Sentimental Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter's Special Day
For any parent, the news that their daughter is getting married is both exciting and bittersweet. She's all grown up now, and despite being thrilled for her and her soon-to-be spouse, it's totally normal if you're feeling a little overwhelmed. Writing wedding wishes for your daughter is the perfect way to express your feelings and let her know you're deeply proud and a little nostalgic about all the moments that have led to this special day. Wondering what to write in a wedding card for your girl? We've got some tips and tricks to help you choose those special words for a daughter getting married.
First up, don't be afraid to speak from the heart when writing a wedding card to your daughter. The most meaningful wishes are often a blend of acknowledging her accomplishments, expressing your joy at being there for her and looking forward to all the good times ahead. It's also important to congratulate your daughter and her new spouse—it's a milestone day, after all—but you don't have to go overboard. If in doubt, keep things simple and heartfelt and you won't go wrong.
If you're feeling creative, including a quote from her favorite film or writing a letter to your daughter on her wedding day is a great way to mix things up. You can also offer some advice on married life or simply let the happy couple know you support them today and in the future.
Ready to write a wedding card for your daughter? These sample wedding wishes will help you craft a memorable message (as well as put the finishing touches to a wedding gift for your daughter).
Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter: Special Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter | Funny Wishes | Wedding Card Quotes | To a Daughter and Her Partner | From a Mother | From a Father | For a Daughter-in-Law | Example Poem
Special Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter
If you didn't get too mushy in her bridal shower card, your wedding message for your daughter is the perfect occasion to let it all out. You've watched her grow into a wonderful person, so talk about what you most admire about her, how you're privileged to be her parents and why you're especially grateful to be part of her big day.
- It seems like only yesterday you were putting on your graduation gown and walking on stage in your high school auditorium to accept your diploma. And today, you'll put on yet another gown and walk down the aisle. [I'm/We're] at a loss for words, but in the best way possible. Love you.
- To [my/our] daughter on her wedding day, you are a vision. You've filled [my/our] [life/lives] with incredible happiness and you're about to do the same for [spouse's name]. [I/We] adore you and can't wait to see you say "I do."
- Since the day you were born, you stole [my/our] [heart/hearts]. Now, you've stolen the heart of another. Happy Wedding Day, sweetie!
- Every parent thinks their child is the best, but in [my/our] case, it's actually true. [I've/we've] watched in awe as you've gotten engaged and started planning this special day. Excited to share this moment with you!—With all [my/our love], your [parent/parents].
- Not sure if [spouse's name] knows just how lucky they are to have you, but after seeing you as a bride today, they'll have no doubt. Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] darling daughter!
- When [I/we] first heard you got engaged, [I was/we were] over the moon to be getting a new [son/daughter/child]-in-law. Today, on your wedding day, that feeling has only gotten stronger.
- There are so many words [I/we] could use to describe you. Kind, beautiful, funny and thoughtful don't even begin to cover it. Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] wonderful daughter!
- Parents are supposed to inspire their children, but you've always blown [me/us] away with your approach to life. [I'm/we're] thrilled to be part of your wedding day and will always be there for you and [partner's name].
- With every year that passes, [I've/we've] only got prouder of you and what you have achieved. Now, as you get ready to marry the love of your life, [I/we] couldn't be happier for you.
- It's hard to sum up just how proud and privileged [I am/we are] to have you as [my/our] daughter. May your wedding day and marriage be everything you've dreamed of and more. Love you!
Funny Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter
Not every wedding card has to reduce your daughter to sentimental tears—giggles are just as welcome. Sometimes funny wedding wishes are even better than emotional ones because they can lighten the mood and remind her to simply relax and enjoy the moment. Below, you'll find humorous marriage wishes to a daughter that'll make her smile (or laugh out loud) when she reads them.
- How is it possible that we have a daughter old enough to get married?! Happy Wedding Day, [daughter's name]—think we can make it to the after party? It might be way past [my/our] bedtime!
- [I/We] thought [I'd/we'd] be able to keep it together for pictures, but so many packs of tissues have been gone through already…[I'm/we're] already stocking up again for the ceremony.
- Now that [I'm/we're] "official" empty nesters, [I/we] thought we'd go on a honeymoon, too! [I was/We were] waiting for the wedding to be over, but just couldn't keep it in any longer—see you on the plane next week!
- [I'm/we're] not usually [one/ones] to get sentimental, but as it's your wedding day, [I'll/we'll] make an exception. Great job picking [spouse's name]! Oh, and [I/we] love you so much!
- Finally, [spouse's name] has arrived to take you off [my/our] hands! Just kidding, we're super excited about your wedding day. Don't forget to come home for a visit!
- Welcome to married life, where 'Where do you want to eat' is the most terrifying question in the world!
