Crafting The Perfect Wedding Telegram: A Guide To Writing Heartfelt Greetings

Wedding telegrams are a unique and memorable way to send your congratulations to the happy couple. Whether you want to send a thoughtful message, share a funny story, or even include a picture, wedding telegrams are a great way to mark the occasion. Traditionally read out by the best man at the reception, wedding telegrams are usually light-hearted and suitable for all guests to hear. From humorous quotes to heartfelt anecdotes, there are many ways to make your telegram stand out. You can even add a personal touch with a customised design or a photograph. So, if you want to send a special message that the couple will treasure, a wedding telegram is a perfect choice.

When to send a wedding telegram

If you're planning to send a wedding telegram, it's important to keep in mind the delivery times and cut-off times offered by telegram services. In the UK, for instance, telegrams are delivered between 09:00 and 18:00, Monday to Saturday. The cut-off time for next-day delivery is typically 16:00, Monday to Friday. If you require guaranteed next-day, same-day, or two-hour delivery, the cut-off time is 18:00, Monday to Saturday.

For those sending a telegram to Australia, it's recommended to allow at least five business days for delivery. The standard price for delivery anywhere in Australia is $12.95.

When planning to send a wedding telegram, it's advisable to place your order well in advance to ensure timely delivery. Additionally, consider the timing of when you want the telegram to be read at the wedding. Traditionally, telegrams are read out at the wedding reception directly after the last speech, usually by the Best Man or a groomsman. So, if you want your telegram to be included in the festivities, coordinate with the wedding party or the couple beforehand to ensure it arrives on time and is included in the schedule.

If you're unable to send a telegram due to time constraints or availability, you might consider alternative options such as sending a fax or email message to the couple's hotel, as suggested by some individuals planning weddings.

Who will read the telegram

Traditionally, wedding telegrams are read by the best man after his speech. This means that your message should be crafted with the idea that everyone at the wedding reception will hear it. So, while you can make your telegram humorous, it should also be suitable for all guests.

If you are unable to attend the wedding, your telegram can express your condolences about missing the day, offer congratulations, or relate a short anecdote about the couple. You could even include a picture with your telegram.

• "Regrettably, we are unable to attend this joyous occasion and want to extend our best wishes to the happy couple."
• "We wish you every happiness as you celebrate the love you share."
• "We share in your happiness and wish you all the best."
• "A woman usually begins by resisting a man's advances, and then ends by blocking his retreat."
• "We wish you well on your special day, may all your dreams of marriage come true, may all your troubles be small, and remember that marriage is like a three-ring circus: first is the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, and then the suffering."
• "May your love grow stronger each day."
• "Couldn't be there in person to celebrate, so raising a glass to your nuptials here."
• "May your love be like these circles, never-ending."

What to include in the message

Wedding telegrams are a personable way to inform the couple you cannot attend their wedding. They are normally read by the best man after his speech, so bear in mind that your message will be heard by everyone at the wedding reception. Here are some ideas for what to include in your telegram:

Condolences and Congratulations

Express your regrets about missing their big day, offer your congratulations, and perhaps include an anecdote about the couple. For example, you could reminisce about how they met or how one of them seemed a bit odd when they started dating. If you do include a story, end on a positive note—for instance, you could mention what a great couple they make and how happy you are for them.

Simple and Classic

A simple, classic message is always effective. "Regrettably unable to attend this joyous occasion and want to extend our best wishes to the happy couple," is a perfectly acceptable message. Or, you could go with, "We wish you every happiness as you celebrate the love you share," or "We share in your happiness and wish you all the best."

Humour

A humorous telegram can bring some laughter to the day. Share a funny story about the couple or use a prepared quote. One example of a lighthearted telegram is: "A woman usually begins by resisting a man's advances, and then ends by blocking his retreat." Another is: "We wish you well on your special day, may all your dreams of marriage come true, may all your troubles be small, and remember that marriage is like a three-ring circus: first is the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, and then the suffering."

Pictures and Words

You could also send a telegram that combines pictures and words. For instance, you could include a picture of a dove, symbolising eternal love, with the message, "May your love grow stronger each day." Or, you might choose a picture of an open bottle of champagne with the words, "Couldn't be there in person to celebrate so raising a glass to your nuptials here."

How to add humour to your telegram

Wedding telegrams are a personable way to inform the couple you are unable to attend their wedding. They are normally read by the best man after their speech, so it's important to keep the content suitable for all guests. That being said, there are many ways to add a touch of humour to your telegram.

First, you could share a funny story about the couple. Perhaps they did the classic 'falling-in-love disappearing act', or maybe one of them acted strangely or oddly while they were falling in love. Just remember to end the story with a nice touch, such as what a great couple they make and how happy you are for them.

Alternatively, you could use a prepared humorous quote. For example:

> "A woman usually begins by resisting a man's advances, and then ends by blocking his retreat."

> "We wish you well on your special day, may all your dreams of marriage come true, may all your troubles be small, and remember that marriage is like a three-ring circus: first is the engagement ring, then the wedding ring, and then the suffering."

You could also send a telegram that contains a funny picture and words. For example, a telegram of an open bottle of champagne with the message, "Couldn't be there in person to celebrate, so raising a glass to your nuptials here."

Using pictures in your telegram

Wedding telegrams are a great way to add a personal touch to your message and are sure to be kept as mementos by the newlyweds. You can send a telegram that contains both pictures and words. Here are some ideas for what pictures to include:

Doves

A pair of doves is a classic symbol of eternal love. You can pair this image with a heartfelt message such as, "May your love grow stronger each day." This type of telegram will be cherished by the couple long after their wedding day.

Wedding Bands

A picture of wedding bands or circles is a great way to symbolise never-ending love. You can include a message such as, "May your love be like these circles, never-ending." This is a simple yet sentimental option that is sure to be appreciated by the happy couple.

Open Bottle of Champagne

If you are unable to attend the wedding, you can send a telegram with a picture of an open bottle of champagne and a message such as, "Couldn't be there in person to celebrate so raising a glass to your nuptials here." This is a fun way to show that you are celebrating the occasion, even if you can't be there in person.

Flowers

Flowers are a traditional way to express your best wishes and congratulations. You can send a telegram featuring a flower bouquet in a range of colours, including green, lilac, or peach. This is a bright and cheerful way to send your love and well wishes to the couple.

When including pictures in your telegram, make sure to also consider the words you want to include. Wedding telegrams are usually read aloud by the best man after his speech, so it's important to keep your message suitable and not too personal. You can include a thoughtful or humorous message, express your congratulations, or share a short story or anecdote about the couple.

Frequently asked questions