What To Write In A Bridal Shower Card

Someone special in your life is getting married! While this is fantastic and exciting news, there's now a long list of appearances, gifts, and memorable words that are to be shared with the couple. In particular, when it comes to bridal showers, there's a protocol to take into account (and what is considered proper) when writing a bridal shower card.

It's not the wedding and it's not the bachlorette party, so what are you supposed to say? While we know it's tricky, we spoke with wedding planner and founder of LVR Events, Meg Hotchkiss, on what is acceptable and appriciated when writing a bridal shower card.

Whether it's for a coworker, an in-law, or a close friend, here's what to write in a bridal shower card while feeling proud about writing your name under "sincerely yours."

1. Express your excitement.

"A great bridal shower card lets the bride know how happy and excited you are for her. Your card should be in proportion to your relationship to the bride to be. Use your bridal shower message to show her that she is surrounded by people who love and support her, and are excited for the joy of her wedding," says Hotchkiss.

2. For an acquaintance...

For this type of relationship, Hotchkiss suggests keeping it short, sweet, and simple. Some go-to phases include:

"You two make a wonderful couple. Wishing you a life of happiness together."
"Can't wait to see you in your dress. You're going to be such a beautiful bride."
"You and (groom) are a match made in heaven. It's so wonderful you've both found each other."
"Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughs, and happiness together."
"Can't wait to celebrate your wedding in (location). Looking forward to dancing the night away and celebrating your love."

3. For a coworker...

Even though you see this person everyday, it can be tricky writing a bridal shower card for a coworker. The first step before writing a card is to determine your relationship with your coworker. Are you guys close parallel level employees, boss-employee, or new to the office?

Oftentimes, a business or corporation will throw an employee a bridal shower, and for these occassions, group together with your close office workers and go in on a card and gift together. Here are some phrases to write in a seperate or group card:

"(Groom) is a lucky guy! You two are a wonderful couple with a lifetime of love and happiness ahead of you."
"So excited to be a part of celebrating your love! Wishing you all the best."
"Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day! Wishing you and (groom) a lifetime of love."
For a close coworker (cheeky): "If you pick your men like you pick your coworkers/employees, you sure have great taste."

4. For a close friend...

This is one of the most fun bridal shower cards to write! While it's important to stick to some formalities, there's way more wiggle room for jokes and sentiment. "For a close friend, by all means, feel free to get funny or sentimental," suggests Hotchkiss.

Some examples of what to reference in your note:

Cheeky: "So glad the (celebrity crush) phase is over, (groom) is such a wonderful step up."
Humor (best friend): "Remember I'm still your person, but (groom) can help with the spiders."
Sentimental: "I'm so happy you've found the love of your life. You're the most deserving and kind person."
Close friends of the couple: "You and (groom) are a true example of how soulmates exist. I'm so happy you've found each other and that I get to witness your love."

5. For a family member...

Like a coworker, writing a note to a family member can vary depending on the person and the relationship. For example, a distant cousin and your sister will have two very different things to say.

Below, we've broken down a few examples of writing phrases based upon the family relationship.

Mother: "It's been an honor for me to watch the wonderful woman you've grown to be. I can't wait to stay by your side as you make your dreams come true by marrying the love of your life. I can't wait to have (groom) become a part of our family, and watch your love grow each and every day."
Future Mother-In-Law: "I can't believe how lucky I am that (groom) found such a special woman. Not only do you make him the happiest man on earth, I get the amazing honor of shortly calling you my daughter as well. Keep making each other smile and laugh, and continue to grow your love everyday."
Sister: "You've chosen such a special and honorable man to bring into our family. I can't wait to one day call (groom) a brother. I'm so happy that my sister has found the man of her dreams, I look forward to seeing your love and family grow together. Always know, I'm always here for you both."
Sister-in-Law: "Thank you for making my brother the luckiest man. I haven't seen (groom) this happy since (pop-culture reference here) came out. I can't wait to one day call you a sister and grow together as a family."
Cousin: "Growing up together, I've seen what a wonderful person you've grown to be. I'm so happy you found a wonderful man like (groom). Wishing you both all the best."
Daughter: "Seeing how your face lights up everytime (groom) enters the room makes my heart smile. I'm so happy that my mom has found such a special love again. I wish you both forever of life of love and laughter."

6. But stay away from certain things.

No man-bashing, no better-offs, and no passive-aggressive "remembers." This is a card to represent love and a future couple's forever, so make it reflect as such with your wording.

"Above all, bear in mind that the bride-to-be is probably feeling overwhelmed and nervous as the big day approaches, so no negativity!" says Hotchkiss. You wouldn't want to bo the one putting the bride in a negative headspace during her bridal shower or engagement, right?

7. If you're feeling stuck...

"If you're still feeling stuck, you can't go wrong with a note of congratulations, well-wishes and marriage advice, along with a simple 'I can't wait for your wedding. It's going to be amazing!'" advises Hotchkiss.

Elizabeth Blasi is a New Yorker. A lifestyle & travel writer, who is often seen with a suitcase in hand, jetsetting to her next location. But as a true Digital Nomad, her love of writing and romance novels means her laptop is always beside her.