Most of us have stood holding a pen over a card with no idea what to put. Everyone else seems to have written something clever, and you worry about getting it wrong. You don't need to be clever. A short message that sounds like you, with one detail about the person, is plenty.
Get three messages for your card
Tell us a little about them and we'll suggest three messages, written with AI. It's free, and nothing you type is saved.
A few things that help with any card
Use their name. "Dear Nicola" or "Nicola," at the top makes it feel personal straight away, even in a card that thirty people are signing.
Mention one real thing. A shared job, a place, a habit, a meal. "Thanks for always making the tea on a Monday" says more than a line about how wonderful someone is.
Say what you hope for them. A good time in the new job, a happy marriage, a lovely day. Keep it simple and specific to them if you can.
Sign it clearly. Write your full name if they might know more than one person called Sam. In a work card, adding your team can help.
Keep jokes for people who will enjoy them, and stay away from anything that could embarrass them if the card is passed round. With a sympathy card, leave humour out altogether unless you knew the family very well.
Example messages by occasion
Here are a few messages for each of the main occasions. Each guide below has around twenty more, grouped by who the card is for.
Leaving cards
- Farhan, the office won't be the same without your terrible puns and your very good biscuits. Good luck in Milton Keynes, and keep in touch.
- Thanks for all your help when I started, Bev. You made the first few weeks much easier than they would have been. All the best with the new job.
More in leaving card messages.
Retirement cards
- Congratulations on your retirement, Stuart. Thirty-one years of keeping the vans on the road is some achievement. Enjoy the allotment, and the lie-ins.
- Wendy, we'll miss your calm voice on the phones and your lemon drizzle on a Friday. Have a wonderful retirement.
More in retirement card messages.
Wedding cards
- To Jas and Kemi, congratulations on your wedding day. It's been lovely watching you two together, and we can't wait for many more Sunday dinners with you both.
- Wishing you both a wonderful day and a very happy marriage. With love from Linda and Hamish.
More in wedding card messages.
Birthday cards
- Happy 50th, Denise! Here's to another birthday walk up Cat Bells, with a better picnic than last year's.
- Happy birthday, Gav. Hope you have a brilliant day and someone else does the barbecue for once.
More in birthday card messages.
Sympathy cards
- I was so sorry to hear about your dad. He was always kind to me, and I'll remember him waving from his front garden. Thinking of you all.
- With deepest sympathy. Please let me know if there is anything I can do, even if it's just a walk or a cup of tea.
More in sympathy card messages.
If you need to say a few words as well
A card often comes with a speech. Whoever organises the leaving card is usually asked to say something at the drinks, and a close family member might be asked to speak at a wedding or a funeral. Speechmade can help with that too. There are guides to leaving speeches, retirement speeches, birthday speeches and wedding speeches, and a gentle guide to writing a eulogy.
Card message guides
Common questions
How long should a card message be?
Two to four sentences is plenty for most cards. In a big group card, one or two lines is better, so there is room for everyone. A close friend or family member can write more, and some people add a short note on a separate sheet.
Is the card message tool free?
Yes. You tell it who the card is for and anything you would like it to mention, and it suggests three messages, written with AI. Nothing you type is saved. Change the wording as much as you like before you write it in the card.
Should I write a message in pen first or practise it?
It helps to write it out on scrap paper or your phone first, then copy it into the card. That way you can check the spelling of names and make sure it fits the space before you start.
How should I sign off?
Match it to how well you know them. "Love from" suits family and close friends. "All the best" or "Best wishes" works for colleagues and people you know less well. For a sympathy card, "With love" or "Thinking of you" is gentle and fits almost anyone.