A sincere word of congratulations can stay in a couple's memory for years. Whether you will write it on a gift card, send it on WhatsApp, or leave it in the guestbook inside the digital invitation, you will find wording here for every relationship and every setting, from the formal to the very close.
The prophetic dua for the newly married #
The most beautiful thing to say to a couple is the dua taught by the Prophet, peace be upon him:
May Allah bless you, shower His blessings upon you, and unite you both in goodness.
In Arabic it is "Barakallahu laka, wa baraka 'alayka, wa jama'a baynakuma fi khayr", and it can be said to the couple together.
Congratulations for the groom #
A thousand congratulations, Omar. Today you have completed half your faith. May Allah fill your home with affection and mercy.
Congratulations, my lifelong friend. I am as happy for you as if it were my own wedding. May Allah grant you happiness and righteous children.
To tonight's groom: congratulations from the heart, and how fortunate is the one who shares your path.
Congratulations for the bride #
Congratulations, Rahaf, the most beautiful bride on the most beautiful night. May Allah grant you comfort and peace in your new home.
My dear friend, today you begin the loveliest chapter of your life. I wish you a contented heart, a warm home and days full of joy.
A thousand congratulations to our dear bride. How lovely you look in your dress, and how lovely the days ahead of you will be.
Congratulations for the couple together #
Congratulations on this beautiful beginning. May Allah keep love between you and make your days as joyful as Eid.
A blessed marriage, a life full of affection and mercy, and a home filled with remembrance and laughter.
Two people brought together in goodness. May Allah make their union mercy and affection for the rest of their lives.
Congratulations for the couple's families #
A thousand congratulations on your son Omar's wedding. May Allah complete their happiness and give you joy in them and in their children.
Congratulations on the wedding of your daughter Rahaf. May Allah grant her success in her life and make her the comfort of your eyes.
We congratulate you on this fine union between your families. May it be blessed and bring lasting joy.
Formal messages for colleagues and acquaintances #
It gives me great pleasure to offer you my sincere congratulations and best wishes on your marriage, and I wish you a happy married life.
Congratulations on your nikah. We wish you every success in your new life.
Short congratulations for WhatsApp #
- A thousand congratulations. May it all go beautifully.
- Congratulations on your marriage. May it be the start of every good thing.
- May Allah bless you both and unite you in goodness.
- Congratulations from the heart. Wishing you every happiness.
- The sweetest congratulations to the sweetest couple!
Where do you write your congratulations? #
- On the gift card: a short message with your name.
- In a WhatsApp message: before the wedding or the morning after.
- In the guestbook inside the digital invitation: many invitations now have a space where guests write their wishes, so the couple read them all together after the wedding and keep them as a lovely memory.
- In a few words to the room, if you are asked: choose a short line and a prayer, and keep it brief.
Tips for congratulations they will remember #
- Use the groom's or bride's name: a personal message is warmer than a general one.
- Add a shared memory if you are close: a moment, or a quality you love in them.
- Avoid jokes that could embarrass the couple in front of family.
- End with a prayer: it is the finest gift on this occasion.
If you can't attend, our article on how to decline a wedding invitation politely has wording that combines an apology with congratulations.
Where guests can leave these wishes #
If the couple's invitation has a guestbook, guests can post their wish right on it. See online wedding guestbook for how it works and more sample wishes.
The bottom line #
Beautiful congratulations don't need many words. They need sincerity, a prayer and a name written with affection. Choose the wording that suits your relationship and add your own touch. And if you are preparing your own wedding, you can design a digital invitation with a guestbook that gathers your guests' words in one place.
Frequently asked questions #
What is the dua for newlyweds? #
"Barak Allahu lakuma wa baraka alaykuma wa jama'a baynakuma fi khayr": may Allah bless you both, send His blessings upon you, and bring you together in goodness. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said it to those who married.
What should I write to a friend who is getting married? #
Use their name, add a memory or a quality you love in them, and end with a wish or a prayer. For example: "Congratulations, Omar. I'm as happy for you as if it were my own wedding."
When should I send wedding congratulations? #
On the wedding day or the morning after if you are writing, and in person if you attend. If you are a few days late, a late message is still better than none.
Should I congratulate the couple's parents too? #
Yes, especially at family weddings. A short line to the groom's father or the bride's mother means a great deal to them.
How do I congratulate the couple if I can't attend? #
Send a kind decline with your congratulations before the wedding, then a message or a gift afterwards. See wedding apology messages.
