Depending on what sort of relationship you have with a bride or groom who’s preparing to say “I do,” you could end up being a guest at more than just their wedding. Most couples host a number of celebratory events prior to their big day — from engagement parties to rehearsal dinners — and even if you’re not a member of the wedding party, you may be invited (and therefore expected to attend) all of them.
One of the most commonly held events is a bridal shower, which tends to take place a month or two before the wedding. Though in the past the guest list has traditionally been limited to women, nowadays, any of the bride’s closest friends and family members attend. She likely won’t be hosting though — that job is typically reserved for her parents, the maid of honor, the entire group of bridesmaids, or a combination of these.
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Regardless, if you’ve been invited to a bridal shower, you at least have some sort of relationship with the bride. The event is all about her, and will likely consist of some food, games, and gift opening. Most of all, guests will be able to express their best wishes for the bride and her soon-to-be husband.
You’ll do this both in-person and through your gift, which should of course be accompanied by a card. However, figuring out what to write in a bridal shower card can be difficult. But don’t freak out yet — there’s a general outline with key elements that you can follow, which we’ve broken down below.
The Basics
Congratulate the Bride
When figuring out what to write in bridal shower card, start with something along the lines of “I’m so happy for you!” or “Congrats on finding your perfect match!” You want to express how excited you are for her big day and what’s to come after for her.
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Offer a Compliment and Encouragement
Yes, this is a happy time for the bride, but it’s also a nerve-racking one! Reassure her that everything’s going to be okay by offering some words of encouragement and something that’ll boost her confidence.
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Next Steps
Examine Your Relationship
Gauge the level of detail you should go into by how close you are. For example, if you’ve been friends with the bride since you were in kindergarten, when deciding what to write in a bridal shower card, don’t simply say “Many congratulations!” and be done with it. But if the bride is a co-worker, acquaintance, or someone you’re not that close with, you should wrap things up after you’ve included both of the above.
If not…
Get Personal
Is the bride a family member or a close friend? Then you should reflect on your relationship in the card. You don’t have to write a novel about all of your greatest memories, but you can recall a few, especially if they’re connected to how you two became so close. Be thoughtful and sentimental!
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You don’t have to be completely serious, though. Throw in a joke or two, as long as they’re not bashing the bride (or groom!) or passive-aggressive. Even inside jokes work, since the card is private unlike a speech or toast at the reception. You both will get it, and that’s all that matters.
Extras
Incorporate the Bride’s Religion
If you know the wedding is going to include a religious ceremony, be held in a particular church, or are aware that the bride’s religion is important to her, you can write well-wishes that incorporate her faith in the bridal shower card as well.
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Quotes
Songs, movies, poems, books — these are all fair game, as long as you don’t pass the words off as your own.
Examples:
- “Love isn’t something you find. Love is something that finds you.” –Loretta Young
- “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” –Lao Tzu
- “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” –Mignon McLaughlin
- “The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you don’t find very often, then that is what love is all about.” –Bruce Forsyth
- “Love is when reality is better than your dreams.” –Becky Graham
No matter what you decide to write in your bridal shower card, make sure it comes from the heart!
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