The Best Wedding Wishes for Your Son, From Funny to Sentimental

Make the day even more special with a thoughtfully written card.

Father and mother of the bride with their sons collage

Photo: Getty | Design: Natalie Romine

Updated Dec 24, 2024

For any parent, hearing your son has popped the question (or has been proposed to) is a big deal. While you've probably already congratulated him on getting engaged, there's something else to consider as the big day comes around—writing memorable wedding wishes for your son. Need help with what to say in a wedding card for your special boy? We're sharing some tips to ensure your congratulations for your son's wedding strike just the right tone.

Here's Exactly What to Write in a Wedding Card

One of the best approaches to composing wedding messages for your son is to reference some memories from his childhood and why these particular moments are precious to you. Whether it was his first day at school, a milestone birthday or even a family vacation, feel free to get nostalgic about the days gone by. After traveling down memory lane, you can pass on your good wishes to your son for the future and the incredible life he'll share with his partner.

Here's Exactly What to Write in a Wedding Card

If you're feeling extra sentimental, writing a letter to your son on his wedding day is a sweet gesture that will give him all the feels. Keep things short with a heartfelt inscription to him and his new spouse or wax lyrical about how proud you are of his achievements—either way, he'll be thrilled that you made such a special effort for him.

Once you're ready to write a wedding card for your son, you can check out our list of inscriptions for ideas. From sweet sayings and funny phrases to famous quotes and even a poem, these dedications will strike the right chord—especially if they're paired with a thoughtful wedding gift for your son.

Wedding Wishes to a Son and His Partner

While you certainly aren't expected to pen a separate note to your future child-in-law, including them in your son's card is a beautiful gesture. It's the perfect opportunity to extend your congratulations to the couple while warmly welcoming your son's new spouse into your family. Here's what to write in a wedding card for your son and future daughter-in-law or son-in-law.

Congratulations to a perfect pair—[I/we] can't wait to celebrate with you today!
[Son's name] and [spouse's name], your wedding day has finally arrived, and [I/we] couldn't be more thrilled to see you both take this next step together. Enjoy every moment.
[I'm/we're] so excited you have found each other. Wishing you all the best on your new adventure together!
[I/we] know [son's name] is our son, but [spouse's name], you feel just as much like family. Cheers to your beautiful union.
Finding love to last a lifetime doesn't happen to everyone, but you've really hit the jackpot with each other. Remember to cherish today and every day that follows. Love you!
Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] son and his special person. You two are perfect for each other in every way.
To [son's name] and [spouse's name], seeing how happy you are together makes [my/our] [heart/hearts] melt. Remember to always look after each other!
Congratulations on your wedding day. You two make an incredible team, and [I'm/we're] so excited to be part of your lives. Here's to all the good times to follow!
Life has a way of throwing you for a loop sometimes, but as long as you have each other, you can face anything. Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] son and his new [wife/husband/spouse]!
[Son's name] and [spouse's name], may your marriage be blessed with health, happiness, love and laughter.
Congratulations to my son and his wonderful new [wife/husband/spouse]! [I/We] can't wait to see the life the two of you build together.

Sweet Wedding Wishes for Your Son

Even if your son isn't typically the mushy type, it is his wedding day—so he can probably expect some extra sappiness (especially from his parents). These congratulations messages for your son's wedding are the perfect mix of sweet and thoughtful and will help you convey your feelings of joyful pride on such a momentous occasion.

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Somehow [I/we] blinked and [my/our] adorable little boy has become an incredible young man. [I'm/we're] endlessly proud of you and that will never change. Happy Wedding Day, son!
Dear [son's name], you've had [my/our] [heart/hearts] since the day you were born. [I/we] just want you to know that [I/we] will always be there to support you and [spouse's name] on your next adventure. Love you both!
Son, [I've/we've] always been proud of you, but today takes the cake. Seeing you all suited up and ready to marry the love of your life is a moment [I'll/we'll] cherish forever.
[I/We] can go on and on about how quickly time has flown, but every minute with you as [my/our] son has been a total blast. And seeing you fall in love and start this new chapter of your life is, undoubtedly, [my/our] favorite.
[I'll/we'll] keep this short and sweet. Enjoy each moment of your wedding day, and don't forget [I'm/we're] so delighted for you!
Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] darling son and the love of his life. [I/we] feel so incredibly lucky to be here to celebrate this special day with you both!
Your wedding day will go by so fast, so be sure to take a quiet moment to enjoy it all with your new [wife/husband/spouse]. And remember, it's only the beginning! Wishing you all the happiness and love in the world.
Son, you are one of the kindest, funniest and sweetest guys on this earth. It's easy to see why [spouse's name] fell for you!
Dear [son's name], it's hard to believe you're all grown up and are getting ready to say "I do" today. It seems like just yesterday you were climbing trees and running around the backyard with your buddies. Congrats on the next chapter in your life.
Happy Wedding Day, son. [I/we] can't wait to smile, laugh, dine and dance the night away with you and [spouse's name]!
[I/We] have loved being there for all the most important moments of your life—now we get to add wedding day to the list! Congratulations, son, [I/we] love you.

Funny Wedding Wishes for Your Son

When it comes to what to write in your son's wedding card, you don't always have to take the sentimental route. If you and your guy like to joke around a lot, injecting some humor into your well-wishes is a great idea. Not only will it bring a smile to his face on the big day, but it will also help ease his nerves when the butterflies kick in. Check out some of these funny messages to a son getting married below!

