What to Write in an Engagement Card: 80 Congratulations Messages

When a loved one gets engaged, it can be difficult to know what to write in an engagement card to convey your excitement and joy! After all, engagements mark a beautiful milestone and whether you want to offer warm congratulations, a romantic love quote or heartfelt advice, the right message will make the occasion even more memorable.

To help you find the perfect words, we’ve pulled together 80 original engagement greetings to spark some inspiration, along with some expert tips from author, therapist and Celebs Do Dating presenter Anna Williamson, founder of The Relationship Place.

So, whether you’re a proud parent, bestie, sibling or someone in between, we’ve got the perfect mix of heartfelt, funny and sweet engagement wishes to help you nail that engagement card and bring smiles to the happy couple’s faces.

Best Engagement Card Messages & How to Write An Engagement Card

In a recent Hitched poll*, nearly half of couples (47% to be exact) said that what's written in an engagement card is important to them – so, no pressure! When asked what type of message they prefer, 57% said they loved reading something heartfelt, while 30% were happy with a simple ‘congrats’, and 13% were all about the funny messages.

But worry not, by the time you’re done reading our engagement card wording ideas below, you’ll be brimming with inspiration! We’ve covered exactly what to write, how to write it and even shared some tips on what to avoid, so you can confidently craft the perfect engagement card message.

• Funny Engagement Card Messages
• Engagement Wishes from Parents
• Engagement Wishes from Siblings
• Engagement Wishes from Friends
• Short Engagement Messages
• Formal Engagement Wishes
• Traditional & Religious Engagement Wishes
• Engagement Quotes for Cards
• What to Write in an Engagement Card UK: FAQ

Funny Engagement Card Messages

There’s plenty of seriousness surrounding weddings, so depending on your relationship with the couple, it can sometimes be nice to add a touch of humour to your engagement congratulations.

But it can be hard to know what to write in an engagement card that’s funny! The most important thing is to not go on too long – keep it short, sweet and (of course) hilarious. Plus, if you choose to make a joke about the couple’s relationship or mention a funny anecdote about one of them, ensure you know it’ll land well. You don’t want to offend, after all!

Below are some of our favourite funny congratulations for engagement that will have the couple chuckling for sure…

• "I’m so happy that the two of you are engaged! Now for the fun part — the open bar! I mean, the wedding. I definitely meant the wedding."
• "Congratulations on finding that one person you get to officially annoy for the rest of your life."
• "Congratulations on that gorgeous ring... I mean, fiancé."
• "You're engaged! I'll drink to that... (but let's be honest, I'd drink to anything)."
• "Best of luck – you can never laugh at your partner’s choices again; you’re now one of them."
• "He/she said yes! Now keep quiet and try not to mess this up, okay?"
• "Warmest congratulations to you both. Enjoy this time wedding planning before all the bills arrive."
• "Congratulations, you're now officially off the market. Tinder is now a much better place."
• "I couldn’t be happier that you’ve managed to avoid becoming a crazy cat person."
• "I’m 90% happy for you and 10% jealous. But 100% up for an open bar!"
• "I guess you two are pretty serious then. Cool."
• "Engaged is a synonym for busy. Now you officially have an excuse to get out of every party you don’t want to go do, you jammy things."
• "Remember when we used to say we'd be single forever? Well, looks like someone beat us to the punch! Just kidding. I'm really happy for you. Let's celebrate!"

Engagement Wishes from Parents

So, what do parents write in an engagement card? It doesn’t matter how old you are, hearing that your parents are proud of you is one of the nicest things anyone can hear. So any kind of heartfelt engagement message that talk about how proud you are of the relationship your child and their partner have built will always go down well.

Don’t forget to ensure your engagement message includes their partner, too – a note welcoming them to the family is always a nice touch.

