled days, and a lifetime of shared adventures with these carefully curated wishes.
Whether you’re seeking heartfelt warmth, a touch of humor, or poetic elegance, our collection has the perfect sentiment for every couple’s special day.
Short Wedding Wishes
Want to keep it short and sweet? You got it. Below we have the best ways to do so.
1. May your love burn brightly forever!
2. Happiest of days to the sweetest of couples.
3. We love married life and know you will, too!
4. We’re raising a glass to you two!
5. Here’s to a lifetime of wedded bliss.
6. May your years be blessed.
7. Warmest wishes to you both on this special occasion.
8. Thank you for letting us be a part of your big day.
9. Hugs and kisses from us to you!
10. Life is better with someone by your side.
11. Tons of love for you today and always.
12. Love looks really great on the two of you.
13. It is a privilege to be part of your special day — congratulations!
14. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.
15. First comes love, then comes marriage.
16. Happy day, my loves!
17. Congratulations on this new chapter of your story.
18. You make love look easy!
19. Congrats to the most perfect match!
20. What a day! Thanks for letting me share it with you.
Wedding Day Congratulations
For day-of “congrats” either verbal or in writing, we love these wedding messages.
21. Today is the beginning of forever. Happy wedding day!
22. I couldn’t dream up a lovelier day — congrats to my favorite pair of lovebirds!
23. Congratulations…on making me tear up! “Hear, hear” to the cutest couple in the world.
24. It’s your big day — congratulations and many well wishes!
25. Best wishes on such a beautiful union.
26. May the two of you continue to love unconditionally.Congratulations!
27. You did it! Congratulations, compliments, felicitations, and many happy returns!
28. Your smiles are so bright today that they light up the whole room.
29. Months of planning resulted in a splendid day — xoxo!
30. Congratulations, to the new Mr. and Mrs! A lifetime of joy to you both!
31. You may kiss the bride! Congratulations and enjoy.
32. You two crazy cats did it! Wishing a happy life to you both.
33. The love you two share is evident to all. And now? Time to celebrate!
34. What a memory you two have made today — congratulations!
35. The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here. Congratulations!
36. Congratulations on this milestone in your adventure together!
37. You two are cutest when you’re side by side. Congrats!
38. You did it, you did it, you did it! I’m so happy for you both. You’ve each picked out a winner.
39. Together, may you experience beyond your imagination.
40. I couldn’t have done it better myself — way to go and happy wedding day!
Wedding Wishes for a Friend
It’s totally okay to include a line to your close friend but remember that this is part of the overall wedding message to both them and their new spouse.
Here are some ideas on what to say to your dear friend on their special day.
41. If I have to share you, I’m glad it’s with your new husband/wife! I guess. But you’re still my best friend.
42. Congratulations! Love, your favorite third wheel.
43. I’m so proud of the man/woman you’ve become! And husband/wife, you are luckier than you know.
44. Thanks for inviting me to the best party ever! Oops, I meant your wedding. Congratulations!
45. I’ve been waiting for this day for forever! I’m rejoicing for the two of you that this day has finally arrived. You both have all my love.
46. Can’t wait to toast to you every anniversary for many years to come!
47. I couldn’t be prouder if I married you myself.
48. Congratulations and good luck to you both! I’m not crying, you’re crying!
49. So happy to have been a part of this monumental day!
50. Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness to the bestest of friends.
Best Wishes for Wedding Couples
Let the newly married couple know just how much you love them, are inspired by them, and are, of course, rooting for them.
51. You did it! I’m so inspired that I might just try this marriage thing myself.
52. Can’t wait to see where life takes you both!
53. You two make the most pulchritudinous couple! (Look it up…)
54. I just have one thing to say: finally!
55. Congratulations to the most lovely couple, and best wishes for your years together.
56. I’m so excited to see where this adventure takes you!
57. Giddy with happiness for the both of you!
58. Congratulations and best wishes to a very inspiring and much-loved couple!
59. I never thought soulmates were a thing until I saw you together. What a great way to prove true love exists!
60. You two go together like peanut butter and chocolate!
Here are 100+ more “go together like…” quotes to further inspire your wedding wishes.
Lovely Love Fact:
The longest marriage, according to the Guinness World Records, lasted 86 years and 290 days. Zelmyra and Herbert Fisher were married in 1924 when they were 16 and 18 respectively.
DailyCitizen
Wedding Wishes for Sister
Sisters are so special, and if you want to give her a separate note of congrats on her new spouse and warmest wishes (or a decent dose of teasing), we love these messages.
