Casual Wedding Wishes
If formal is not your style, casual wedding wishes are the way to go. It is best to do what makes you the most comfortable. Crafting a casual wedding message is perfectly acceptable no matter who is receiving the card. Be sure to keep your message short, sweet, and heartfelt.
Be positive and offer a wish for the couple as they embark on this next phase of life.
Examples:
• Congratulations!
• Best wishes!
• Congratulations to the happy couple!
• We’re/I’m so happy for you!
• Wishing you endless love and happiness.
• Here’s to a happy marriage!
• Congratulations on your wedding!
• Best wishes for an exciting future together.
• We/I love you! Congratulations!
• Hugs and kisses!
• Wishing you a lifetime of joy together.
• Lots of love today and always!
Formal Wedding Wishes
Whether you are attending a black tie affair or you just want to write something that is classy and romantic, a formal message is the perfect choice. This is also a great route if you are looking to be more traditional. Here are a few examples of formal wedding wishes that any couple will love.
Examples:
• May the years ahead be filled with everlasting joy.
• Best wishes on this beautiful journey as you build your lives and your love together.
• Thank you for allowing us/me to share in this wondrous day. We/I wish you all the best as you embark on your life together.
• May the love you share grow stronger as you grow old together.
• May today be the start of a long and happy life together.
• Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow.
• Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.
Humorous Wedding Wishes
If you have a light and fun relationship with the couple, feel free to write them a message you think will make them laugh. A good rule of thumb when writing a humorous message is to avoid writing anything sarcastic or snarky. Those tend to be taken the wrong way when written down.
Also steer clear of anything that could be seen as insulting or offensive. There is a fine line between what you consider funny and what someone else considers rude. Be careful when going for a chuckle!
Examples:
• Glad we/I got to break out our/my best dance moves for your big day. Congrats to an amazing couple!
• Thanks for inviting us/me to eat and drink while you two get married. Congrats to you both!
• Thanks for the free booze! Wishing you a lifetime of endless love and laughter.
• You two make almost as good of a team as the [insert your/their favorite sports team's name or the names of another iconic duo here].
• Congratulations and thank you for making me sob uncontrollably!
• If you can’t come up with anything on your own, feel free to grab a funny pre-written card and add "Love, us/me."
Religious Wedding Wishes
If the couple is religious, it might be best to opt for a religious message in their wedding card. This type of message can mention religious deities, your prayers for their future together, or quoting scripture.
If the couple is not too religious or are not actively worshipping, maybe tone down the religious elements or forego them all together. If you are unsure of what to write, opt for a more general religious message.
Examples:
• May your marriage be blessed!
• Wishing you a marriage as strong as your faith.
• Sending you prayers for a lifetime of love and happiness.
• Love is a blessing unlike any other.
• Cherish the love you have been blessed with.
Depending on the couple’s religion, you can also write a more specific religious message tailored to them and their beliefs.
Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter or Son
If your child is getting married, it is likely a huge deal. As their parent, you are likely feeling a wide range of emotions that are difficult to put into words. The most important thing is to ensure that you wish your child and their soon to be spouse well.
From there, you can add more personal touches to the card that truly express how you feel to see your child getting married. If you are happily married, feel free to add in a sprinkle of personal marriage advice.
Examples:
• We are/I am so happy to welcome a new son/daughter into the family.
• Today we add one more member to our family, and we couldn’t be happier. Best wishes to you both, and may your love grow stronger each day.
• May your love be boundless and your happiness be everlasting. Wishing you a most joyous day.
• My/our deepest love and very best wishes to you both.
• Son/daughter, I/we love you so much. I'm/we're so happy you've found someone wonderful to share your life with. Congratulations to you both.
Wedding Wishes for Your Sibling
If you have a good relationship with your sibling, the note you write to them on their wedding day is one that should be personal, meaningful, and shows how close you two are. It is likely that you know them better than anybody else so why not highlight that connection in your letter?
Recall some of your favorite moments or let them know how much they have impacted your life. Be sure to wish them and their new spouse a happy life together.
Examples:
• I always wanted a brother/sister and now I have one. Congratulations to you both.
