Most of us have stood holding a pen over a card with no idea what to put. Everyone else seems to have written something clever, and you worry about getting it wrong. You don't need to be clever. A short message that sounds like you, with one detail about the person, is plenty.
Get three messages for your card
Tell us a little about them and we'll suggest three messages, written with AI. It's free, and nothing you type is saved.
A few things that help with any card
Use their name. "Dear Tanya" or "Tanya," at the top makes the card feel personal straight away, even when thirty people are signing it.
Mention one real thing. A shared project, a place, a habit or a meal will do. "Thanks for always bringing donuts on the first Monday of the month" says more than a line about how wonderful someone is.
Say what you hope for them. A good start in the new job, a happy marriage or a great birthday are all fine. Make it specific to them if you can.
Sign it clearly. Write your last name too if they might know more than one Chris. In a work card, adding your team can help.
Save jokes for people who will enjoy them, and stay away from anything that could embarrass them if the card is passed around. With a sympathy card, leave humor out unless you know the family very well.
If you're signing a group card at work, read what's already there before you write. You'll avoid repeating the same line as the person above you, and you'll get a sense of how formal the card is. Leave space for the people who haven't signed yet, and if the card is going to a coworker's home, check that someone has the right address.
Example messages by occasion
Here are a couple of messages for each of the main occasions. The retirement, wedding and sympathy guides below each have 20 or more, grouped by who the card is for.
Retirement cards
- Congratulations on your retirement, Dennis. Twenty-nine years of keeping the school buses running on time is quite something. Enjoy the fishing, and the mornings without an alarm.
- Marjorie, we'll miss your calm voice on the phones and your lemon bars on Fridays. Thank you for everything, and have a wonderful retirement.
More in retirement card messages.
Wedding cards
- To Aaliyah and Jamal, congratulations on your wedding day. It's been so lovely watching you two together, and we can't wait for many more Sunday dinners with you both.
- Wishing you both a beautiful day and a very happy marriage. Thank you for letting us share it with you. With love, Nancy and Doug.
More in wedding card messages.
Sympathy cards
- I was so sorry to hear about your dad. He was always kind to me, and I'll remember him waving from his porch every time I drove by. Thinking of you all.
- With deepest sympathy. I'll drop dinner off on Thursday, and I'm here any time you'd like some company.
More in sympathy card messages.
Birthday cards
- Happy 50th, Christine! Here's to another year of Sunday hikes at Mount Tam, with a better picnic than last year's soggy sandwiches.
- Happy birthday, Luke. I hope you have a great day, and that somebody else is in charge of the grill for once.
Farewell cards for a coworker who's moving on
- Priya, the office won't be the same without your terrible puns and your very good snacks. Good luck in Nashville, and please keep in touch.
- Thanks for all your help when I started, Omar. You made my first few weeks so much easier. All the best in the new job.
If you need to say a few words too
A card often comes with a speech. Whoever organizes the card is usually asked to say something at the party, and a close friend or family member might be asked to give a toast at a wedding or speak at a funeral. Speechmade can help with that too. There are guides to the retirement speech, to wedding toasts and to writing your own vows, and a gentle guide to writing a eulogy.
Card message guides
Common questions
How long should a card message be?
Two to four sentences is plenty for most cards. In a big group card, one or two lines is better, so there is room for everyone. A close friend or family member can write more, or add a short letter on a separate sheet.
Is the card message tool free?
Yes. You tell it who the card is for and anything you would like it to mention, and it suggests three messages, written with AI. Nothing you type is saved. Change the wording as much as you like before you copy it into the card.
Should I write my message out before I put it in the card?
It helps. Write it on scrap paper or in your phone first, then copy it into the card. That way you can check the spelling of names and make sure it fits the space before you start.
How should I sign off?
Match it to how well you know them. "Love" or "Love always" suits family and close friends. "Best wishes" or "All the best" works for coworkers and people you know less well. For a sympathy card, "With love" or "Thinking of you" fits almost anyone.