Ahead are some unique engagement card ideas that go beyond a simple ‘congratulations’…

• "We have always tried to set an example for you of what a marriage should look like. May you always have each other’s back and each other’s heart as you navigate a new life together."
• "We’re the luckiest parents in the world to have watched you grow into the beautiful person you are today, and now we’re so fortunate to welcome [insert name] into our family, too."
• "We've been waiting for this day since you were in nappies! No turning back now..."
• "I always knew this joyous moment would come, and I’m honoured to call you my son/daughter as you take this exciting new step to starting your own family."
• "Once of the proudest moments of a parent’s life is when they get to watch their little girl/boy walk down the aisle (the second proudest is when they ace their father/mother of the bride speech)."
• "May the love you share only grow stronger as you grow older."
• "Enjoy every moment of planning your wedding. This is just chapter one of the most exciting book."
• "We couldn’t be happier to welcome a new son/daughter into our family. I hope you warned them of what to expect!"
• "It makes us so happy to see how happy [insert name] makes you. It’s all we could ask for and we hope you stay this madly in love forever."
• "To our wonderful son/daughter and his/her new fiancé(e): may this relationship blossom into endless beautiful memories."
• "Congratulations on your engagement! We are so proud of the wonderful relationship you’ve both built together. It brings us so much joy to see you so happy and in love. Welcome to the family, [insert name]! We can’t wait to celebrate this exciting new chapter in your lives."

Engagement Wishes from Siblings

Writing an engagement card to your brother or sister is always going to feel like a huge moment. Referencing a funny memory is a nice idea, since sibling relationships tend to be more playful than most others in the family.

Don’t forget to reference your new sibling-in-law and give them some light-hearted words of ‘approval’ – or words of warning!

• "I’ve spent my whole life looking up to you, but you’ve never made a decision as wise as asking [insert name] to marry you. Well done."
• "This engagement stuff has worked out so well. You get a fiancé and I get a new brother/sister!"
• "I just can't believe my brother/sister is getting married. I couldn't be happier!"
• "I always knew we were a little weird and I’m so glad you found another weirdo to join our family who’ll love you forever."
• "I remember the day you were born – all red and wrinkly and screaming your lungs out. It’s hard to believe you’re old enough now to get engaged! Couldn’t be prouder of my little sister/brother, congratulations."
• "Words can’t even describe how happy I am that my sister/brother has found true love. I remember when we used to talk about our crush… Well, he isn’t Ryan Gosling, but [insert name] is a pretty good substitute. Welcome to the family."
• "You might be losing your last name, but I’m gaining a brother/sister so that’s a deal I’m pretty happy with. Love you both and can’t wait to celebrate with you."
• "I didn’t tease you for nothing as a kid. It was preparing you for how mercilessly I’m going to mock you when you've had one too many at the hen/stag. Bring it on!"
• "You deserve the world and I’m so happy you’ve found someone that makes you beam with happiness. To many more adventures."
• “Congratulations on your engagement! I can’t believe my big/little sibling is all grown up! You’ve truly found someone who can handle your quirks! [insert name], welcome to the family! We’re a bit crazy, but we love hard. I’m so excited for your future together and can’t wait to celebrate!”
• "It’s obvious the answer was a big 'yes!' Congratulations on your engagement, sis/bro!"
• "I always knew this day would come, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for you. My intuition is on point, right? Congratulations – I’m so excited for you both!"

Engagement Wishes from Friends

The moment your friend gets engaged is a memory you’ll cherish forever. If you were around in the early days of the happy couple’s relationship, it’s often a nice idea to reference that time as a way to bring nostalgia into your engagement wishes. Just note, however, that if you’re going to make any jokes, ensure they’ll be well-received by your pal and their spouse-to-be!

Whether they’re your ride-or-die bestie or a work wife, we’ve got the heartfelt engagement message to help you express your joy and excitement.

