Heading to a wedding? Here's what to write in the couple's card

If a friend or loved one is tying the knot, there’s plenty to be done in advance of the big day.

First, you must figure out what to wear to the event. Formal? Casual? Next comes the gift. It’s important to buy just the right gift to celebrate the nuptials and show how truly happy you are that these two people are joining together in matrimony.

Beyond that, it’s essential to send the couple off with your heartfelt congratulations and happy wedding wishes.

If you’re a wordsmith, box checked. However, if coming up with the right words to express your joy doesn’t come easy, we’re here to help with this collection of wedding sentiments to celebrate the most special of occasions.

In the list below, you’ll find short messages that capture the spirit of love, wedding wishes for friends, family and loved ones, as well as religious sayings to use in a card, text, or Instagram post.

For something simple, try, “Two rings, one heart. Congratulations!”

Or if you’d like a message that speaks to your admiration of the couple, write, “I wish I knew all the right words to express how much you both inspire me with your love, your dedication and the joy you spread to everyone around you.”

For a friend? “Friends forever, together always. I’m honored to be included in your wedding day.”

Whichever sentiment you choose will leave a lasting impression and — pardon the pun — is sure to be the icing on the cake.

Wedding wishes and blessings

• May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold and the end of your rainbows, may you find a pot of gold.

• A love like yours knows no end. Congratulations.

• This day was written in the stars. So happy for you both.

• May your troubles be few, blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door.

• To all the days here and after: May they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter.

• Wishing you a lifetime filled with love and laughter.

• Happy wishes to you both: Now and always.

• You go together like milk and cookies. Congratulations.

• May this happy occasion mark the start of a beautiful life together.

• And they rode off into the sunset ...

• Love is the blossom and marriage is the bloom. Celebrating you on this special day.

• A day so beautiful, it could only be yours. Congratulations.

• To have and to hold, from this day forward. Happy wedding day!

• Wishing you wedded bliss in all your days.

• Come what may, together forever.

• Your love is picture perfect. Congratulations to you both.

• May you always be each other's forever.

• Sometimes you just know when it's right. You are those people.

• Wishing you heartfelt congratulations and the happiest of ever afters.

• All our love and happy wishes, today and every day.

Best wedding wishes for the couple

• And they lived happily ever after. The end.

• Eat, drink and be married!

• Two rings, one heart. Congratulations!

• Celebrating you both on this happy day! Best wishes now and always.

• Let them eat cake! Best wishes on your marriage.

• The best thing about you two, is you two. Congratulations!

• From the day you met, I always knew it was going to end up like this. Best wishes on your marriage.

• Today begins the lifelong dance of love and friendship. So happy for you both.

• Cheers to the bride and groom on the first day of their storybook ending.

• Wishing you luck, love and happiness today and everyday. Best wishes on your wedding.

• So thankful to be included in this once-in-a-lifetime moment to share in the celebration of your marriage.

• Sometimes you just know when two people are meant to be together. That’s how it’s always been with you. So happy for you both on this special day.

• We’re overjoyed to be included in this extraordinary day and share in your celebration. Congratulations!

• Best wishes to a couple whose love is nothing short of inspiring and reminds us that some things truly are meant to be.

• Happy day. Happy couple. Happy wedding. Happy everything to you both!

• A toast to white lace, black tails and a love destined by fate. Congratulations.

• Celebrating love with flowers, rings and all the joys this wedding brings.

• The love you share reminds us all that dreams really do come true. Best wishes!

Wedding wishes for friends

• I wish I knew all the right words to express how much you both inspire me with your love, your dedication and the joy you spread to everyone around you.

• I’m so happy for you and proud to have you as friends. Congratulations.

• We’ve known each other a long time. I guess that’s what makes this day even more special. You deserve this love and more than that, a happy life together.

• What’s so amazing about this day is that I’m not losing a best friend, I’m gaining a new one. Congratulations to you both.

• The best things in life aren’t things. They are people like you. I hope this day brings all the joy you so deserve.

• Friends come and go — except for you. You’ve been there through thick and thin. So today I celebrate not only our friendship, but all that you are.

• Bride and bridesmaid today, friends forever. Good luck and congratulations.

• I couldn’t think of two friends I love more. Happy wedding day!

• Let happiness be the light that shines on you today and always.

• Friends forever, together always. I'm honored to be included in your wedding day.

Wedding wishes for family

• I couldn’t be happier to stand by your side as you begin this next phase of your life. Sister, I love you and can’t wait to see what comes next.

• Brothers are special. They’re a shoulder when you need one and an ally when the chips are down. The love of your life is lucky to have you and so am I. Congratulations, I’m so happy for you.

• I never thought I’d get the chance to see my mom/dad get married. I’m so glad to be here to see you shine under the glow of this love. I’m so happy for you. Congratulations.

• Getting married is a big step and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this chapter in your life.

• To my daughter: I’ve never seen you look more radiant, more beautiful or happier than you do right now. Congratulations.

• Every parent hopes their child will grow up and find someone who loves them as much as we love you. Our hopes have been exceeded and we’re overjoyed to share this day with you.

• What’s so amazing about our family is that the more it grows, the better it becomes. Welcome to the family.

• Watching you grow up has been the best thing in my life. Seeing you today, having found someone so special, is even better. I’m so happy for you.

• The love this family shares is unlike anything else. How fortunate are we to have a new son/daughter to love.

• Sisters are more than family. They’re best friends. Today I celebrate the friend that you are, the wonderful person you’ve found and the love you share. Congratulations!

 Religious wedding wishes

• Bound by love, blessed by God. Congratulations on your wedding.

• In holy matrimony you join and by God’s grace you walk life’s path together. Best wishes.

• Wishes for a joyous day and a blessed wedding. Congratulations!

• Blessed by love, married under God. A match made in heaven. Happy wedding day.

• Bells ring and angels sing in celebration of this special day. May God’s grace be with you now and always.

Funny wedding wishes

• Congratulations to a couple that just completed the hardest part of marriage: planning the wedding.

• A toast for the happy couple! Personally, I think champagne’s the better choice, but, hey, it’s your wedding!

• We’re so happy about your wedding, we could cry. Even the cake is in tiers!

• What’s the one thing you can count on when two musicians get married? You’ll always be in a chord. Congratulations!

• Congratulations to the couple voted most likely to do the “Dirty Dancing” lift during the wedding dance.

• It's an open bar, right? Kidding, of course! Congratulations to the happy couple!

• Taco ‘bout a wedding! Here’s to a lifetime of frozen margaritas.

• When you marry someone, you marry their entire family. Hope you bought extra towels.

• Congratulations on your legal, binding agreement. You’re officially a pair from here on out.

• Congratulations, you can now file jointly. Happy W-2 to you!

• The two of you are like shoes — solemates forever.

• You deserve each other — and that's a great thing. Congratulations.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com