What to Write on a Flower Card (Copy These)

The flowers are sorted. Now there's a small white card and a pen, and your mind has gone completely empty. This page is the answer. Take any of these word for word — nobody will ever know, and honestly, nobody would mind.

The rules first — there are only three

1. Short beats long. A flower card is not a letter. One to three lines. If you've more to say, say it in person; the card's job is to make her want that conversation.

2. Write it by hand if you can. If you're ordering online, the printed card is fine — but choose your words like they'll be read twice. They will be.

3. Sign it the way you actually speak. If you've never once signed off "with deepest affection" in your life, don't start on a card. She knows how you talk.

Apology

"I was wrong. I'm sorry. Dinner's on me and so is the washing up — indefinitely."

"No excuses. I'm sorry, and I'll show it, not just say it."

"I've replayed it and you were right. Sorry it took me this long."

Avoid: "Sorry you were upset." That's not an apology, that's a deflection with a stamp on it, and it will be noticed.

Anniversary

"Ten years and you still make me nervous in the best way. Happy anniversary."

"Still my best decision. Happy anniversary, love."

"Here's to everything so far and all of it still to come."

Just because

"Saw these and thought of you. No occasion. No agenda. Well — maybe a small agenda."

"For no reason except that you're you."

"Thursday seemed like it needed flowers."

(For what it's worth: "just because" flowers are the highest-value flowers a man can send. No occasion means no obligation, which means she knows you simply thought of her.)

New baby

"Welcome to the world, little one. Your mum is a hero. Rest when you can — we've got you."

"Two of you went in, three of you came out. Incredible work."

Sympathy

Different rules apply — shorter still, plainer still. Do not attempt warmth through length. See our sympathy guide for lines written for exactly that.

"Thinking of you all."

"With love, and so sorry for your loss."

Get well

"Heard you're under the weather. These are under instruction to cheer the place up."

"Rest up. The world can wait."