• "May you bring each other as much happiness as your friendship has brought to my life – congratulations!"
• "We’ve been through school and uni and that phase where we both dyed our hair weird colours together, so it’s surreal to see you start a whole new chapter of your life with someone else. But I can’t wait to watch the journey you’re about to take – I love you both."
• "You two are a perfect couple and two of my best friends – I can’t wait to celebrate with you!"
• "You gained a ring, and I gained permanent third-wheel status – and honestly, I couldn’t be happier."
• "You two are perfect for each other. I know your marriage as going to be as strong and last as long as our friendship."
• "Of all the moments we’ve celebrated in our life together, this is the best so far. Congratulations."
• "I’m so lucky to call both of you my friends and I can’t wait to be able to call you husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife too."
• "Congratulations! It feels like only yesterday we were moving into halls at uni and now I’m about to help you get married!"
• "I couldn’t be more excited to be part of your wedding journey. I’m here for everything you need, whether that’s addressing envelopes or bringing wine at 11pm when you’re stressed. Actually, there’s never been a time when I wouldn’t have brought round wine at 11pm… but now we’ll have a proper excuse."
• "You’re a match made in heaven and I’m over the moon that I get to watch you make that official."
• "You’ve been my best mate since school. I got to be front-row for all the detentions, shocking football tackles, girls'/boys’ holidays, first loves and first heartbreaks – plus that time you accidentally shaved off your eyebrows – and now I get to be front-row as you say, ‘I do’. I couldn’t be prouder of that nerdy teenager right now."
• "I finally booked us into that spin class we’re always talking about. We’re going to need the cardio training for all the wedding shopping we’re about to do!"
• "I remember when we planned our weddings when we were seven with a toilet paper veil and Haribo rings. This is a glow-up and half! Congrats, queen. I can’t wait to try on tiaras with you."
• "Congratulations to my ride-or-die! I'm beyond thrilled to see you embarking on this new chapter with your perfect match. May your love story be filled with endless laughter, adventure, and unwavering support. Can't wait to celebrate your big day!"
• "To my best friend, a soulmate. I'm so incredibly happy for you and [insert name] on this special day. Your love shines brighter than any star, and I can't wait to celebrate with you both. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"
• "Well, well, well... looks like someone finally found their lobster! I’m so happy for you both. Get ready for a lifetime of love, laughter, and probably a few arguments over who gets to control the remote. Cheers to the happy couple!"

Short Engagement Messages

Perhaps you’re wondering what’s a good engagement message from colleagues, or you just want to keep it simple and sweet, either way, short engagement messages can be just as impactful as longer ones. Simple yet sincere sentiments will convey your well wishes and love for the couple without overwhelming them. 

• “Congratulations on your engagement, I’m so happy for you both.”
• “You’re getting married! Congratulations. Wishing you all the best together.”
• "So happy to hear your news – you really are a perfect couple. Sending you all my love as you start planning the wedding and your future together."
• "Congratulations on your engagement. Very excited to watch the new adventure you’re about to share."
• "Well done on getting engaged – it’s about time! Wishing you a long and happy life together."
• "May your engagement just be the beginning of the happiest times together. Can’t wait to celebrate with you."
• "Cheers to the newlyweds-to-be. Now to get planning…"
• "Warmest congratulations on your engagement. Here’s to endless love, happiness and adventure."
• "Love and happiness to you on this special day."
• "Go make a beautiful life together! Happy engagement to you both."
• “Your love story is truly inspiring. Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together."

Formal Engagement Wishes

If you don’t know the newly engaged couple all that well, the most important thing is to cover the basics: ensure you address the couple, congratulate them on their engagement and include some simple well wishes. If you tick all these boxes, you’re onto a winning engagement card wish!

• "May this engagement be the beginning of everlasting happiness and commitment to one another."
• “A toast to your engagement!”
• "It’s a truly wonderful thing that you have found each other. All the best with your wedding plans."
• “Congratulations! Wishing you a very long and happy life together.”
• "May your love story be filled with endless laughter, adventure, and unwavering support."

Traditional & Religious Engagement Wishes

If the couple are particularly religious and you feel it’s more appropriate to include a more traditional sentiment in your card, this is where these religious engagement wishes would come in.

• "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous or boastful or arrogant or rude." – Corinthians 13:4-5
• “Love rests on no foundation. It is an endless ocean, with no beginning or end.” – Rumi
• “May God grant you all of life’s blessings and love’s joys.”
• “There are three things that matter most: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love.” – Corinthians 13:13
• “God bless you both on this day with a lifetime of shared love and joy!”
• “To love and to be loved is to feel the sun from both sides,” – David Viscott
• “Wishing you every happiness as you celebrate your future together.”