• Best wishes to my best friend and sister/brother and new brother/sister as you start your life together. May your days be filled with endless love and laughter.
• I am so thankful to have a brother/sister as amazing as you. I wish you and your new wife/husband a lifetime of joy.
• Today I gain a new sibling and I couldn’t be more excited! I love you both.
• Lots of love and happiness to the best sister/brother in the whole world and her/his new partner for life. I can’t wait to watch you grow together.
Wedding Wishes for Your Friend
When it comes to writing a wedding card for your friend, you can either go with a classic option like the formal or casual examples listed above or you can opt for a more personalized sentiment. Whatever you decide, be sure to consider the type of relationship you have with this friend and allow that to influence your message.
Examples:
• I am so lucky to call you both my friends. Congratulations!
• Best wishes to you both as you embark on this new journey together. We/I love you!
• Of all of the big life events we have celebrated over the years, today is at the top of the list. Congratulations on finding your forever!
• Best wishes for a long, happy life together!
• Here’s to endless love and an amazing friendship!
• Congratulations to my incredible friend and his/her new wife/husband!
Wedding Wishes for Your Parent and Stepparent
No matter how you feel about your mother or father getting married or remarried, it is understandable that finding the right words to say to them and their new spouse might be difficult.
If you are unsure of what to say, keep things short and simple. Do not write anything you do not mean. Be kind and wish them a happy and healthy future together. Just try to write what feels most natural to you.
Examples:
• Mom/Dad, I'm so happy you found someone to share your life with. Congratulations.
• Welcome to the family. I/we love you both so much!
• To the best mom/dad I could ever ask for, and her/his new husband/wife: I wish you nothing but endless love and happiness. Congratulations!
• It makes me happy to see you so happy. Best wishes to you both.
• Mom/Dad, we/I love you. [Stepparent name], we/I open our arms and hearts to welcome you to the family. Congratulations.
Wedding Card Etiquette
While there are no set rules about what to write in a wedding card, there are a few things you should keep in mind when crafting your message to the couple. Here are some tips to help ensure that your message is perfect and will be well received.
Address It To The Couple
All wedding cards will be read by both partners and not just the person you are closest to. It is important that you congratulate both of them on their union. Their wedding is about the both of them together so it is important to address them together.
Plan What You Are Going to Write Before You Write It
Coming up with what to write is quite difficult, and you may end up wanting to change things while you are writing. This is one of the many reasons why it is beneficial to write out exactly what you want to say on a separate sheet of paper before putting it on the card.
If you mess up or want to change something, you can do so without having to get an entirely new card. Writing your message out beforehand will help you to avoid any errors when eventually writing it in the card.
Spell Their Names Right
Their names are the first thing they read on the card so it is critical that you spell both of their names correctly. Not only is it awkward, but it can come off as a bit insulting if one or both of their names are spelled wrong.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, use the space you have on your card to offer your congratulations to the happy couple. Make sure that whatever you write sparks joy and reminds the couple that they mean a lot to you.
Mazel Tov
• English Version: Mazel Tov!
• Hebrew Version: "!מזל טוב"
"Mazel Tov" is the Hebrew version of "congratulations" (although the literal translation is "good luck"). It is by far the most common blessing in Jewish weddings. You’ll hear it, say it and use it everywhere…
• Guests congratulate the couple and their family with "Mazel Tov" as they enter the Kabbalat Panim (the reception area).
• You’ll likely write "Mazel Tov" at least once in your wedding card
• When the groom breaks the glass after the seven blessings, the crowd cheers "Mazel Tov".
When in doubt, say Mazel Tov!
May today’s joy continue to fill your life forever!
• English Version: May today’s joy continue to fill your life forever!
• Hebrew Version: שהאושר ימשיך למלא את חייכם לעד
Mazel Tov on your wedding day
• English Version: Mazel Tov on your wedding day
• Hebrew Version: מזל טוב לרגל חתונתכם
May you build a loyal home in Israel
• English Version: May you build a loyal home in Israel
• Hebrew Version: שתזכו להקים בית נאמן בישראל
May you build a Kosher and loving home
• English Version: May you build a Kosher and loving home
• Hebrew Version: שתזכו להקים בית כשר ואוהב
Bracha & Hatslacha!
