Big news. Real words.

Wedding congratulations, in your own words.

You're happy for them. Now for the words. Find a message for before the wedding, the day itself, or the moment you hear the news.

Find your moment

A simple place to start

Congratulations to you both. So happy to celebrate this moment with you, and wishing you plenty of good days together.

A warm starting point for a card or a personal message. Add their names if you like.

A few honest words can do plenty.

01 / Before the wedding

The good news is out.

They've told you they're getting married. Celebrate what's ahead, and save the wedding-day wording for the day itself.

A quick reply

What lovely news. Congratulations to you both! Wishing you a wedding day that feels completely your own.

For a text when they share their plans.

For someone close

You're getting married! I'm so happy for you both. Sending lots of love as you get ready for the day.

Warm and excited, with no promise that you'll attend.

A little more formal

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Wishing you both a joyful celebration and much happiness in your marriage.

For a colleague or someone you don't know closely.

A small wording checkYou can be happy for them without assuming you're invited. Mention celebrating together only if you know you will.

02 / On the wedding day

Today is their day.

Acknowledge the moment, include both people, and add a wish for the days ahead. You don't need to fit a whole friendship into one message.

For the wedding card

Congratulations on your wedding. I hope today gives you wonderful memories, and that the everyday moments ahead give you just as much to smile about.

A complete note with room to add a personal sentence.

To say in person

Congratulations, you two! It's lovely to be here with you. I'm so happy I get to celebrate this day with you both.

Use this when you're there to share the celebration.

When you're celebrating from afar

Thinking of you both on your wedding day. Congratulations! Sending so much love and wishing you a day full of people and moments you love.

For a message when you can't be there.

A small wording checkWriting from afar? Say you're thinking of them. Keep the focus on their celebration rather than a long explanation of your absence.

03 / After the wedding

Just heard? Start here.

Use wording that celebrates their marriage now. If you only just found out, say so simply. You don't need to explain a celebration you weren't part of.

You've just heard the news

I've just heard you got married. Congratulations to you both! What happy news to receive. Wishing you lots of good things in married life.

For news that reaches you after the celebration.

Replying to their announcement

Married! Congratulations to you both. So happy to see your news, and sending warm wishes for everything you have ahead of you.

For a reply to news the couple has shared themselves.

Your message is a little late

These congratulations are arriving a little late, but with so much warmth. Wishing you both a happy marriage and plenty of reasons to celebrate along the way.

Acknowledges the delay, then brings the focus back to them.

A small wording checkIf you haven't seen the photos or heard about the day, leave those details out. A warm wish doesn't need an invented memory.

From a good line to your line

Add something
only you could say.

The congratulations can be simple. It's the next sentence that makes the message feel like it came from you.

Help me write it

Try this in your own words

Congratulations to you both.

I've always appreciated how you [one thing you've genuinely noticed].

Wishing you plenty more of that in the years ahead.

Replace the brackets with a real detail. If nothing comes to mind, leave that sentence out.

Before you send it

A little reassurance.

Can I say congratulations to both people?

Yes. You can congratulate the couple together. A simple congratulations to you both is a warm starting point, even if you know one person better than the other.

What if I don't know whether the wedding has happened?

Keep the timing open. Try: Congratulations to you both. I'm so happy to hear your news and wish you every happiness together. Leave out words like today or upcoming until you know.

What can I say instead of congratulations?

Try I'm so happy for you both, What lovely news, or Sending you both so much love. Pick the words you'd actually say, then add a wish for their future if you want a longer message.

How do I congratulate them if I wasn't invited?

A short private note can simply celebrate their news. You don't need to mention the invitation. Try: So happy to hear you got married. Wishing you both a very happy life together.

Keep the words coming

Browse wedding wishes

Explore more messages by tone and relationship.

Keep it short

Find a complete thought for a small space.

Write to a best friend

Make room for your shared history and both partners.