Some gift givers may be close to only half of the happy couple so they may wonder if the wedding gift card should be addressed to both. They may wonder about the appropriate tone of the message or whether they need to include a message at all. Gift cards should be addressed to both people, the tone should match that of the event and you should include a personal message. Resist the urge to add a special message to just one of them in the card.

If you are close to the couple, you may want to address the card informally to reflect your relationship. Etiquette rules say your card should reflect the formality of the event and not your intimacy with the couple. For a formal wedding, should address the card with the couple’s married names. Not all brides change their last names, so do not assume “Mr. and Mrs. Jane Doe” is correct. If the event is casual, you may drop the honorifics and use first names instead.

Never just sign the card. Add a personal message to the couple, such as “Congratulations on this happy occasion” or “We wish you both all the happiness in the world.” Avoid references to starting a family or enjoying the honeymoon. If you cannot find your own words, consider using a quote or song lyrics that reflect your feelings for the couple.