• English Version: Bracha & Hatslacha! (Hebrew for "blessing and success".)
• Hebrew Version: !ברכה והצלחה
L’Chaim!
• English Version: L’Chaim! (Hebrew for "To life")
• Hebrew Version: !לחיים
L’Chaim is chanted after every toast. And my oh my, are there plenty of toasts in Jewish weddings.
Jews are particularly fond of wine (don’t worry, we don’t discriminate against the other members of the alcohol family).
It is considered a Mitzvah (a commandment from the Torah) to bring joy to the bride and groom. And last time I "checked", wine is a wonderful way to bring joy to the bride and groom (just don’t do anything foolish, yes?).
To quote King David:
Tip: If you’re the one giving the toast, just remember to conclude the blessing with "L’Chaim" (now’s the time to start practicing your "Cchh").
L’Chaim Tovim U’le Shalom
• English Version: L’Chaim Tovim U’le Shalom (Hebrew for "Good life and peace")
• Hebrew Version: לחיים טובים ולשלום
May you fulfill all your dreams together!
• English Version: May you fulfill all your dreams together!
• Hebrew Version: !שתגשימו יחד את כל החלומות
Bracha, Parnasa & Hatzlacha
• English Version: Bracha, Parnasa & Hatzlacha (Hebrew for "blessing, wealth and success")
• Hebrew Version: ברכה, פרנסה, והצלחה
Wishing you lots of Nachat/Naches
• English Version: Wishing you lots of Nachat/Naches
• Hebrew Version: מאחלת לכם הרבה נחת
May God grant you all your wishes!
• English Version: May God grant you all your wishes!
• Hebrew Version: שה’ ימלא כל משאלות לבכם
May your lives be filled with love, joy, and laughter, BH
• English Version: May your lives be filled with love, joy, and laughter, BH
• Hebrew Version: !'שחייכם יהיו מלאים באהבה, שמחה, וצחוק, בעזרת ה
May you be blessed, always!
• English Version: May you be blessed, always!
• Hebrew Version: !תבורכו תמיד
May your marriage be blessed with a lifetime of love and happiness
• English Version: May your marriage be blessed with a lifetime of love and happiness
• Hebrew Version: מאחלת לכם נישואין מלאים באהבה ושמחה
May God fill your home with love and happiness
• English Version: May God fill your home with love and happiness
• Hebrew Version: שה’ ימלא את ביתכם באושר ואהבה
May God bless you and shine a bright light in your home
• English Version: May God bless you and shine a bright light in your home
• Hebrew Version: שה’ יברך אתכם וישרה אור בביתכם
May God bless you with a lifetime of love, peace, and joy
• English Version: May God bless you with a lifetime of love, peace, and joy
• Hebrew Version: שה’ יברך אתכם בחיים מלאים באהבה, שלווה ושמחה
Here’s to a long and happy marriage, L’Chaim!
• English Version: Here’s to a long and happy marriage, L’Chaim!
• Hebrew Version: !לחיי נישואין ארוכים ושמחים, לחיים
Jewish Wedding Quotes & Sayings
The Jewish tradition is full of beautiful quotes, sayings, and phrases about marriage and love. I could easily fill an entire book just with quotes (maybe one day)…
"I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine."
• English Version: "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." – Song of Songs 6:3
• Hebrew Version: "אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי"
King Solomon’s famous verse from Song of Songs is by far the most common quote in Jewish weddings. You’ll see it featured anywhere from Jewish wedding invitations, modern Ketubahs, and of course – on Jewish wedding cards.
"I have found the one whom my soul loves"
• English Version: "I have found the one whom my soul loves" – Song of Songs 3:4
• Hebrew Version: "מָּצָ֔אתִי אֵ֥ת שֶׁאָהֲבָ֖ה נַפְשִׁ֑י"
"Kol Sasson V’Kol Simcha, Kol Chatan V’Kol Kala"
• English Version: "Kol Sasson V’Kol Simcha, Kol Chatan V’Kol Kala"
• Hebrew Version: “קוֹל שָׂשׂוֹן וְקוֹל שִׂמְחָה קוֹל חָתָן וְקוֹל כַּלָּה"
This blessing is recited (and chanted) at the seven blessings ceremony. The blessing is concluded with the groom breaking the glass, which marks the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony, and the beginning of the wedding reception.