Happy Wedding Day, [son's name]. [I'm/we're] looking forward to [my/our] short ribs and sidecars later. Oh, and seeing you tie the knot, of course!
Who is this GQ-looking gentleman and what has he done with [my/our] son!? Kidding! You always show up and stand out, and on your wedding day, you look as dapper as ever.
If you hear [me/us] sniffling during your vows, remember that [I'm/we're] your [parent/parents] and [I/we] get a pass. Hope you've ordered extra tissues!
And just like that, it's your wedding day, son. Where has the time gone?!
[I'm/We're] so happy [spouse's name] is joining our crew, but how soon do you think they'll realize what they've signed up for?
[I've/We've] always been proud of you, but today, [I'm/We're] especially proud of your ability to find someone who's agreed to marry you (kidding!). Happy Wedding Day!

Wedding Wishes From a Mother to Her Son

The bond between mother and son is pretty unique and certainly worth celebrating with a heartfelt wedding card of its own. While you'll probably be busy with other mother-of-the-groom duties, remember to carve out some time to write a mother's message to your son on his wedding day. Wondering how to sum up all your emotions in a few short words? These thoughtful tidings will help you do it.

[Son's name], I can't believe it's your wedding day. You are about to make [spouse's name] the happiest person on earth and I can't say I'm surprised—because you've been doing that for me for the last X years.
I can't promise that I'll hold it together when you're exchanging vows, but I've stopped worrying about goodbyes. I love you tremendously, and your marriage just means I have another child to spoil and brag about to anyone who listens.
[Son's name], Happy Wedding Day. I know you've been looking forward to this day for a long time and I hope it's everything you and [spouse's name] have dreamed it would be. Love you so much, from Mom.
I'm super excited to be mother-of-the-groom today. Delighted to be by your side!
To my lovely son, you've always been a ray of sunshine. And, from seeing how [spouse's name] looks at you, it's clear you bring joy and light to their days.
Not to steal the spotlight from you and your new spouse, but I hope your photographer can snap a few pictures of us together today. I got a new picture frame precisely for this occasion and I can't wait to hang it up—me and the one who made me a mom.
Happy Wedding Day to my son! I'm so honored to be part of your special day. Love you!
Having a son like you has been one of the highlights of my life. Getting a new [daughter/son/child]-in law is an added bonus!
Dear [son's name], to say I'm emotional today is an understatement. I can still remember holding you in my arms for the first time and knowing I'd love you forever. Congrats on your wedding day!
How am I old enough to have a son who's getting married? You've always helped me to stay young at heart, and I'm so happy to be your mother. See you on the dance floor!
Watching you get married today makes me feel so blessed to be your mom. Congratulations!

Wedding Wishes From a Father to His Son

Are you a proud father looking for things to write in your son's wedding card? Then, you've come to the right place. Whether you and your son have been close since his birth or have recently bonded while planning your father-of-the-groom responsibilities, these meaningful memos will make him feel special.

Happy Wedding Day, son. Watching you grow into the amazing person you are today has been a huge honor.
Son, you're a dad's dream—it's such a joy to be your father! Happy Wedding Day.
As I look at you today, all spiffed up in your suit and tie, I'm reminded of myself way back when. But you're even better. You have so much to offer the love of your life and the world, and I'm ready to watch it all happen.
Good luck today, son—you and [spouse's name] are so lucky to have each other.
[Son's name], I hope you already know I'm your biggest fan. Congratulations on this wild ride you're about to take; there'll be highs and lows, but you'll never have to face them alone. [I'm/We're] here for you guys every step of the way. Love, Dad.
Today is all about celebrating love and family. As your father, I'm delighted you've found someone as awesome as [spouse's name] to share your life with. Happy Wedding Day.
[Son's name], I'm thrilled to be your father today and every day. Excited to share a little drink with you before all the celebrations kick off. Cheers!
Happy Wedding Day, kid. Now that you're all suited and booted, let's go and get you married!
Son, I have so many treasured memories of you from over the years. Playing baseball with you, taking you for ice cream, watching you graduate high school—and now—your wedding day. Have a great day and enjoy it all!
Congrats to you and [spouse's name]. I promise I'll go easy on the dad jokes in my speech!
Son, I'm endlessly proud of the man you become. Wishing you the happiest marriage with your new [husband/wife/spouse]. Congrats on your big day!

Wedding Card Quotes for Your Son

Deciding what to say to your son on his wedding day can feel like a lot of pressure, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Let a sweet and symbolic quote do the honors instead, and watch his face light up as he reads the inscription you've chosen especially for him. From meaningful maxims about marriage to funny phrases from films and more, find our favorite wedding day quotes for a son getting married below.

"Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love and they blossom when we love the ones we marry." ―Tom Mullen
"Sons are the anchors of a mother's life." —Sophocles
"It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." —Rita Rudner
"You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." —Dr. Seuss
"The only man who has stolen my heart is my son." —Sandra Bullock
"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
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." —Audrey Hepburn
"You don't need directions; you know which way to go. And I don't want to hold you back; I just want to watch you grow." —Carole King, "Child of Mine"
"Why, 'tis a happy thing to be the father unto many sons." —William Shakespeare, Henry VI
"You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." —Unknown

Wedding Card Poetry for Your Son

If you're feeling creative or want to add a little surprise to your wedding card, how about writing a poem about your son getting married? The trick to composing something special is to keep things short and sweet and, above all, have fun with it! Check out our example poem below to help you get started.

Excitement is everywhere on my son's wedding day,

Plans are in place and guests are on the way.

Suits have been pressed and ties have been knotted,

When he looks at his love, it's clear he's besotted.

Let's carry the flowers and gather the rings,

And bask in the joy that only true love brings.

Shyla Watson contributed to this article.