Contributing to a wishing well is easy. Knowing what to write in the message is where most people stall. Whether you're contributing online through a digital platform or writing in a card at the reception, the message you include matters — sometimes more than the amount.
This guide has 30 wishing well message examples for weddings, birthdays, and baby showers, plus tips for writing something personal.
Why a Message Matters
When you contribute to a wishing well and leave a message, the recipient reads it. Sometimes multiple times. Long after the money has been spent, the message stays — in a screenshot, a downloaded export, or simply in memory.
A generous gift with a generic "Congratulations!" tells the couple very little. A modest contribution with a specific, personal message — "Can't believe the person who burned toast at every share house meal is getting married. So proud of you. Here's to a lifetime of takeaway." — becomes a memory.
You don't need to write an essay. Two to four sentences that are genuine and specific almost always land better than a paragraph of generic well-wishes.
30 Wishing Well Message Examples
Generate personalised messages with our free wishing well wording generator.
Wedding Wishing Well Messages (10 Examples)
Example 1 — Heartfelt and simple: "Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventures together. So honoured to celebrate your wedding — congratulations!"
Example 2 — Specific and personal: "I've watched you both grow into the perfect team. Your wedding day is everything you deserve. Wishing you nothing but happiness in your life together."
Example 3 — For a close friend: "I've been lucky enough to see this love story from the beginning. Today is just the start. So proud of you both and so glad to be here. Love you heaps."
Example 4 — Warm and funny: "Congratulations on finding someone willing to tolerate you full-time. Honestly, a miracle. Wishing you both the happiest life together!"
Example 5 — For someone you've known a long time: "We've been through a lot together. Seeing you marry the person who makes you this happy is one of the best things I've ever witnessed. Congratulations — here's to your next chapter."
Example 6 — For a colleague you've become close with: "What started as workplace small talk turned into a genuine friendship I treasure. So glad to be celebrating your wedding day. Wishing you both everything you deserve."
Example 7 — Short and sweet: "Today is the start of something wonderful. Congratulations and all our love!"
Example 8 — Honeymoon contribution: "Here's a little contribution to your honeymoon adventures — may every destination be more incredible than the last. Congratulations on your wedding!"
Example 9 — For a couple you admire: "You two set the standard for what a partnership should look like. Wishing you a lifetime together as happy as you make everyone around you."
Example 10 — When you can't attend: "Gutted not to be there in person, but thinking of you both today. Wishing you the most beautiful wedding day and a marriage full of joy. Congratulations!"
Birthday Wishing Well Messages (10 Examples)
Example 11 — For a milestone birthday: "[Age] looks amazing on you! Wishing you a year full of everything you love. Happy birthday — you deserve every celebration."
Example 12 — For a close friend's big birthday: "I've known you for [X] years and you only get better. Here's to [age] and everything it brings. So proud to call you my mate."
Example 13 — Funny and warm: "Another year older, another year wiser. Or so they say. Happy birthday — hope you spend this contribution on something entirely frivolous."
Example 14 — For a 21st: "Happy 21st! The world is properly yours now — go get it. Wishing you every adventure and all the best for what comes next."
Example 15 — For a 40th: "40 and absolutely killing it. Wishing you a year as brilliant as you are. Cheers to the next chapter!"
Example 16 — For a surprise birthday: "You didn't see this coming (or did you?). Happy birthday from all of us. Hope this brings some joy to your day!"
Example 17 — For a colleague's birthday: "Happy birthday! Working with you is genuinely the best part of this job. Hope you have an amazing celebration."
Example 18 — For a family member: "Happy birthday, [name]. Watching you grow into the incredible person you are has been one of my greatest joys. Here's to another brilliant year."
Example 19 — For a parent's milestone birthday: "You've given me everything and asked for nothing. This small contribution is just a tiny way of showing how much you mean to us. Happy [age]th — you are so loved."
Example 20 — Short and genuine: "Happy birthday! Wishing you all the best for the year ahead. So glad we get to celebrate you."