"He who is mightier than all; He who is blessed above all; He who is greater than all; He who is distinguished beyond all; He should bless the groom and the bride."
• English Version: "He who is mightier than all; He who is blessed above all; He who is greater than all; He who is distinguished beyond all; He should bless the groom and the bride." – Mi Adir
• Hebrew Version: “מי אדיר על הכל, מי ברוך על הכל, מי גדול על הכל, מי דגול על הכל, הוא יברך את החתן ואת הכלה”
This quote comes from the "Mi Adir", a song commonly chanted in Ashkenazi weddings.
"He Who understands the speech of the rose of thorns, the affection of lovers, the joy of the beloved, may He bless the bridegroom and the bride.”
• English Version: "He Who understands the speech of the rose of thorns, the affection of lovers, the joy of the beloved, may He bless the bridegroom and the bride." – Mi Adir
• Hebrew Version: “מי בָן שיח שושן חוחים, אהבת כלה משוש דודים, הוא יברך את החתן ואת הכלה”.
"A husband and wife are one soul, separated only through their descent to this world. When they are married, they are reunited again"
• English Version: "A husband and wife are one soul, separated only through their descent to this world. When they are married, they are reunited again" – Zohar
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife and they shall become one flesh."
• English Version: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and cling to his wife and they shall become one flesh." – Genesis 2:24
• Hebrew Version: "עַל-כֵּן, יַעֲזָב-אִישׁ, אֶת-אָבִיו, וְאֶת-אִמּוֹ; וְדָבַק בְּאִשְׁתּוֹ, וְהָיוּ לְבָשָׂר אֶחָד"
This quote describes the connection formed between Adam and Eve, another great symbol of two souls uniting into one.
Enjoy life with the woman you love"
• English Version: "Enjoy life with the woman you love" – King Solomon, Ecclesiastes 9:9
• Hebrew Version: "רְאֵה חַיִּים עִם-אִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר-אָהַבְתָּ"
As you can see, King Solomon has lots to say about love and marriage. This quote is another classic.
"A person should always be careful about the honor of his wife, for blessing is found in a person’s home only due to his wife"
• English Version: "A person should always be careful about the honor of his wife, for blessing is found in a person’s home only due to his wife" – Talmud, Bava Metzia 59a 1
• Hebrew Version: לעולם יהא אדם זהיר בכבוד אשתו שאין ברכה מצויה בתוך ביתו של אדם אלא בשביל אשתו” – תלמוד, בבא מציעא נט’ א
The Talmud is full of quotes stressing the importance of loving, caring, and respecting your spouse.
"A person should always eat and drink less than what is within his means, and he should dress and cover himself in accordance with his means, and he should honor his wife and children more than what is within his means; as they are dependent on him and he is dependent on the One Who spoke and the world was created."
• English Version: "A person should always eat and drink less than what is within his means, and he should dress and cover himself in accordance with his means, and he should honor his wife and children more than what is within his means; as they are dependent on him and he is dependent on the One Who spoke and the world was created." – Talmud Chullin 84b
• Hebrew Version: "לעולם יאכל אדם וישתה פחות ממה שיש לו וילבש ויתכסה במה שיש לו ויכבד אשתו ובניו יותר ממה שיש לו שהן תלויין בו והוא תלוי במי שאמר והיה העולם"
Another great quote from the Talmud. Plus, it gives us another great reminder to stay off the snacks :).
Popular Wedding Wishes
Just because it’s a Jewish wedding doesn’t mean you have to stick to Jewish blessings. What works in other weddings works just as well in Jewish weddings (unless it’s a blessing that involves another religion, of course).
In fact, I strongly recommend combining the best of both worlds! That way, you can knock it out of the park with a blessing that is truly one of a kind!
Here are some of the most popular wedding wishes and blessings…
• May you accomplish all your dreams together!
• May the years ahead be filled with lasting joy!
• Today you begin a new chapter in your life.