Engagement Quotes for Cards

When in doubt about what to write in an engagement card, a quote about love and relationships will always go down well. You might go for something funny, romantic or inspiring – we have plenty of ideas for beautiful quotes about relationships and inspiring quotes about marriage to see you right through to the wedding card, too!

Here are some of our favourite engagement card quotes:

• "Love is not a big thing, it's a million little things." – Leo Buscaglia
• “Like good wine, marriage gets better with age – once you learn to keep a cork in it!” – Gene Perret
• "Love is the master key that opens all locks." – Helen Keller
• "Love is the greatest adventure." – Helen Keller
• “There is only one happiness in this life; to love and be loved.” – George Sand
• “You don’t marry someone you can live with; you marry the person you cannot live without.” – Anon

What to Write in an Engagement Card UK: FAQ

What do you say in an engagement card?

Finding the right words for an engagement card is a fun and meaningful but tricky task. Your message is the perfect way to show your excitement and – with a little creativity – you can make it shine. Here’s how to craft engagement messages for cards that are both heartfelt and memorable:

• Start with a cheerful greeting: One that feels warm and inviting. If 'Dear' feels a bit too stiff, go for something casual that matches your vibe. Don’t forget to include both of their names. A simple 'Hey [Names]!' or 'To the Amazing [Names]!' can set the tone for your message.
• Add personality: Reflect on your relationship with the couple and share a joyful memory or two. Have you celebrated milestones together before? Maybe you have a funny story or a sweet moment that captures your friendship. This personal touch not only makes your message special but also shows just how genuinely happy you are for them.
• Wrap it up in your style: Finish your engagement wishes with a closing that fits your relationship. 'With Love' offers a heartfelt touch, or if you’re lifelong pals or family, go for 'Lots of Love' or even 'Hugs and Kisses!'

What’s a unique message for an engagement card?

It’s all about celebrating the couple’s joy and looking ahead to their exciting future together.

Alongside your congratulations, consider adding a personal touch that reflects your relationship with the couple. Perhaps mention how well they complement each other or share a memorable moment that highlights the bond they have. Something like, “Seeing how you both light up each other’s lives is truly inspiring – cheers to a lifetime of happiness and adventures!”

This combination of personal anecdotes and warm wishes can make your message more unique and memorable.

How do you congratulate someone on their engagement?

The simplest thing to do is send a card of congratulations for their engagement as soon as you hear the news. Remember, it’s not always necessary to send an engagement gift.

These are the three things we recommend you include in your card when you congratulate someone on their engagement: 

• Congratulations to the couple, which can be as simple as, "Congratulations to a beautiful couple” or “Congratulations on this exciting new journey together!”
• An engagement message to the couple that’s relevant to your relationship with them. You can use one of the examples from this article. 
• A wish for their future which should be short and sweet, such as, “Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness” or “Wishing you all the best with your wedding plans.”

What not to write in an engagement card?

When it comes to what not to write in an engagement card, relationship expert Anna Williamson believes it’s important to not be presumptuous or put pressure on the couple about their wedding plans.

“I would encourage anyone to avoid writing things like, ‘I can’t wait to be part of your big day!’ inside an engagement card – it’s super presumptuous,” she explains.

When crafting your engagement card message, it’s also important to keep the focus on the couple rather than yourself. Avoid comments like, ‘I can’t wait for the hen/stag do!’ as these can shift the attention away from their special moment.

Speak from the heart and resist the urge to build up too much anticipation. It’s also best to avoid jokes about wedding costs or bombarding them with honeymoon ideas, as these topics might add unnecessary stress at what is supposed to be a celebratory time.

Should you include money in an engagement card?

Whether to include money in your card along with your engagement wishes depends on your budget and the couple's preferences.

Money in cards is a more common thing for wedding cards, particularly if the couple have requested funds to help with particular goals, such as their honeymoon, house move or a family holiday.

There are also couples who prefer no gifts at all for their engagement or wedding, or may suggest donating to charity in their name. If you're sending the card by post and would like to include something, gift vouchers can be a thoughtful alternative to cash.

*Instagram poll on the Hitched UK account of 211 users conducted on 3 September 2023.