When signing cards as a family, start with the man's name, the woman's, and lastly, the children's names. Sign the card in the blank space provided and insert it in an envelope with the face-up. If it's a sympathy card, include words like peace be with you.
Table of Contents
1. When Signing As A Couple
When signing a card as a couple, the name of the person with the closest relationship to the recipient should go first.
For example, if you are sending a card to your mutual friend and your partner doesn’t know them very well, it is proper etiquette for you to sign first.
2. When Signing As A Family
According to protocol, the man’s name should come first, followed by those of his wife and children, oldest to youngest.
The woman’s name can come first, particularly if she is the one who is most related to the receiver.
3. Addressing To Couple
When addressing a card to a married couple, the husband’s name is written first, followed by the wife’s name. For example:
Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith
However, in more modern times, it is also acceptable to write the wife’s name first or to use both first names without including titles.
4. Addressing To Family
When you’re addressing a card to a family, list the names in the following order:
The parents or the head of the household: Write their full names on the first line, such as “Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith” or “The Smith Family.”
If there are children in the household, list their names below the parents’ names in order of age, from oldest to youngest. For example, “Mary, John, and Sarah Smith.“
5. Higher Rank Goes First
When addressing a card, address the higher-ranked person first. For example, if you address a card to a married couple where one partner holds a higher rank than the other. Start by addressing the higher-ranking individual, followed by their spouse.
6. Put Card Face Up In The Envelope
Insert cards into an envelope with the face-up, or top, side facing out. If you have to fold the card, ensure the fold is at the bottom and the front side faces up. If the card includes business or gift cards, they will stay in the envelope when you put them in.
7. Signing Sympathy Card
While there are times when you are unsure of how you can assist, sending a thoughtful sympathy card will cheer the heart of someone who is hurting. To let them know you’re thinking of them and are available for them, use one of these sign-offs:
- Please accept my sincere sympathies.
- Peace be with you,
- Thinking of you
- My condolences
8. Signing a Friendly Card
There are many ways to sign off a friendly card, depending on the tone and context of your message. Choose a sign-off that feels appropriate for your relationship with the recipient and the sentiment you want to convey.
Here are some options:
- Best wishes
- Yours truly
- All the best
- Love and hugs
- Take care
- Cheers
- Hugs and kisses
- With love
9. Signing Thank You Card
You can take a few approaches depending on the situation and your relationship with the recipient.
Here are some common ways to sign a thank you card:
- Thank you very much
- Warm regards
- Sincere gratitude
- With appreciation
- With gratitude
- Gratefully yours
- Gratefully
- Sincere appreciation
10. Signing Birthday Card
According to Greeting Card Association, Birthday is the most popular everyday card-sending occasion. They are special, so you should sign birthday cards to reflect the occasion’s significance.
Here are some closings to put on birthday cards:
- Wishing you all the best on your special day!
- Sending lots of birthday hugs and kisses your way!
- May your year be filled with happiness and good health!
- Happy birthday and many happy returns!
- Here’s to another year of making great memories together!
- Celebrate your day to the fullest; you deserve it!
- Enjoy your special day and all the blessings that come with it!
- Cheers to another year of laughter, love, and happiness.
11. Signing Anniversary Card
This can be a thoughtful and personal touch to let the recipient know you are thinking of them and celebrating their special day.
Some examples of how to sign a wedding anniversary card are:
- With love and congratulations, [Your Name]
- Wishing you many more years of love and happiness, [Your Name]
- Happy Anniversary to the most amazing couple I know! Love, [Your Name]
Other anniversary cards may be work-oriented, so they should have formal endings. For example, sincerely yours, yours faithfully, and regards. Use your official name to sign off.
Also read: 15 Trick or Treat Etiquette
12. Signing Christmas Card
The sign-off for a Christmas card depends on your preference and the relationship with the recipient.
A formal or professional relationship:
- Warmest wishes
- Season’s greetings
- Happy holidays
Casual or friendly relationship:
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season
- Sending warm Christmas wishes your way
Family or close friends:
- Love and hugs
- With love and gratitude
- From our family to yours, Merry Christmas
What Do You Say When Signing A Card To Someone You Don’t Know Well?
When signing a card for someone you don’t know well, be genuine and keep your message simple and polite. You could use one of the following options plus your name to sign off.
- Yours respectfully
- Yours sincerely
- Kind regards
- Best regards
How Do You End A Card Without Saying Love?
You can sign a card in many ways without using the word “love.” Here are a few options:
- Best wishes
- Warmly
- Sincerely
- With gratitude
- Fondly
- Blessings
- Cheers
How Do You Sign A Card When The Recipient Is Male?
When signing a card for a male recipient, you can use any of the following formal or informal options:
Formal:
- Sincerely
- Respectfully
Informal:
- Your friend
- Take care
You can also personalize the closing by using the recipient’s name, for example, “Sincerely, John” or “Best regards, Mr. Smith.” The choice of closing depends on your relationship with the recipient and the tone of the card.