Engagement Wishes: What to Write in an Engagement Card

Struggling to find the perfect words for an engagement card? Discover heartfelt, funny, and thoughtful wishes for every couple and relationship.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Engagement Wishes: What to Write in an Engagement Congratulations Message

Staring at a blank engagement card, searching for the right words to congratulate a newly engaged couple, can be daunting. A simple “Congratulations!” is always appreciated, but the perfect message should feel genuine and tailored to the couple receiving it. Whether you’re a family member, a close friend, or an acquaintance, this guide will help you compose engagement wishes that are memorable, personalized, and meaningful.

In This Article:

How to Write an Engagement Card

Writing an engagement card goes beyond simply jotting down a short note. Thoughtful engagement messages acknowledge the couple, celebrate their news, and often offer sincere wishes for the future. Consider the following structure for crafting your message:

  • Open with a greeting: Address the couple personally (use their names or a friendly salutation).
  • Offer congratulations: Express your happiness for their engagement.
  • Personalize your message: Add a note specific to your relationship or their personalities.
  • Share your best wishes: Conclude with hopes or blessings for their future together.
  • Sign with your name(s): End with a warm closing and your signature.

You can use traditional greeting cards, digital cards, or handwrite a note—any format works as long as it’s sincere.

Sample Engagement Card Structure

Dear [Names],
Congratulations on your engagement! Marriage is a beautiful journey, and we wish you all the joy and happiness as you begin this exciting new chapter together.
Best wishes,
[Your Name(s)]

Short Engagement Wishes

Sometimes brevity makes the biggest impact, especially if space is limited. Here are concise messages to express your joy:

  • Congratulations on your engagement!
  • Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.
  • Cheers to the future Mr. & Mrs.!
  • Engaged looks great on you both!
  • Here’s to a wonderful chapter together.
  • So excited for you—let the celebrations begin!
  • Congrats! Can’t wait for the wedding festivities.
  • You two make a perfect pair.
  • Happy engagement—enjoy every moment!
  • May your love story be as beautiful as your engagement.

Funny Engagement Wishes

If the couple has a good sense of humor, lighten the mood with a playful message. (Just make sure your joke matches their style!)

  • Congrats on getting one step closer to matching bathrobes!
  • Welcome to the ‘officially off the market’ club!
  • Now the real fun (and planning) begins—good luck!
  • Love is blind…but marriage is a real eye-opener. Congrats!
  • Bridezilla training starts now. Best wishes!
  • Remember, marriage is sharing everything—including the TV remote.
  • Congrats on finding someone who will put up with your quirks for life!
  • This is just your engagement—wait until the wedding planning starts!
  • You two are so cute, you make single life jealous. Congrats!
  • I hope your engagement is filled with more love than spreadsheets!

Engagement Wishes From Friends

As a friend, you can make your message more intimate by recalling shared experiences or expressing your excitement for their journey together.

  • It’s an honor to celebrate this chapter with you—congratulations on your engagement!
  • Watching your love blossom has been amazing. I’m so thrilled for you both!
  • So happy for my favorite couple. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter and adventures!
  • I knew you two were a perfect match from the start. Wishing you all the best as you plan your big day.
  • Love looks truly beautiful on both of you. Enjoy every moment!
  • Excited for all the memories to come—your wedding can’t get here soon enough!
  • Your engagement makes my heart so happy. Congratulations, friend!
  • May the love you share today grow even stronger in all the days to come.
  • Sending all my best to you both as your adventure unfolds.
  • Here’s to friendship, love, and the journey ahead!

Engagement Wishes From Parents

Parental engagement wishes should be tender, supportive, and filled with pride. Speak from the heart and highlight your joy for your child (and their future spouse).

  • We’re so proud of you and couldn’t be happier to welcome [Partner’s Name] into the family.
  • Watching you find your soulmate brings us endless joy. Congratulations on your engagement!
  • May your lives be filled with laughter, love, and harmony as you embark on marriage.
  • You make a beautiful couple, and we’re excited for all the happiness ahead.
  • Best wishes for a lifetime of special memories together.
  • Our hearts are full seeing you both so happy. Love always, Mom and Dad
  • We’re grateful you’ve found someone who appreciates and cherishes you. Congratulations!
  • To our amazing children—may your union be blessed with endless love and support.
  • This is only the beginning of the wonderful future you’ll share.
  • Wishing you every happiness as you plan your lives together.

Engagement Card Quotes

Quoting famous authors, proverbs, or even religious texts can add a special touch. Here are some ideas for incorporating meaningful quotes into your engagement card:

  • “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  • “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be.” — Robert Browning
  • “You don’t marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can’t live without.”
  • “Two souls with but a single thought, two hearts that beat as one.” — John Keats
  • “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” — Mark 10:9
  • “To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” — David Viscott
  • “Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created.” — Paul Newman

Tips and Examples for Writing the Perfect Engagement Card

Here are additional recommendations to ensure your engagement wishes hit all the right notes:

  • Match your message to your relationship: Close friends and family can be more personal, while acquaintances may opt for more formal congratulations.
  • Acknowledge both partners: Address both people by name, even if you know one better.
  • Share a memory: Recalling a specific moment can make your message more special.
  • Stay positive: Engagements are joyous—keep your message focused on well wishes and support.

Wording Example

Dear Alex and Jamie,
We’re absolutely overjoyed to learn about your engagement! Watching your love grow has been such a joy. Wishing you both all the happiness and adventure in your life together.
Love always,
The Carters

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Engagement Wishes

What do you say in an engagement card?

Start with a warm greeting, congratulate the couple, add a personal message, offer your best wishes for their future, and sign your name. Make the tone fit your relationship with the couple—close friends or family can be more personal, while acquaintances may keep it classic.

How do you write a unique engagement card message?

Tailor your message to the couple. Mention something special about their relationship, recall a funny or touching memory, or highlight why their union is inspiring to you. Personal touches make your card memorable.

Are short engagement wishes acceptable?

Absolutely. Short messages like “Congratulations!” or “Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together” are perfectly appropriate, especially if the card is small or if you don’t know the couple as well.

What if the couple is religious?

Consider including a blessing, a verse from a holy text, or a religious quote that aligns with their beliefs. This personalizes your card and shows you are thinking of what matters to them.

Should I reference the upcoming wedding in my message?

It’s a nice touch to acknowledge the excitement of the wedding planning ahead, but not required. Congratulating them on their engagement and offering general well wishes is most important.

Engagement Wishes Etiquette Tips

  • Send your engagement card as soon as possible after hearing the news.
  • No physical gift is required—your thoughtful words mean the most.
  • If you’re giving a gift, attach your card or hand it to the couple in person.
  • Don’t stress about finding the ‘perfect’ phrase—the sincerity of your message matters more than flawless wording.

Alternative Engagement Card Formats and Occasions

Engagement wishes aren’t limited to traditional greeting cards. Consider these options:

  • Homemade Cards: Add a creative or crafty touch.
  • Tags on Engagement Gifts: Short messages work well.
  • Digital Cards or Messages: E-cards, text messages, or emails share your congratulations instantly.
  • Social Media Posts: Share your joy with a wider group, if appropriate for the couple.

Conclusion

Writing an engagement card is a unique opportunity to share in a couple’s joy at the start of their lifelong adventure together. Whether you keep it short and sweet, inject some humor, or share a poignant memory, your well wishes are a cherished gift in themselves. Let your personality and relationship with the couple guide your words, and remember—your heartfelt message will be treasured for years to come.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to LifePortico,  crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete