Is Writing “Congrats on Your Engagement” Enough? We Don’t Think So

Here’s how to level up your engagement card well-wishes.

Collage of engagement card, roses and ring

Photos: Getty,Design: Natalie Romine and Ashley Detmering

Updated Feb 11, 2026

You're staring intently at a blank piece of paper wondering what you should write in your loved one's engagement card. And while you could just put "Congrats on your engagement," there are dozens of other unique engagement wishes you can say to the to-be-weds that feel a lot more personal. Whether you need heartfelt betrothal wishes for a family member or romantic quotes from movies, we've got you covered with writing tips and wording examples. Also, don't forget to add this article to Your Favorites. You'll be able to easily refer back to all of our great note ideas every time someone in your life needs a sweet engagement card message.

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Quotes card with heartwarming engagement well-wishes.

Engagement Greetings 101

Writing an engagement card isn't as easy as just putting pen to paper. You should plan out what you want to say first. This means thinking of (or searching for) a sentiment that fits your relationship with the couple and their personality. Is the card for a family member or a close friend? If so, opt for meaningful engagement card messages that share your excitement. If the couple is religious, consider including passages from the Quran, a Bible verse or a quote from the Torah. Prefer to keep your message lighthearted? Choose a funny engagement greeting for a couple that loves to laugh. Once you've found the right phrasing for your situation, pop the card in an envelope and send it on its way.

What to Say in an Engagement Card

Engagement cards come in lots of different formats, including standard greeting cards from your local stationery shop, homemade cards, small tags attached to engagement gifts and even digital engagement messages like texts or emails. There are many ways to personalize and send engagement wishes to a loved one, but if you need a little help to get started, here's a template for how to structure your message:

Open your message with a greeting.
Follow that up with a statement of congratulations and a personalized "Congrats on your engagement" note geared towards your relationship with the couple.
Close it out with well-wishes and your name.

Want to see how an engagement card should look? Check out these examples for inspiration.

Dear Adam and Dylan,

Congratulations on your engagement. Marriage is a beautiful thing, and we wish you all the best as you begin this exciting new chapter together.

Best wishes,

FOR YOU

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The Smiths

Hi Diana and Jake,

Cheers to forever, lovebirds. I'm so happy to hear that my two favorite people are engaged. Wishing you the best time as you enjoy your engagement!

Love,

Victoria

Betrothal Quotes for an Engagement Card

Quote card with Moulin Rouge! movie quote.

Sometimes the right words for an engagement card have already been written. These clever quotes come from iconic TV shows, movies, books, songs and celebrities, so you're sure to find a fave in here.

"It's a love story, baby, just say, 'Yes'" —Taylor Swift, "Love Story"
"I came here because, when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." —Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally
"He's her lobster." —Phoebe Buffay, Friends
"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." —Nate King Cole, "Nature Boy" and Christian, Moulin Rouge!
"It doesn't matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." —Sean Maguire, Good Will Hunting
"'Why do we have to listen to our hearts?' the boy asked. 'Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you will find your treasure.'" —Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
"The best thing to hold on to in life is each other." —Audrey Hepburn
"You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without." —Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You
"At last / My love has come along" —Etta James, "At Last"
"You are wise, or perhaps unusually lucky, to understand friendship to be the best possible foundation a marriage can have." —Queen Charlotte, Bridgerton
"Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering." —Nicole Krauss, The History of Love
"It was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, it just meant we were supposed to be together." —Sam Baldwin, Sleepless in Seattle
"So how does it happen, great love? Nobody knows. But what I can tell you is that it happens in the blink of an eye. One moment, you're enjoying your life, and the next, you're wondering how you ever lived without them." —Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Hitch
"Maybe love isn't something you find. Maybe love is something that finds you." —Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation
"If I had a day / That I could give you / I'd give to you / The day just like today" —John Denver, "Sunshine on My Shoulder"
"Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back." —Plato
"If soulmates do exist, they're not found, they're made." —Michael, The Good Place

Well-Wishes From Parents for an Engagement Card

Quote card with sweet well-wishes from a parent to a child.

Your child is engaged, congratulations! And we bet there are so many emotions running through your heart and you have no idea how to put them into words. Well, you're in good hands. Engagement wishes from parents should have a personal touch to make the card even more meaningful. For example: If you're happily married, offer some marriage advice to guide the to-be-weds during their journey. Keep reading to see some of the ways you can express your excitement for your child's upcoming union.

(Psst: Check out these engagement wishes for your daughter or son, and don't forget to see what options there are for engagement gifts from parents.)

Remember to always prioritize your friendship so your romance will thrive even more. Congratulations on finding your person!
We've loved seeing your love for each other bloom into a beautiful engagement. Can't wait to celebrate as a family soon!
Watching your relationship grow with compassion, strength and love has been such a joy to see as a parent. Congratulations on your engagement!
All we/I have ever wanted is to see you happy. I love you so much and wish you the very best in this new chapter.
Your loving relationship has enriched our family, we/I couldn't be happier that you're engaged.
[Child's name], we/I feel many emotions on this occasion. Most of all, we're/I'm happy you've found someone wonderful to share a beautiful life with. Best wishes to you both.
Lots of love and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful occasion for our family.
We/I knew one day you'd find your soul mate, and it's clear you have. We/I can't wait to help you plan a wedding and your future together.
We/I always knew this one was meant to be family. Congratulations, we/I love you both so much!
You have grown up to be an amazing individual, and we/I can't wait to watch you grow even more with the love of your life by your side. Congratulations!
You two make a beautiful couple! We/I look forward to your wedding and being able to celebrate you tying the knot.
We're/I'm so happy for you—and for us! You've chosen a wonderful partner to spend your life with, and we're so excited to welcome them into the family.

Well-Wishes From Friends for an Engagement Card

Quote card with engagement wishes to a friend.

Need congratulatory engagement wording for friends getting married? There are lots of options. You can go with classic engagement congratulations messages, say something personal about your close relationship or comment something cheeky, like an inside joke you know will make them laugh. See what engagement card wishes we have for your friend below.

(Psst: Look at these wedding wishes once your bestie is officially hitched.)

May you bring each other as much happiness as your friendship has brought to my life.
Of all the big life events we've celebrated together, this one tops the list. Congratulations!
I can't believe I have to share my best friend now. At least you're perfect for each other. Warmest wishes!
As your best friend, I'm so happy to be experiencing this joyous moment with you. Wishing you lots of love, and congratulations!
Here's to love, friendship and a big party to celebrate both!
Congratulations to a wonderful friend—I can't wait to stand by your side on the wedding day.
You make a wonderful couple. I know your marriage will be as strong and last as long as our friendship.
I couldn't be happier that you've found someone that loves you as much as I do. Happy engagement!
I feel so fortunate to have you as a friend, so I can't imagine how lucky your fiancé(e) feels. Congratulations!
I can't believe two of my best friends are now engaged! Warmest wishes to my favorite couple.
Someone so special to me has found someone so special to them. I couldn't be happier. Congratulations!
I'm so happy for both of you and very excited I have a permanent and lovely couple with whom I can be a third wheel.

Funny Wishes for an Engagement Card

Quote card with funny engagement wish on it.

Funny engagement wishes are totally acceptable, especially if the happy couple bonds over their sense of humor. That said, there are some subjects to avoid making a joke about. Take our advice and steer clear of anything that could be considered insulting, like implying that one of them is the "better half" or mentioning anything about how it's taken too long (or too little time) to make things official. And remember, any jokes about divorce aren't jokes at all.

Congratulations! You found that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
Way to follow Beyoncé's advice: You liked it, so you put a ring on it.
So I guess you two are pretty serious then…Congrats!
You're officially my favorite love story now. Monica and Chandler, move over!
I see your left hand is getting quite the workout now. Congratulations on your engagement!
Congratulations on getting engaged! Please don't seat me at the singles table.
Wishing you a lifetime of great sex...oh, and happiness and love—that stuff is important too.
I'm so excited for the open bar—er, I mean, the wedding!
I can't wait to celebrate the next chapter with you. Love, your official third wheel.
There's no way to guarantee a lifetime of happiness, but that gorgeous ring is a pretty good start.
Congrats! You've found someone who'll laugh at your jokes for the rest of your life...or at least pretend to.
Thank you both for removing yourselves from the dating pool. You were tilting the averages with your good looks and great personalities.
Let me pass on some of my wisdom: The most important four words for a successful marriage are "I'll do the dishes."
Thank you so much for getting engaged. Now I finally have an excuse to wear this [ball gown/suit/other unique attire] I bought years ago.
First, an engagement party, then a bach party, then a wedding party and, eventually, anniversary parties. Wow, your engagement sounds like the beginning of endless partying. I can't wait!
Congratulations on your engagement! Bet you didn't see this one coming...or maybe you did, but let's pretend it was a surprise.
You're engaged! Here's to a lifetime of love, joy and deciding who's really in charge of the thermostat.

Short Wishes for an Engagement Card

Quote card with short engagement congratulations.

Want to know what to write for an engagement card that's short and sweet? Below are some of the best options when you only have a small amount of space to write an engagement note.

I hope this wonderful day is the start of a lifetime filled with love and laughter.
Wishing you a very long and happy life together.
Engaged has a nice ring to it! All the best to you both.
Sending lots of love as you take this exciting step together.
I couldn't be more thrilled to hear your big news. Congratulations!
Can't wait to see you two say "I do." Love you!
So happy for you both. Let the wedding planning (and fun) begin!
It's easy to see how much you love each other. Congrats!
I hope your engagement is only the first of many wonderful moments you share.
Here's to the happy couple—I can't wait for the wedding!
Congratulations on finding your forever. I know you have a beautiful life ahead.
I'm so excited for you both—now let's talk about that party!
You two are perfect together. Can't wait to celebrate you!
Wishing you all the best with your wedding plans. Cheers to the future!
You're engaged, and I'm ecstatic!
That ring is gorgeous, but it's your love that really shines. Wishing you both all the best.
A huge congratulations to the beautiful couple.