What to write in a congratulations card
Name the achievement in the first sentence. Add one specific detail. Close with a wish. Sign your name. Keep the message under 75 words. A card with 3 to 5 sentences works for most events.
Card structure
Use 4 parts: greeting, achievement, detail, wish. Example: 'Dear Maya, Congratulations on passing the bar exam. Your 3 years of study paid off. Wishing you a strong first case. Sam.'
Messages by event
Match the message to the milestone. The list below gives sample lines.
- Graduation: 'Congrats on your BA in biology from State University.'
- New job: 'Congratulations on the analyst role at Acme Corp.'
- Promotion: 'Congrats on making team lead after 2 years.'
- Wedding: 'Congratulations to Ava and Liam on their wedding on June 4.'
- New baby: 'Congrats on the birth of your son, Leo, 7 lb 2 oz.'
- Retirement: 'Congratulations on 30 years at the post office.'
- House: 'Congrats on closing on the house on Oak Street.'
Length and tone
Short cards work for coworkers and neighbors. Use 10 to 20 words. Long cards work for family and close friends. Use 40 to 75 words. Write in plain language. Avoid slang that dates the card.
What to avoid
Do not write 'congrats on your thing.' Do not mention past failures. Do not add advice unless asked. Do not use sarcasm. For a wedding, do not mention divorce. For a new job, do not ask about salary.
Handwritten vs printed
Handwrite the message when possible. Emily Post says handwritten notes are standard for weddings and graduations. Printed cards with a handwritten signature work for office groups. Hallmark states that a specific detail makes the card personal.