How to sign a card

You've written the message, and now you're stuck on that last line before your name. The sign-off is small, but it sets the whole tone, and the wrong one can make a heartfelt card feel stiff or a formal card feel too casual.

Here's how to pick a closing that fits the person and the occasion, plus lines you can borrow and a few to skip.

What matters most

The sign-off is the last thing they read, so it lingers. It tells them how close you two are and how much care you meant, all in one short line.

What to say

“Love,”

For family and close friends. Warm and simple, and it never feels like too much with people you actually love.

“With love,”

A touch softer and fuller than plain Love. Nice for a parent, a partner, or a very dear friend.

“Take care,”

Friendly and easy for a coworker, a neighbor, or someone you like but aren't especially close to.

“Warmly,”

A little more polished. Good for a boss, a client, or someone you respect but don't know well.

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What to avoid

“Sincerely,” on a card for a close friend

It reads like a business letter and puts distance between you where there shouldn't be any.

“Best,” with no context

Fine in email, but on a card it can feel clipped and like you ran out of things to say.

Signing your full name to your own mother

Just your first name, or your family nickname, keeps it personal. The full name is for people who might not place you.

Small touches that make a sign-off land

Add one specific line above your name

A single sentence like “So glad you're in my life” does more than any fancy sign-off.

Sign for the whole household by name

“Love, Ana, Mark, and the kids” feels warmer than “The Garcias” and shows you each thought of them.

Match your handwriting to the moment

Slow down for a sympathy or wedding card. A rushed scrawl can undercut a warm message.

Note who it's from if there's any doubt

If they know a few people with your first name, add a hint so they smile instead of squint.

How to sign based on the occasion

A wedding card

Warm and celebratory. “With love and every good wish,” or simply “So happy for you both, Love,” then your name. Sign for your partner or family too if you came together.

A birthday card

Match your closeness. “Love,” for close people, “Happy birthday, take care,” for friendlier acquaintances. A little playfulness is welcome here.

A sympathy card

Gentle and unhurried. “With deepest sympathy,” or “Thinking of you and holding you close,” then your name. Skip anything upbeat or breezy.

A card for a boss or coworker

Warm but professional. “Warmly,” or “All the best,” works well. Save “Love” for people outside of work unless you're genuinely close.

Someone you don't know well

Keep it kind and a little more formal. “Best wishes,” or “Take care,” then your first and last name so they know exactly who it's from.

How to keep showing up

If you signed a card for something big, like a wedding or a loss, a short message a week or two later means even more, once the pile of cards has thinned out and things go quiet.

From Della

Want words that fit your person, not a stranger's? Tell me who they are and I'll make you a plan.

Free. No account. About a minute.

Common questions

How do you sign a card?

Pick a closing that matches how close you are, like “Love,” for family and “Warmly,” for a coworker, then write your name below it.

How do you sign a wedding card?

Warm and celebratory, such as “With love and every good wish,” followed by your name, and include your partner or family if you came together.

What can I write instead of Sincerely?

On a personal card, try “Warmly,” “Take care,” “All the best,” or “With love,” depending on how well you know them. Save Sincerely for formal letters.

How do you sign a sympathy card?

Keep it gentle and unhurried, like “With deepest sympathy,” or “Thinking of you,” then your name. Avoid anything upbeat.

Should I sign my full name?

Use just your first name for people who know you well. Add your last name only when the person might not immediately place who you are.

How do you sign a card from a family?

List each person by name, such as “Love, Ana, Mark, and the kids,” rather than a group label. It feels more personal.

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