• Wishing you joy, love, and happiness on your wedding day
• Wishing you a fun, exciting, and peaceful life as you embark on your journey together.
• May you fulfill all your dreams together!
• May your love grow stronger and stronger every year
• May today mark the beginning of a long, happy, and fulfilling life
• May today’s joy continue to fill your life forever!
• We’re so excited to celebrate this wonderful day with you as your guest
• I wish you two a lifetime of joy, success, and fulfillment together as a happy couple
• Hugs and kisses
• Best wishes
Funny Wedding Wishes
Are you good friends with the couple? Are you known for your witty jokes? Are you willing to go above and beyond to put a smile on people’s faces?
Well, you better be… because the following wishes can either make you:
• Stand out from the crowd
• Stand outside in the rain
Warning: Some married couples will find these wishes hilarious; others will find them obnoxious. Before you put these wishes on your wedding card – make sure you have a close relationship with the couple, and that they can take a joke. In other words: Know your audience (and don’t come crying to me if your blessing backfires!).
• Who needs Netflix, when you’ve got Comedy, Drama, Action, and Thriller all in one marriage?
• Listen to Me… Listen to Her!
• So excited to get wasted on your wedding day!
• Thanks for all the free snacks!
• Congratulations on your transition from "madly in love" to "just mad".
• Did you hear that the divorce rate was 50%? So, heads or tails?
• From now on, guys night out = "Honey, take out the trash"
• It’s been nice knowing you…
• Congratulations, you’re married! (My condolences)
• Wishing you a long life together, Romeo and Juliet!
Jewish Wedding Card Message Examples
OK, you found a bunch of great Jewish wedding blessings and greetings… now what? How do we translate that into a beautifully-written wedding card?
In this section, I’ll give you a bunch of wedding card examples and templates you can use as inspiration.
Important: You’re welcome to copy, borrow, or steal any of these blessings. But don’t be lazy and copy it word for word. Customize it a bit, change it to match your tone, sprinkle some of your unique fairy dust…
You don’t want the bride and groom to find out you "cheated", now do you?
The Traditional Blessing
"I have found the one whom my soul loves" – Song of Songs 3:4
Mazel Tov on your wedding!
May today’s joy continue to fill your life forever!
May God bless you with love, joy, and laughter, BH. May your love grow stronger and stronger every year!
I wish you Bracha, Parnasa & Hatslacha together.
May you build a Kosher and loving home.
Wishing you a long and happy marriage.
L’Chaim!
The Hebrew Blessing
"מָּצָ֔אתִי אֵ֥ת שֶׁאָהֲבָ֖ה נַפְשִׁ֑י"
!מזל טוב לרגל חתונתכם
שהאושר ימשיך למלא את חייכם לעד.
!שה’ ימלא את ביתכם באושר ואהבה. שאהבה שלכם תגדל כל שנה, אמן
ברכה, פרנסה, והצלחה בכל אשר תעשו.
שתזכו להקים בית כשר ונאמן בישראל, בעזרת ה'.
!לחיי נישואין ארוכים ושמחים… לחיים
The Funny Blessing
Congratulations on your wedding day! (dude, my condolences)
Oh, and you probably don’t need Netflix anymore… Now that you’ve got Comedy, Drama, Action, and Thriller in your own marriage.
Anyway, congratulations on your transition from "madly in love" to "just mad".
It’s been nice knowing you… From now on, guys night out = you taking out the trash.
Mazel Tov!
Conclusion
Congratulations! With these Jewish wedding wishes in your toolkit, you’re now ready to unleash the most beautiful stream of blessings ever known to mankind!
Whether you’re looking to congratulate the bride and groom with a thoughtful blessing, give a funny toast at the wedding ceremony, or write a personal Jewish wedding card.
Notice how I highlighted the "personal" part?
That’s because no matter how many blessings I present to you, nothing beats a warm, heartfelt blessing that comes from you.
A Jewish wedding card with a bunch of copied & pasted blessings will only get you so far. If you want to give your card that extra "oomph", inject some of that special personality of yours into the blessing.
Besides, you know the bride and groom much better than I do (I wasn’t even invited! 😡)
Remember:
So steal away (but don’t copy!).
Mazel Tov 🙂