What to Write in a Flower Card: 10 Real Messages We Have Handwritten
Not sure what to write in a flower card? You are in good company. When you add a message to your order, our studio team handwrites it on a card, so we read thousands of messages a year, and most of the best ones are short. We have gathered ten real, anonymised messages from our customers, grouped by occasion, plus a few tips and ready-to-adapt lines for when the pen is hovering and the words will not come.
Why we handwrite your card message
A card turns a delivery into a message from you. Add a handwritten card message at checkout and we transcribe your words exactly as you type them, in our own handwriting, and your details always stay confidential. Every example below is shared anonymously, with names and places removed.
Quick tips: how to write a flower card message
The best flower card messages are usually under 30 words and say who the flowers are for, why you are sending them and how you feel.
Keep it short
One to three sentences is plenty. A small card with a few honest words reads better than a crowded one. If you have more to say, save it for a call or a voice note.
Say the occasion or the reason
Name the moment: a birthday, a first week in a new job, a hard anniversary. Even “just because” is a reason, and a lovely one.
Sign it the way you talk
Use the nickname, the inside joke, the “Xx” you always send. The recipient should hear your voice when they read it.
Get well and health milestone messages
The random Thursday card
Some cards say love, gratitude and deep sincerity all at once, and this one had our whole studio in our feels. It celebrates the gift of health, and the friend who stayed close through it:
“Happy Random Thursday. A year ago, this was a Thursday you weren’t sure you’d get to see. Today you’re here. I’m so grateful for every ordinary day together.”
Sending flowers to someone in recovery? Browse our get well soon flowers.
Anniversary and romantic messages
Twenty roses for twenty years
The hopeless romantic’s choice. Our Rose Box holds twenty Maritim roses and a love letter in a box, and this customer matched the number to the years:
“Twenty roses for the twenty years you’ve made my world brighter. I’d choose you all over again in a heartbeat. Happy Anniversary, my love.”
One hundred roses for a new wife
Our Rose Bunches were inspired by customers wanting even bigger rose moments. This newlywed ordered one hundred roses:
“These roses aren’t as beautiful as you, but they were the closest thing I could find. Thinking of you and hoping they make you smile.”
Four words: Will you marry me?
We have played a small part in some of our customers’ biggest milestones, and few are bigger than a proposal. Sent with a Rose Box and a posy, this card held just four words:
“Will you marry me?”
For more ideas, see our romantic flowers and gifts.
Birthday and gratitude messages
A monthly posy for Nana’s 90th
Remembering every special date is hard, which is why we created our Subscription Posy. Weekly or monthly, it keeps reminding someone you are thinking of them long after the first delivery. This grandchild put it perfectly:
“Dear Nana, Happy 90th Birthday! You’ll get flowers every month for the next few months to remind you how much I love you.”
A birthday note from a son to his mother
Of all the notes we have handwritten, this one stood out. Written in Spanish, it reminded us that a mother’s love is universal:
“Maman, gracias por quererme siempre con un amor tan inmenso e incondicional. Soy muy afortunado de ser tu hijo. Te quiero muchísimo. Feliz cumpleaños.”
In English: “Mom, thank you for always loving me with such immense and unconditional love. I am very fortunate to be your son. I love you very much. Happy Birthday.”
Shopping for a birthday? See our birthday flowers, and for Mum’s big day, our guide on what to write in a Mother’s Day card.
Congratulations and thinking of you messages
Cheering you on at the Comrades
From romance to athletic triumphs, our studio gets a front-row seat to life’s big moments. Sent with our Solace Gift Set, this one celebrated a finish line:
“So proud of you, my love. I wish I could be there, but I’m cheering you on from afar. You’ve achieved something amazing. Congratulations on finishing the Comrades.”
A little something to say you are doing a great job
Not every card marks a big moment. Paired with one of our posies, this one was simple and heartfelt:
“Just a little something to remind you that I’m cheering for you from afar. You’re doing a great job, and I’m so proud of you.”
Celebrating a win? Try our congratulations flowers. No reason at all? Send a just because posy.
Sympathy and remembrance messages
Most of the messages we write celebrate joyful occasions. Now and then we are asked to put words to grief and to love that continues long after someone is gone. Those messages stay with us the longest.
Holding Dad in our hearts
“Firsts are hard, wish I could be with you today (and every day tbh). Holding Dad in our hearts today on what would have been his 78th birthday. Love you always Mom. Xx”
When you write a sympathy card, keep it short, name the person if you can, and don’t try to fix anything. Being there is the message. See our sympathy flowers.
Bridesmaid and maid of honour proposal messages
We love penning bridesmaid proposals. In a few sentences we get to witness years of friendship and the excitement of the big day ahead. This one went out on our “This Calls for Confetti” card with a Serene Gift Set:
“Ever since we were kids, you’ve been by my side; supporting, loving me and making the wildest of decisions together. I’ve enjoyed having you by my side so much so that on the day I marry the love of my life, it would be an honour to have you on my left-hand side when I say ‘I do’. Will you be my maid of honour?”
Planning your own ask? Our gift sets make the moment.
Copy-and-adapt card messages for every occasion
These ones are ours, not our customers’. Borrow them, change a word or two, and make them yours.
- Birthday: Happy birthday! Another year of you is worth celebrating. Love you lots.
- Anniversary: Every year with you is my favourite one so far. Happy anniversary.
- Get well: Rest, heal and let these do the cheering for now. Thinking of you.
- Sympathy: Holding you close and remembering [name] with so much love.
- Congratulations: You did it! So proud of you. Enjoy every minute.
- Thank you: Thank you for everything, big and small. It meant the world.
- New baby: Welcome to the world, little one. Sending love to your whole family.
- Thinking of you: No reason, just you. Hope these brighten your day.
- Sorry: I got it wrong and I’m sorry. Can we talk tonight?
- New job: They’re lucky to have you. Go and be brilliant.
Whatever you write, pair it with one of our posies, designed each week from farm-fresh, seasonal stems.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write in a flower card?
Keep it short and personal: say who the flowers are for, why you are sending them and how you feel. “Happy anniversary, my love. Twenty years and I would choose you again” says more than a long paragraph. We handwrite your message exactly as you type it at checkout.
How long should a flower card message be?
One to three sentences is ideal. Most of the real messages in this post are under 30 words, and one of the most memorable was just four: “Will you marry me?” If you have more to say, keep the card short and follow up with a call.
What do you write on sympathy flowers?
Name the person, say you are thinking of the family, and keep it simple: “Holding your dad in our hearts today. With love, always.” You don’t need to explain or fix anything. A short, sincere line is exactly right.
Can I add a handwritten card to my Petal & Post order?
Yes. Add a handwritten card message at checkout when you order flowers or gifts for delivery in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and surrounding areas. Our studio team handwrites your message word for word, and your details stay confidential.