Guide to wedding shower card greetings—from short bridal shower wishes to heartfelt messages

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

A wedding shower card message is your chance to share heartfelt wedding shower wishes before the big day. The best messages feel personal—something that shows your excitement and genuine support for the couple. 

Whether you’re writing short bridal shower wishes for a coworker or a longer note for someone close, keep it simple, thoughtful and true to your relationship. Find the right message inspiration in this article, along with best practices, DIY card tips and wedding shower gift ideas.

Wedding shower card etiquette: What to know before writing bridal shower wishes

Before you put pen to paper, a few etiquette basics can help your wedding shower card feel genuine and well thought out.

  • Address it properly: Check whether the invitation is for the bride or the couple. If it’s a joint event, include both names on the card.
  • Send or give it on time: Bring your card to the shower or attach it to your gift. If you can’t attend, mail it several days earlier so it arrives in time for the celebration.
  • Choose the right sign-off: For coworkers or distant relatives, include your full name. For close friends and family, end with something warm like “With love,” “Warmly” or “Best wishes.”
  • Match the tone to your relationship: Short bridal shower wishes are perfect when you’re not very close to the couple, while longer, more personal notes work well for those you know best.
  • Avoid timing mix-ups: A wedding shower card comes before the wedding, so focus on celebrating their engagement and future together—not the ceremony itself.

These small etiquette details make your wedding shower card message feel thoughtful, personal and perfectly suited to the occasion.

What makes a good wedding shower card message?

Like the best wishes to write inside a wedding card, a good wedding shower card message expresses genuine joy for the couple. Sometimes, this is a message of pure excitement, and in other cases, it’s shared through nuggets of wisdom. You know the recipient best, so keep their personality and your relationship in mind as you write your wedding shower card message. If you aren’t a natural comedian, don’t try too hard to be funny. Similarly, don’t feel like you need to be more sentimental than you typically are. Be yourself—that’s how to make sure your message is authentic.

Famous quotes and proverbs can be a great choice because there’s a familiarity around them. They can also express exactly what you want to say without coming up with the words yourself. They’re famous for a reason! 

Here are some examples of popular quotes for wedding shower cards:

  • “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”–Emily Brönte
  • “Love is sharing your popcorn.”–Charles M. Schultz
  • “The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time.”–Julia Child
  • “Love must be as much a light as it is a flame.”–Henry David Thoreau
Bridal shower invitation

Source: Bridal shower invitation via VistaPrint

How to personalize your wedding shower wishes

The most thoughtful wedding shower wishes sound like they could only come from you. Even a short note feels special when it’s personal. Try these quick ways to make your message stand out:

  • Reference a shared memory: Recall a special moment you’ve shared, like how you first met the couple or something funny that happened during their engagement.
  • Include a personal compliment: Go beyond “You’re perfect together.” Try something specific like, “I love how you both light up when you talk about your morning coffee ritual,” or “You’ve built such a calm, happy life together; it shows!”
  • Link your message to the wedding shower theme: If it’s a garden, brunch or tea-themed shower, tie your words to it: “May your marriage bloom like this garden party” or “Here’s to a lifetime of love as warm as this cup of tea.”
  • Slip in a small inside joke: Choose one that only the couple will get to add instant warmth.
  • Write one future wish: Personalization isn’t just about the past—look forward, too. Try “Can’t wait to celebrate your first anniversary dinner stories,” or “Here’s to your next adventure as travel buddies.”
  • Use their names: Adding both names makes even short bridal shower wishes feel more personal and direct.
Bridal shower card with floral design, featuring information about the event location and the host sign off

Short bridal shower wishes and messages 

You can’t go wrong with a sweet message in a wedding shower card. Short and sweet messages or quotes are the perfect go-to when writing a wedding shower card for a coworker, cousin or somebody you aren’t super close with.

Find inspiration in these short and sweet wedding shower messages: 

  • I love seeing you so in love!
  • Best wishes to you in this new, exciting chapter of your life.
  • Showering you with the happiest of wishes as you embark on this journey.
  • Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness! You deserve it.
Watercolor style illustration of orange on a bridal shower invitation

Source: Bridal shower invitation via VistaPrint

Funny wedding shower card messages

Make the engaged couple laugh by sharing a funny wedding shower card message or quote. This can be a gleeful memory you have together, a witty remark or an entertaining quote that encapsulates your shared sense of humor. But always consider whether they will find it amusing or not, and be careful not to overstep the mark!

Here are a few examples of funny wedding shower messages and quotes:

  • Happy wedding shower! Please take this four-slice toaster as a symbol of your undying love for each other.
  • “I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.”–Rita Rudner
  • I’m so excited for you and [insert spouse’s name]. Does [he/she] know what [he/she] is getting into?
  • “True love is singing karaoke ‘Under Pressure’ and letting the other person sing the Freddie Mercury part.”–Mindy Kaling
  • There’s still time to back out. Oh wait, it’s too late. You’ve already ordered my favorite cake! Just kidding. Congratulations!

Wedding shower card messages for daughters (and sons)

Wedding celebrations can be especially emotional for a parent. In your wedding shower card message to your child, don’t shy away from expressing everything you feel, from pride and joy to the emotion of witnessing them embark on married life. 

Here are a few examples of wishes and quotes you can adapt for your card message: 

  • I can’t wait to watch you walk down the aisle and marry the love of your life. Sorry in advance for all the happy tears.
  • You’ve grown into the most incredible person, and I couldn’t be happier that you found someone worthy of experiencing that every single day.
  • “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever.”–Alfred Tennyson
  • Marriage is full of ups and downs. Continue to cherish the ups and support each other through the downs. We’ll be here for you through it all.
  • Congratulations on finding a wonderful person to share your life with. It brings me comfort to know that you two have everything you need because you have each other. All my love.