61. If I have to share you with someone, I will begrudgingly take him/her.
62. Congratulations! Too bad sleepovers are gonna be awkward now, though.
63. It’s your day, Sister! I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve become.
64. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
65. We’ve been planning this day for decades — I’m so happy to see it come true!
66. You got yourself a good one, Sis!
67. I’m not one to be all mushy romantic, but OMG LOVE IS THE BEST!
68. To the sister who has always wanted the best for me — you deserve so much joy and love! Today especially.
69. You’re the most beautiful bride that I’ve ever seen. May you continue to glow throughout your married life!
70. I’ve never been more proud (or cried harder)! Congratulations, Sis!
Wedding Wishes for Brother
Brothers are one-of-a-kind, are they not? Some are serious and protective, others are total goofballs. Others still are a great mix of the two!
Here are some one-of-a-kind wishes for your Bro on his big day.
71. Hey, who knew you cleaned up so well? Congratulations!
72. What a beautiful celebration! So proud to call you my brother, and wishing you all the best.
73. Woah, who is that resplendent and stunningly good-looking man standing at the altar? IT’S MY BROTHER, THAT’S WHO!
74. Congratulations to the handsome groom, from the far more handsome brother.
75. Way to go, bro! I guess you had some rizz, after all. Thanks for the new family member!
76. You’re so much less embarrassing to be seen with now that you have a gorgeous wife.
77. I’m proud of the man you’ve become, Brother! I know you’ll take good care of her.
78. She got herself a good man. Congratulations!
79. Best wishes for many years of wedded bliss to come, Bro!
80. I remember when we were small — now look at you! Standing at the altar and everything!
Wedding Wishes for a Colleague
The day has come and that work bestie is finally tying the knot! If you want to congratulate them well, we suggest wedding wishes somewhere along these lines.
81. Lots of love and warm wishes to a man/woman I admire so much!
82. It’s been inspiring and wonderful to be a small part of your love story.
83. Congratulations! You will be at the office tomorrow, right?
84. Best wishes to a lovely couple! This is a day you’ll always remember, so soak in every moment!
85. What a wonderful day! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer couple.
86. Congratulations, you two sweet things!
87. What a perfect ceremony — thank you for letting me be part of your special day.
88. I am looking forward to witnessing your marriage and the joy that comes from it!
89. I love a good reason to have cake, so thanks for falling in love!
90. Best wishes to my favorite coworker ever.
Neat Nuptial Nugget:
The largest wedding on record was that of V.N. Sudhakaran and N. Sathyalakshmi whose reception hosted 150,000 people in India in 1995.
https://www.prestigeonline.com
Funny Wedding Wishes
If you’d rather make them laugh than cry, we love these witty one-liners and hilarious messages.
91. Still can’t believe she said yes.
92. You make love look…well, kinda gross actually. Y’all are so adorable it’s a little nauseating. I’d better go drink some more of your wine to settle my stomach.
93. Ewwwww, romance. Well, if it works for you two…
94. Marriage is basically just yelling “WHAT?” from different rooms of the house until one of you dies. Have fun, you two!
95. I’m so happy that you two found each other. You know, instead of other things like drugs or booze.
96. What an emotional day! Even the cake is in tiers.
97. Looks like the King of Hearts has married his Queen of Hearts. You’re perfectly suited for each other!
98. “To keep your marriage brimming with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.” — Ogden Nash
99. I’m just here for the cake.
Wishes for Marriage Blessing
Weddings call for blessings, and it’s an age-old tradition to do so. These blessings double as the perfect wedding wishes.
100.”May the meaning of this hour be fulfilled through the days and years to come. May the love of this man and this woman, their unity of spirit, grow deeper and stronger in the uncertainties and changes of life they will share. Loving each other, may they love all persons. Trusting each other, may they learn to trust life.” — Traditional Irish Wedding Blessing
101. May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace…as long as you both shall live!
Wedding Wishes Images & Captions to Share
Wedding Card Etiquette
Bring the card to the wedding. It’s a faux pas for sure to show up to a wedding without a gift. If your card is the gift, be sure to include a check (not cash, since a check can be traced but if cash gets stolen, that’s it) and place it in the designated location for cards.
If you can’t attend the wedding, mail a card. You can do this anytime after receiving the invitation up to a month after the big day. Don’t focus on why you can’t attend, just congratulate the happy couple and wish them well!
Address the wedding card to both people. Don’t make the mistake of only addressing your card to the one person you know. Be sure to say “Jim and Pam” or “To the newlyweds.”
Write a personal note. Don’t just ink in your name after the pre-printed message! Add your own wedding wishes to make it meaningful. Keep it short, but from the heart. See above!
Use humor sparingly. Especially the jaded, caustic brand of “ball and chain” jesting. Avoid divorce jokes completely. This is a happy day to celebrate the beauty of the couple’s relationship and great hopes for their future.
Express congratulations. That’s the main point! You could also include any combination of words of wisdom, hopes for their future together, blessings, Scripture verses, romantic quotes, memories, descriptions of your joyful feelings, and more. But the main thing is to wish them well and congratulate them.
Sign your name. Make it legible enough to read!
Read Next: 50 Best Wedding Gift Ideas
