What to write in a congratulations card

An exciting new job, a surprise engagement, or perhaps simply a little victory, there are thousands of reasons why you might want to say a huge congrats to a loved one! But we know that nailing the perfect message isn’t always the easiest thing in the world… 

Not to worry though, as this is where we come in to save the day! We’ve pulled together a whole host of congratulations card messages, spanning from the hilarious to the heartfelt, as well as plenty of short and sweet options too. 

We’ve done all the heavy lifting, so all you’ll need to do is grab a pen and jot down your favourite! Whether it’s words of congratulations for an achievement you’re looking for, or you’re simply hoping to give recognition for life’s little wins, we’ve got you. 

But where exactly should I write my message we hear you asking… Well, you didn’t think we’d leave you high and dry, did you? We’ve got a wonderful range of congratulations cards for you to browse through, and here are a few of our favourites: 

Simply select your preferred design, then lovingly jot down one of the below congratulations wishes! 

Heartfelt congratulations card messages

When a loved one achieves something, it’s important to let them know just how proud you are. And luckily, our first set of message ideas is ideal for occasions of all kinds: 

  1. Congratulations on the amazing news! We think you’re completely amazing, and we couldn’t be happier for you. 
  2. Cheers to you for a job well done. You should be so very proud of yourself for everything you’ve achieved. 
  3. Just wanted to send you a little note to let you know just how proud I am. I’m overjoyed to hear the amazingly exciting news! 
  4. Wow, what an achievement. You’ve worked so hard, and you deserve every bit of success that comes your way… 
  5. I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than you. Congrats to you and cheers to the future! 

Short and sweet congratulations messages

With those who are closest to us, sometimes long-winded messages just aren’t necessary.  So, if you’re searching for short congratulatory message ideas (which are still full to the brim with sentiment), here are some of our favourites. 

  1. Congratulations! There was never a moment’s doubt in my mind. 
  2. We couldn’t be prouder of you, congrats! 
  3. You’re truly a star, do you know that? 
  4. Hats off to you. You did it! 
  5. Congratulations on the wonderful news, I’m so very happy for you. 

Humorous and light-hearted congratulations messages 

There’s no such thing as too much happiness, right? So, why not inject some humour into what’s already an incredibly joyful time? The below messages are perfect for sending to siblings, colleagues, and best friends alike, no matter their achievements: 

  1. Okay, okay, that’s enough success for one person. You’re making the rest of us look like failures now… 
  2. Congrats on your amazing success. Now, all that’s left to do is pop that bottle of champagne (and prepare for the hangover from hell tomorrow).  
  3. We never doubted you for a second! Well, maybe one second, but it was short-lived we promise… 
  4. You did it, and somehow managed to make it look ridiculously easy… show-off!
  5. Congratulations on your amazing successes! (Can you let us in on your secrets so the rest of us can catch up?).

Meaningful congratulations quotes 

When it comes to congratulations wishes, sometimes someone else’s words of wisdom can mean the world to your loved one. Who knows, maybe they’ll carry your chosen quote with them and use it as inspo for their next achievement! 

  1. “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places. You’re off and away!” -Dr. Suess
  2. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”- Walt Disney 
  3. “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” – Dale Carnegie
  4. “Nobody who ever accomplished anything big or new or worth raising a celebratory fist in the air did it from their comfort zone.” – Jen Sincero 
  5. “I think there should be a rule that everyone in the world should get a standing ovation at least once in their lives.”- R. J. Palacio. 

Congratulations messages for milestone events 

Whether it’s a wedding, a graduation, or the birth of a bundle of joy, there are moments in life which call for huge celebrations. And there’s no better way to say congrats than with a thoughtful card and an even more thoughtfully crafted message: 

  1. Congratulations on your graduation. I’m super proud of you, and I can’t wait to witness all the success you’ve got to come. 
  2. You did it, congrats. The world is your oyster, and we’ll be watching from afar, continuously cheering you on. 
  3. Congratulations on your beautiful bundle of joy. What an exciting journey you have ahead. 
  4. Congrats love birds. Here’s to the rest of forever!
  5. Another of life’s big milestones ticked off, what an achievement! All that’s left to do now is celebrate in style. 

Congratulations messages for life’s little wins 

It’s not only the big life events which are important to recognise… Here at thortful, we’re passionate about celebrating life’s little wins too!  

Perhaps you’ve got a friend who got a first on an essay, or a sibling who has recently stepped out of their comfort zone? If so, be the one to recognise their achievement and watch as their face lights up: 

  1. No achievement is too small to be celebrated. Here’s to you!  
  2. Just a little note to let you know how proud I am of you. Congrats on all your recent small (but mighty) wins. 
  3. Congratulations! I’m so proud of you. And remember, this is only the beginning. 
  4. Hey, just sending you this message to let you know I’m super proud of you. Every win, no matter the size is worth celebrating! 
  5. Remember, celebrating the smaller victories makes the journey a worthwhile one! 

Hopefully the above ideas on what to write in a congratulations card have inspired you. Whether you write them word for word, or adapt them to make them more personal, our congratulations wishes are bound to make your loved one’s day! 

So, next time there’s a cause for celebration, simply pick your favourite message and send it to someone who truly deserves to hear it. And if you enjoyed this, why not head over to the thortful blog for plenty more insights and ideas? 

You could dive into our guides on what to write in an engagement card and congratulations messages for exams. Or, if you know a new driver, take inspiration from our congratulations on passing your driving test messages