Wedding Wishes by Relationship (What to Write for Friends, Family & Colleagues)
2026-01-27

Wedding wishes should change depending on who you're writing to. The message you pen for your best friend won't sound the same as what you'd write for a colleague or your boss's daughter. Tone matters, and so does knowing where the line sits.

Here in Singapore, most wedding cards are written in English, though some families appreciate bilingual messages. The key is matching your words to your relationship with the recipient. Too casual for formal ties feels awkward. Too stiff for close friends feels cold.

Wedding Wishes for Friends

Wedding wishes for a friend

Friends deserve warmth, but public settings call for some restraint. Your message should feel personal without making the couple cringe when relatives read it.

Something like "Congratulations on your wedding day! Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness together" strikes the right balance. Add a sentence about their future, perhaps hoping they build a beautiful home filled with joy. Keep it genuine and light.

Wedding wishes for best friend

Best friends get more room for emotion. You've walked through life together, so your message reflects that history.

"From all our late-night talks about love to watching you find your person, I couldn't be happier for you" carries weight because it's specific to your bond. You might mention how proud you are or how their happiness means everything to you.

But avoid embarrassing references. The time they ugly-cried over an ex or that questionable situationship from 2019? Not for the wedding card. Save those stories for a private toast or your speech, if you're giving one.

Wedding Wishes for Colleagues

What tone works for colleagues

Colleagues occupy a middle ground. Professional and positive works best. You want warmth without overstepping boundaries that exist for good reason.

Neutral wording keeps things safe. Avoid inside jokes about work stress or office drama. The card gets passed around, and your colleague's family doesn't need context on why "surviving peak season" is funny.

Wedding wishes for colleague examples

"Wishing you and your partner a wonderful marriage filled with love and happiness" does the job well. For colleagues you're closer to, try "It's been a joy watching your happiness grow. Congratulations to you both on this beautiful milestone."

These messages are workplace-safe. Warm enough to feel genuine, restrained enough to stay appropriate.

Wedding Wishes for the Couple

Wedding wishes for the couple

When addressing both halves of the couple, focus on their partnership. Even if you know one person better, the message honours them as a unit.

"To the happy couple, may your marriage be filled with patience, understanding, and endless laughter" speaks to both of them. You're celebrating their union, not just your friendship with one of them.

Wedding wishes to newly married couple

For newlyweds, keep things celebratory but composed. "Congratulations on beginning this beautiful chapter together. Wishing you a lifetime of love and adventure" works perfectly.

Not every message needs to be deeply personal. Sometimes simple and sincere lands best.

Wedding Wishes for Close Family Members

Wedding wishes for sister

A sibling's wedding carries emotional weight. You've watched them grow, and your words should reflect that journey.

"From sharing everything growing up to watching you build a life with someone who truly loves you, I'm so proud of who you've become" acknowledges your bond. This isn't the moment for teasing or rivalry callbacks, even if that's your usual dynamic with each other.

Wedding wishes for niece or cousin

For younger family members like nieces or nephews, pride and affection work well. "Watching you grow into someone ready for this commitment fills me with so much pride. Congratulations on your wedding day."

Cousins depend on your actual relationship. Close cousins get treated like friends. Cousins you see twice a year at gatherings get something warmer than colleagues but less intimate than siblings.

Wedding Wishes for Children of Friends

Daughter wedding wishes

If your own daughter is getting married, your message is deeply personal. "Watching you become the woman you are today has been my greatest joy. I'm so happy you've found someone who sees how special you are."

Friend's daughter wedding wishes

For a friend's daughter, stay respectful and encouraging. "Congratulations on your wedding day. Your parents must be so proud of the wonderful person you've become."

Friend's son wedding wishes

Similar energy applies here. "Wishing you and your partner a lifetime of happiness. Congratulations on this exciting new chapter" keeps things neutral and positive without overstepping.

Wedding Wishes to Parents of the Groom

When to write to parents

Writing to parents happens in formal situations, particularly with traditional families where parents have hosted or contributed significantly to the wedding.

Wedding wishes to parents of groom examples

"Congratulations on your son's wedding. The love and values you've given him shine through in the person he's become" respects formality while remaining heartfelt. Keep these messages brief, shorter than what you'd write to the couple themselves.

How to Choose the Right Wedding Wish by Relationship

Simple decision guide

Two questions help: How close are we, really? And will this message be displayed publicly?

Closeness determines how personal you go. Public context determines how much restraint you show. A message for an intimate solemnisation differs from one that fifty guests will read at the reception table.

What to do if unsure

When doubt creeps in, choose neutral phrasing and keep it short. "Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness together" never offends anyone. You can always say more in person, where tone and context fill in the gaps.

Common Mistakes When Writing Wedding Wishes by Relationship

What often goes wrong

Being too casual tops the list. Humour that works over drinks falls flat on a card that gets read by grandparents.

Over-sharing comes second. References that feel affectionate to you might embarrass the couple in front of family.

Using humour in formal relationships is the third. Your boss's wedding card isn't the place for jokes, even gentle ones.

Related Wedding Wishes You May Need

Explore other wedding wishes

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guide to general wedding wishes for broader message ideas, or read up on wedding ang bao wishes if you're writing a message to slip into that red packet.