How can I find the right words when writing a greeting card?

First things first: Very few people find it easy to find the right words to express themselves. But it’s the thought that counts, after all! So the advice I would give to you is: no matter how you think it looks, it’s better to write your card by hand. This shows the recipient that they are worth the time it has taken for you to do so.

And this brings us to my next tip: Really take the time you need to put your thoughts and feelings into words. You might find it helpful to write up a draft beforehand and then copy this into the card – but don’t forget to check it for spelling errors first! 

Everyone is different, so do what feels right for you. Avoid superficial phrases and clichés to ensure your card is as personal and individual as possible. For the same reason, it’s also better to design your card yourself than it is to make do with a premade one. With us you can find all kinds of different options! The photo greeting cards from ifolor can be ordered in a range of shapes and sizes, and the different layouts allow you to design the card to your individual requirements.

Births

The birth of a child is a major life event for a family – no matter whether it’s their first or even their third child! For me, it’s really important that greeting cards are given a personal touch. That means that I try to express my own excitement and emotions in my own words. Is that something you find difficult? Then maybe try showing how you feel about a friendship first. There are sure to be some beautiful or funny moments that you shared together during the pregnancy and that you can include in your card.

A card congratulating the new parents on the birth is also a great way to find out more about the new addition to the family. Show some interest and ask about the baby’s name, size, weight or whether it’s a boy or a girl – that's assuming you don’t know these things already of course! The proud parents will be only too happy to tell you more about their little bundle of joy.

And don’t forget: always end your card with personal wishes for the parents and their baby!

Birthdays

It seems like writing a birthday card should be the easiest thing in the world. But for me personally it’s a bit of a challenge. How can I write a birthday card in a way that is both special and personal? How can I write a card that stands out from all those written in the years before this one?

I always start by asking myself: Who am I writing this card for? Who is it that’s celebrating their birthday? Because I wouldn’t write to my boss the same way as I would to my grandmother – and a milestone birthday is seen as being more significant than other birthdays.
The great thing about birthday cards is that they can also be funny or tongue in cheek. So you can share amusing anecdotes that come to mind when you think of the person whose birthday it is, but don’t forget to highlight their positive qualities too.

Weddings

A card written to the happy couple should always reflect your good intentions and the newlyweds’ life goals. Depending on how well you know the couple and how close you are, you could include some information in your message to make it more personal.

A good idea when writing a wedding card is to match it to the wedding’s theme. Whether it’s traditional, romantic or fun – the theme is a reflection of the couple’s relationship. Or you can think about what you would like to see in a card for your own wedding.
For a wedding card, you should always play it safe: avoid risqué or ambiguous language as well as wistful quotes or poetry.

Sympathy cards

Many people find it difficult to pass on their condolences, since it isn’t easy to find the right words for a sympathy card. And yet this card is probably one of the most important you will ever write, since it shows the person’s immediate family that you’re there for them and sending them the strength to get through these challenging times.

Death is a sensitive topic, which is why there is a lot to be aware of when writing a sympathy card. Try to avoid clichés, but don’t skirt around the word “death”.
A good way to start is to say a few words about how the death has affected people. Show your feelings of disbelief or sadness, reflecting how you too have been affected. It is also a great comfort to know that the person who has died will not be forgotten and lives on in some way in the hearts of others. Offer those left behind your support and positive wishes and hope for the future.

You’ll often find the words to express how you’re feeling in well-known quotes and poems, but worded in a much more concise and well-written way. These can work well for the first empty page on the inside of the card. The most important thing is that you understand the quotes yourself too.