- Congratulations on finding someone to put up with you for the rest of your life—ha! [I/We] love you!
Emotional Quotes for Your Daughter's Wedding Card
Still stumped over what to write in your daughter's wedding card? If coming up with something new feels daunting, let a meaningful quote do the talking for you instead. From songs and poetry to film and literature, there are so many places to source sweet and emotional wedding quotes for a daughter getting married. Find our favorite sayings below.
- "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." —Moulin Rouge
- "Grace was in all her steps. Heaven in her eye. In every gesture, dignity and love." —John Milton, Paradise Lost
- "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." —Audrey Hepburn
- "A bride is the most beautiful poem ever written. Her heart is the ink, and her love story is the verses, etched with the elegance of eternity." —Oscar Wilde
- "Oh, it's such a perfect day, I'm glad I spent it with you." —"Perfect Day" by Lou Reed
- "She makes the day brighter. She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes." —Kate Spade
- "People are weird. When we find someone with weirdness that is compatible with ours, we team up and call it love." —Dr. Seuss
- "The whole place was dressed to the nines and we were dancing, dancing." —"Starlight" by Taylor Swift
- "Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by the imagination." —Voltaire
- "And though she be but little, she is fierce." —William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Wedding Wishes to a Daughter and Her Partner
In wedding card sayings for your daughter and her new spouse, you'll want to convey your deep love, joy and pride on this memorable day. Express warm wishes for their happily ever after and emphasize how important it is to find joy in the good and bad days. You can also offer words of encouragement, reminding them that while life is full of challenges, their love for each other is strong enough to overcome them. Finally, remember to officially welcome your daughter's new spouse into the family.
- Today, you get married, [daughter's name] and [spouse's name], and [I/we] have been looking forward to this day for what seems like forever. We're over the moon to share it with you.
- Happy Wedding Day to [my/our] daughter and the love of her life. You complement each other perfectly, and [I'm/we're] thrilled to see what you two can do together. Love you both!
- When you're married, not every day will be filled with fancy clothes, champagne toasts and dancing 'til dawn—but they will all be filled with love.
- [I/We] knew that wedding bells were in your future from the first time [I/we] saw you two together. You both had a glow and [I've/we've] only watched it grow as you planned this much-awaited special day. You've earned it and an amazing life to follow. Congratulations, [I/we] love you.
- [Daughter's name] and [spouse's name], you've overcome so many challenges to get to this day. No matter what the future holds, your love for each other will always see you through. Congratulations on your wedding day!
- To [daughter's name] and [spouse's name], may your marriage be filled with happiness, love, kindness and laughter.
- Wow! [Daughter's name] and [spouse's name], your wedding day is finally here! Amid all the excitement, photos and smiles, don't forget to enjoy a quiet moment with each other to take it all in. Love you both!
- [I'd/we'd] offer you some advice, but the two of you are so good together [I/we] don't think you need it. Seeing how you love and care for one another fills [my/our] [heart/hearts] with joy. Happy Wedding Day.
- Congratulations to [my/our] daughter and her new [husband/wife/spouse]. So thrilled to be getting a new [son/daughter/child]-in law!
- [Daughter's name] and [spouse's name], today you will start the next chapter of your lives as a married couple. Don't forget [I'm/we're] always here for you—just call when you need [me/us]!
Wedding Wishes From a Mother to Her Daughter
We'll always have a special place in our hearts for brides and their moms. And while you probably already have some mother-of-the-bride duties to take care of, remember to make time to think about wedding card sentiments for your daughter. Whether you want to gush about how she looks in her bridal best or tell her how much she means to you, here are some ideas for what to say to your daughter on her wedding day.
- To my girl, we finally got here—your wedding day—and I'm so excited to see all of your hard work and dedication come to life. It's going to be amazing! Thank you for letting me have a part in it.
- You, my love, are glowing today. Your hair is stunning, your makeup is perfect, your gown is gorgeous and, most importantly, you're radiating happiness. Soak it all in, honey, and don't forget how loved you are. Enjoy your day!
- My greatest honor in life is being your mom, and as I watch you get ready to marry your person, I'm overwhelmed with happiness. You are a dream come true. Love you, sweetheart.
- [Daughter's name], today you're a bride and tomorrow you'll be a wife. I hope your marriage is brimming with the best days, but even when times are tough, know that I'm always in your corner—Forever and ever. Love, Mom.
- I'm proud to be your mom, not just on your wedding day but always. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter, and I'm so happy to be by your side today.
- Dear [daughter's name], you may be feeling a little teary (and nervous) today, but that's okay. Just know that I'll always be here to squeeze your hand and offer advice when you ask for it. Happy Wedding Day!
