What to write on Valentine's Day Cards

With the Super Bowl come and gone, the next big event on the calendar is Valentine’s Day — February 14th.

There’s some planning that needs to be done. How to celebrate the big day? Where to go for dinner? What gift to buy? And what to write on Valentine’s Day cards?

Six Tips for Writing an Amazing Valentine’s Day Card

Let’s focus on the last question. The personal messages on a sweetheart’s Valentine’s Day cards are some of the most closely examined words read each year. Well-written messages might be read and reread several times. A great card might be kept for a keepsake.

It’s important that the Valentine’s Day card message is the best it can be. What to write on Valentine’s Day Cards is important stuff! Don’t underestimate the task at hand.

1.) Use Proven Winners: Love Phrases That Work

Sometimes just going with proven winners makes the process so much easier. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Combine a couple of the phrases below, personalize them with additional text and you’re well on your way.

That special person.

I’m so grateful to be sharing my world with you.

All my love and affection is reserved for you.

You’re the love of my life.

My life is better than I ever dreamed of.

You sprinkle love and kindness wherever you go.

I think of you every day my love.

You’re magically delicious in every way.

I consider myself the luckiest person.

Sending lots of love your way.

You stole my heart and I can’t be happier.

The love we share is one-of-a-kind!

You’re my sunshine on a rainy day.

Happy Valentine’s Day (of course).

Check out: St. Valentine and the origin of the holiday.

Tried-and-True Valentine’s Day Messages

I never knew what love was until I met you.

I never smiled so much before I met you.

Can I borrow a kiss? I promise to give it back.

I wish you were holding me tight in your arms.

With you, it’s always been different. Let me tell you why…

The first time I saw you, my heart whispered, “She’s the one!”

Short Valentine’s Day Messages

Your voice is like music to me.

I like naps, chocolate and you.

You make me a better person.

How did I get so lucky?

My heart will always be yours.

Your love is my fuel.

I feel loved now more than ever.

You make me so happy.

2.) Look Back at Love Letters from the Past

Where does one seek inspiration when writing a Valentine’s Day card message to their sweetheart?

Many have looked to the past. We’re all familiar with the classic:

Roses are Red,
Violets are Blue,
Sugar is Sweet,
And so are You.

This was inspired by a book written in 1590 by Sir Edmund Spenser called The Faerie Queene.

The Faerie Queene

Spenser Wrote:

“It was upon a Sommers shynie day,
When Titan faire his beames did display,
In a fresh fountaine, farre from all mens vew,
She bath’d her brest, the boyling heat t’allay;
She bath’d with roses red, and violets blew,
And all the sweetest flowers, that in the forrest grew.”

Adapting and modifying well-written words is certainly a direction to consider. Keep in mind that messages have greater meaning to recipients when they’re personalized.

Sure, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel completely. But try to customize the message so your Valentine knows that the words were chosen with care. Your Valentine’s greeting should be memorable.

Another technique that some writers use is to write down words – nouns, adjectives, and verbs – that come to mind when thinking about their cherished ones. The first part of the exercise calls for the writer to move quickly and not spend time editing – just quickly write down the words that come to mind.

The second part of this technique entails a more thoughtful approach of experimenting with the various combinations of the words written down to try to formulate sentences to express your feelings. Start wide with a lot of words and then narrow down to the choicest words to express your sentiments.

3.) Write Similes

Another romantic love writing approach is to consider using a simile. Bruce Lee once wrote, “Love is like a friendship caught on fire. In the beginning a flame, very pretty, often hot and fierce, but still only light and flickering. As love grows older, our hearts mature and our love becomes as coals, deep-burning and unquenchable.”

Or, maybe something like this, “Love is like the wind; you can’t see it, but you can feel it all over.” What comparisons can you make? Any personalized touches will go a long way.

Coming up with just the right words can be tricky. We try to make it easy for folks on our Valentine’s Day page at GreetingCardPoet.com. Here’s just a sampling of some of the selections that you can draw inspiration from.

4.) Use Love Metaphors

A metaphor is a figure of speech that is applied to an object which is typically not considered applicable.

Examples:

Love is a friendship that has caught fire.
Ann Landers

Love is a spice with many tastes—a dizzying array of textures and moments.
Newman from the final episode of Seinfeld

Love is fire if it once goes out, it is hard to kindle.
German Proverb

Love is our true destiny.
Thomas Merton

Love is a burning thing and it makes a fiery ring.
Johnny Cash

I thought love would be my cure, but now it’s my disease.
Alicia Keyes, “Love is My Disease” (Singer, pianist, and Grammy’s host)

5.) Examine Valentine’s Day Greetings from Cards

Look to Valentine’s Day cards for inspiration. Here are some examples:

So many of my smiles begin with you.

Thank you for all the countless, caring ways you’ve filled my life with love.

Thank you for being a constant source of laughter and love, strength, and support.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing with you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Will you be my valentine this year and every year?

Wishing you a day filled with happiness because you’ve filled my life with love.

Words cannot express how much I appreciate you for bringing a spark of excitement, a touch of tenderness, and the light of love to every day of my life.

You + Me = Perfect.

You amaze me with your strength, your kindness, and your beauty. I will always love you.

You bring so many wonderful things to my life. Your love makes me feel so alive! Happy Valentine’s Day to the most (beautiful woman/handsome man) in the world!

6.) Incorporate Valentine Quotes

Adding a Happy Valentine’s Day quote might help jumpstart your note.

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.
Charles M. Schulz

Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.
Winnie the Pooh

A heaven on earth I have won by wooing thee.
William Shakespeare

Love is being stupid together.
Paul Valery

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
Robert Frost

What to write on Valentine’s Day Cards Summary

So, when you’re looking for what to write on Valentine’s Day cards, don’t panic. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to inject some humor, but balance it with some sincere expressions of your affection.

It’s ok to go long – when you’re telling someone how much you love them, more is better than less. And, while the written communication is a critical part of the day, it’s not the only thing. Plan the day, the activities and the experience. Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Mike O’Halloran

Mike is an author and founder of Greeting Card Poet.

What to write on Valentine’s Day Cards

Six Tips for Writing an Amazing Valentine’s Day Card