In many cases, quotes and wishes like these can also be appropriate in a card for your grandchild or your new son or daughter-in-law.

Bridal shower invitation in a floral pattern and design

Source: Bridal shower invitation via VistaPrint

Wedding shower card messages for siblings

Your relationship with your sibling is unique. In a wedding shower card message for a sibling, striking the right tone could mean combining playful humor with a favorite shared memory, making them sob into the wrapping paper.

Impactful wedding shower card messages for siblings can also often be good choices for siblings-in-law and cousins. Take a look at these wishes and quotes for inspiration: 

  • My dear sister, can you believe this day has finally come? You have always been the most generous and supportive sister to me, and I can’t wait to watch you walk down the aisle. All my love, always!
  • We’ve been dreaming about this chapter our entire lives and now I get to watch you live it. I couldn’t be happier for you and [insert spouse’s name].
  • “To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were.”–Clara Ortega
  • My darling sister/brother, you deserve only the best! I’m so glad you found it in [insert spouse’s name].
  • I’m so happy for you! Relax, have fun and enjoy getting showered with all the love today. I’ll be here if you need anything—there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you!

Wedding shower card messages for friends

Friends make wedding celebrations special. They are the people you choose to have by your side as you face everything life throws at you. So in a wedding shower card message to a friend, be sure to express your love for them and how much you value having them in your life. 

Here are a few quotes and wishes to get ideas flowing: 

  • “Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades. But to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, now that’s a real treat.”–Joanne Woodward
  • Congratulations! You two are proof that soulmates and true love exist. May you grow together and always find new ways to love and support each other.
  • “We’re all a little weird and life’s a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”–Dr. Seuss
  • The big day we’ve all been waiting for is almost here! I’m thrilled for you and wish you nothing but happiness.
  • I’ve been waiting to shower you with love and confetti, and the time has come! Though, now you’ll have to hear how excited I am for your big day, every day. Love you!
Bridal shower invitation in a golden, cursive font

Source: Bridal shower invitation via VistaPrint

Wedding shower card messages for coworkers

In a wedding shower card for a coworker, it’s generally best to keep the message semi-professional. That doesn’t mean you can’t be sweet or funny, but your message shouldn’t contain anything too personal. 

Take a look at these examples of wishes for inspiration: 

  • Keep the honeymoon short and sweet—I can’t survive work without you!
  • Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I’m so excited to cheer you on from the sidelines!
  • Wishing you and your partner the most beautiful marriage ever.
  • Anytime you want to gush about wedding stuff, my desk is always open. Congrats on your happily ever after!

Wedding shower gift ideas

A thoughtful gift can make your wedding shower wishes feel even more personal. You don’t have to spend a lot—what matters is meaning. Personalized items such as monogrammed towels, engraved wine glasses or a framed engagement photo add a sentimental touch. 

A hand reaching for a custom-etched stemless wine glass with the engraving “Bride Squad”—a wedding shower gift for the bride

If the couple enjoys experiences, consider something they can do together, like a cooking class or spa voucher. 

Practical gifts also go a long way: a cozy throw, kitchen essentials or a decorative keepsake for their new home. And if you’re close to the couple, teaming up with friends for a joint present—like luggage or a dinner set—can make it extra special. 

Whatever you choose, pair it with a warm, short bridal shower greeting that shows thoughtfulness they’ll remember long after the party ends!

DIY wedding shower card ideas

Of course, the wedding shower card itself can be the most meaningful gift—especially if you make it by hand. Nothing feels more personal than something created just for the couple. 

A few creative DIY ideas to try:

  • Pressed flower cards: Use blooms from the season or the couple’s engagement bouquet, sealed beneath translucent paper for a delicate finish.
  • Photo collage cards: Print a few snapshots of your favorite memories with the bride or couple and arrange them into a heart-shaped layout.
  • Hand-lettered notes: Use brush pens or metallic ink to write your wedding shower wishes in a beautiful, modern script.
  • Fabric or ribbon accents: Add texture by tying a small satin bow or lining the border with lace or burlap ribbon.
  • Mini keepsake cards: Attach a small charm, dried petal or quote tag so they can save it as a memento.

Write your message inside a custom wedding shower card

Whether you go with a sentimental, funny or inspiring note, remember that the best wedding shower card message is always a personalized one. You can personalize your wedding shower card even further by designing and printing a custom greeting card

VistaPrint wedding shower cards start at just $0.45 per piece and can be customized with your photos, colors and fonts. It’s an easy way to create a card that feels personal, polished and perfectly in tune with the celebration!

Wedding shower card messages FAQs

What are some popular wedding shower themes to match your card design?

Common wedding themes include floral garden parties, rustic brunches, modern minimalist showers or vintage tea parties. Matching your wedding shower card design to the theme—like soft pastels for a garden shower or gold foil for a glam one—helps your message feel cohesive with the event.

How far in advance should you send or bring a wedding shower card?

If you can’t attend the shower, mail your card to arrive about three to five days before the event. If you’re attending in person, hand it to the host or place it with the gifts when you arrive.

Can you include money or a gift card with a wedding shower card?

Yes, many guests tuck in a small cash gift or gift card to go with their wedding shower wishes. Just be sure to place it in a sealed envelope and mention it briefly in your note—something like “Enjoy a little treat on me!” feels natural.

Are digital or printed wedding shower cards better?

Printed cards tend to feel more personal and lasting—something the couple can keep. Digital cards are a good backup if you’re short on time or sending from afar. VistaPrint’s printed cards combine convenience and quality, letting you create something that feels truly special.