- As mother and daughter, you and I are like peas in a pod. Now that you're getting married, things will be different, but our bond will never change.
- My little girl is all grown up! It seems like yesterday you were in pigtails, playing in the backyard and excited to tell me about what you learned in school. I am so impressed with the incredible person you have become. Congratulations on your wedding day!
- To my darling daughter, your wedding day is only the beginning! You and [spouse's name] have so much to look forward to, and I can't wait to be there to share it with you.
- Being a mother was something I always wanted, but I never thought it would make me this happy! You're such an amazing daughter and today you've made me one proud mama.
Wedding Wishes From a Father to His Daughter
There are several opportunities where, as the father of the bride, you can wax poetic about how much you adore your daughter—at the engagement party, during your speech at the wedding reception and perhaps even at the post-wedding brunch. But if there are still a few things you need her to hear, you can say them on your wedding card, like the thoughtful messages below.
- [Daughter's name], I've been feeling nervous about this day, but I know when I see you, all my apprehension will float away. You always have that kind of effect and on your wedding day, it's no different. Thanks for reserving a first look for your dad, you're a beautiful bride.
- I'm a man of few words, so I'll keep this simple. It's such an honor to walk you down the aisle today on your wedding day. I love you!
- Being your father is one of my greatest accomplishments. Seeing you look so beautiful and happy on your wedding day, I can safely say I did something right. So proud of you, sweetie!
- Your first father-daughter dance in first grade will always be one of my favorite memories, but I think today will be a close second (kidding, they're all my favorites.) Happy Wedding Day to the best dance partner around—just don't tell your mom *wink wink.*
- Congratulations to my daughter on her wedding day. You're the light of my life, and I know all eyes will be on you when you walk down that aisle. Just walk slowly because I want to hold onto you for as long as I can. Love you!
- When I first held you in my arms, you were such a tiny baby. I couldn't imagine that you'd ever grow up to be the person you are today—but here we are! Congratulations to you and [spouse's name] on your wedding day.
- My precious daughter, I have so many cherished memories of you from over the years. From teaching you to ride a bike to dropping you off at school dances (that was fun!), it's been a privilege to be part of all those moments, big and small. Happy Wedding Day.
- It's hard to believe my little girl is getting married, but I couldn't be more excited about celebrating this special day. Here's to many more milestones we can share together!
- To my daughter on her wedding day, my advice is simple: enjoy every single moment. Life's too short to worry about the future, so just be thankful to have someone awesome to share the present with.
- Happy Wedding Day to a daughter who is kind, loving, clever and beautiful. I wonder where you got it from?! Love from Dad.
Wedding Wishes for a New Daughter-in-Law
It's said that when your child gets married, you don't lose them—you just gain a new child instead. And isn't it a relief to know that the person standing by their side is so wonderful? These daughter-in-law wedding wishes are sweet snippets that will show her you're thrilled to have her on the team.
- If you didn't know what you were getting into with this family already, [daughter-in-law's name], you'll get the whole [family last name] experience today. We know we're a lot, but you gotta love us, right?
- [My/Our] [son/daughter/child] was never one to come home from a date and want to dish about it until [he/she/they] met you. Way to make an impression, daughter-in-law—we love you!
- [Daughter-in-law's name], you are a parent's greatest wish realized. Thank you for filling [my/our] kiddo's life with so much joy. You guys are off on an amazing adventure. Congrats on your wedding day!
- You're the best daughter-in-law we could have wished for! [I/We] hope [child's name] treats you like a queen. Call [me/us] if they don't!
- From day one, you've slotted into [my/our] family so well. [I'm/we're] overjoyed to officially call you [my/our] daughter-in-law!
- To [my/our] wonderful daughter-in-law, you've made our family complete and we're so grateful for the love you've brought to our lives. Congrats on your big day!
- [Daughter-in-law's name], you've already felt like part of our family but [I'm/we're] excited to make it official. Best wishes on your wedding day!
- Now, when people ask me how many children [I/we] have, [I/We] get to say X—Happy Wedding Day, daughter-in-law!
Example Poem for Your Daughter on Her Wedding Day
Instead of traditional daughter wedding wishes, why not try your hand at a poem to your daughter on her wedding day? There's no need to feel intimidated when putting pen to paper—just keep things simple and heartfelt, and you're on the right track. Plus, you have us to help you compose something special. Use our example wedding poem below as a guide.
The moment you were born, my eyes began to water,
I was so in love with my beautiful baby daughter.
Now that you've grown up and are preparing to wed,
I'll shed tears of joy on your big day instead.
Over the years, we've shared smiles and laughter,
Today, I hope you and [spouse's name] will live happily ever after.
Additional reporting by Shyla Watson