Baby Shower Wishing Well Messages (10 Examples)
Example 21 — Heartfelt: "You are going to be such an incredible parent. This little one is so lucky to be coming into your family. Congratulations and all our love!"
Example 22 — Funny and warm: "Sleep now. Sleep as much as you possibly can. Just kidding — it's already too late. Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! Can't wait to meet bub."
Example 23 — For a close friend: "I've watched you become the most thoughtful, loving person over the years. This baby is getting the best mum/dad. So excited to meet them. Congratulations!"
Example 24 — For a sibling: "My future niece/nephew is already so lucky. You're going to be an amazing parent — [Name] and I can't wait to spoil this little one rotten."
Example 25 — Practical and warm: "Here's a little something for the nappy fund — may your supplies be plentiful and your sleep deprivation manageable. So happy for you both!"
Example 26 — For a colleague: "Congratulations on your upcoming arrival! The office won't be the same without you, but we know you're about to start the best adventure of your life. Wishing you and the family all the best."
Example 27 — For a second baby: "Baby number two — lucky to be joining such a wonderful family! Congratulations to all of you. Big sibling is going to be amazing."
Example 28 — Short and genuine: "Congratulations! Wishing you a smooth arrival and a happy, healthy bub. So excited for you."
Example 29 — For someone who has waited a long time: "This little one is so loved before they've even arrived. Wishing you the most beautiful birth and all the joy that comes with it. Congratulations — you deserve every bit of this happiness."
Example 30 — When you can't attend: "So sorry to miss your baby shower but thinking of you from afar! Wishing you and your growing family all the love and happiness. Can't wait to meet the little one when they arrive."
Tips for Writing a Personal Message
Reference something specific. "Can't believe the person who panic-called me about that work presentation is going to be a parent" is better than "Congratulations on your baby!" Personal details show you actually thought about the person, not just the occasion.
Keep it in your own voice. Don't try to sound formal if you're not formal. Don't try to be funny if it doesn't come naturally. Write the way you'd speak to this person face to face.
Match the tone to your relationship. A close friend gets warmth and specifics. A work colleague gets something genuine but slightly more professional. Family can get emotional. Adjust accordingly.
It doesn't have to be long. Two sentences that are genuine beat four sentences of generic well-wishing every time. "So glad you found your person. Congratulations" is a complete and meaningful message.
Mention what you're contributing toward if you know. "Here's a little something toward your honeymoon — hope it helps fund one spectacular dinner" is more memorable than just a message with a dollar amount.
Digital Wishing Well Messages vs Card Messages
Digital platforms like PocketWell preserve your message alongside your contribution permanently. The host can see who gave what, read messages, and export everything as a record.
This is actually an advantage — your message doesn't get lost in a pile of cards or accidentally thrown away. It lives in the platform's record, readable whenever the person wants to revisit it.
Keep digital messages slightly shorter than what you'd write in a card — 2–4 sentences is the sweet spot. Cards can go longer since they're personal and private; digital messages are displayed in a list with others, so brevity lands better.
Setting up a wishing well? Create your free online wishing well and give contributors an easy way to add their messages alongside their gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it mandatory to leave a message when contributing to a wishing well? No, most platforms make messages optional. But they're worth writing — a personal message is often what the host remembers most, regardless of the contribution amount.
How long should a wishing well message be? Two to four sentences is ideal for digital platforms. If you're writing in a physical card, up to a paragraph is fine.
Can I write a funny message even for a formal event? Yes, if that's your relationship with the person. Know your audience. A close friend will love a funny message; a distant relative or boss might not. When in doubt, warm and genuine beats funny.
What if I don't know the couple/person well? Keep it simple and sincere: "Congratulations on your [event] — wishing you all the best for this exciting chapter." It's perfectly appropriate.
Should I mention the amount I contributed? No — that would be strange and unnecessary. Just leave a message. The host sees the contribution amount separately.