Proven Techniques for Writing a Sincere Greeting Card Message

A greeting card or letter is the perfect way to accompany a thoughtful gift, and at a time when so many traditions are being discarded in favor of technology-based alternatives, sitting down to put pen to paper with a card is all the more special. As the Greeting Card Association puts it: “In a time where so much information is fleeting, cards allow people to connect in an authentic, meaningful and lasting way.”

However, not everyone feels confident in unleashing their inner wordsmith this way, and we can sometimes find ourselves scratching our heads and struggling to find the words to fill the blank space in between your greeting and your sign-off. Here are some of our favorite tips and tricks for writing pitch-perfect greeting cards for any occasion, be it the note accompanying birthday flowers or a heartfelt thank you. 

How to write a sincere apology

Uh-oh. What have you done? Don’t worry - whatever it is, the fact that you’re planning to write an apology note bodes well for you. Working up the courage to say you’re sorry in the first place can be hard, so the last thing you need is further anxiety about how your message will land. Here are some things to keep in mind when apologizing.

• Be direct and specific - apologizing for exactly what it is that you’ve done will show you’re ready to take responsibility and make amends
• Don’t make it about you - try not to wax poetic about how the situation has affected you; that’s called guilt-tripping
• Offer an olive branch - if the situation is one that can be helped by you doing something for them, ask if they would like you to do it, but don’t be hurt if they say no

Remember - apologies aren’t transactional. You should never write an apology expecting anything in return; it should only be done because you genuinely want to apologize.

Making ‘Thank You’ cards meaningful

Thank you cards are a wonderful way of letting someone know that their gift or actions are appreciated. While writing multiple thank you cards after a birthday or wedding can be time-consuming, it is worth going the extra mile to personalize them with these tips:

• Try to be timely; leave it too long after the event and it can come across as forgetful or careless
• Mention the gift (be it a physical present or the gift of their presence) explicitly to let them know that the card has been personalized
• Keeping it short and sweet will seem more genuine than going on and on

If you can mention a time when you’ve used their gift the recipient of your card will know they’ve hit the mark, and feel all the more confident in their gift-giving abilities. 

What to write to someone on their birthday

Birthday messages can be particularly difficult to write, because you might feel the pressure to make it different every year. If you’re looking to shake up your birthday greetings then try these suggestions:

• Write a poem or joke based on the events of the previous year - this takes some creativity, but if they’re a good friend or close loved one then you should have plenty of material
• Tell them something you wish for them in the coming year; this could be as simple as happiness and good health, or steps towards a specific goal they have
• Include an apt quote about getting older - but bear in mind the tone of this might depend on how the recipient feels about aging 

If these options all feel a bit too creative for your liking, there’s really nothing wrong with sticking to a straightforward “happy birthday”. 

Cards sent with sympathy

Sympathy cards are some of the hardest to write - putting such complex emotions on paper doesn’t come naturally to many people. Reaching out to express sympathy in the first place can say a lot with very few words, so don’t feel the need to overcompensate. If you’re thinking of sending sympathy flowers, here is what to put into your card:

• If you have a favorite memory of the person who has passed, include it in your message - the recipient will enjoy hearing about how much their loved one meant to you
• Ask if there’s anything you can do to help them in this difficult time
• Let them know that you’re available to talk to if they need someone

If the recipient is taking visitors it may be best to go the extra mile and hand-deliver this particular message.

Writing a congratulations letter

Letters of congratulations are some of the best to send; it’s always a wonderful thing to be able to celebrate a loved one’s achievement. Let them know you’re proud of their accomplishment by including some of these features:

• Remind them of how they felt at the start of their endeavor, be it a nerve-wracking job interview or the start of college, and highlight how far they have come
• Tell them to take some time out to celebrate if they can, as they’ve probably been working hard for this goal
• Don’t feel the need to highlight any help you may have given them, as they are probably well aware already - this is their big moment

It goes without saying to never send a congratulations letter before you’re absolutely sure that congratulations are in order … you run the risk of being corrected the next time you see that person, which is bound to be awkward for both of you. 

For every greeting card

There are some general pointers that can apply to any and all greeting cards. Double-checking your spelling is a must, especially when it comes to names. Including a date will add poignancy if your recipient is the kind to save their cards. And lastly, try to keep your handwriting neat!

Flowers make a great accompaniment to messages for every occasion. Whether it’s expressing condolences or emphasizing friendship, flowers are the perfect way to let someone know you’re thinking of them. You can even give the gift of a monthly flower subscription to the flower fanatics among your friends. 

If you need something special to go with your card, you can order flowers from French Florist by 2pm for same-day local delivery across Los Angeles.