Anniversary Wishes for Your Parents
Anniversary messages for your parents, from their children: a quick text to the family group, a card for both of them, words for a milestone year and gentle words for a harder one.
Save their anniversary and Greetigo emails you before it, the day before by default.
Thank them for what their marriage showed you
Children see things in their parents' marriage that the couple may not know anyone noticed: how they made up after arguments, the jokes only they understand, the way one always saves the other the window seat. Naming one of those is the heart of a good anniversary message.
A simple shape:
- 1.Happy anniversary, to both of them.
- 2.One thing their marriage taught you, by example.
- 3.A wish, or a plan to celebrate them.
For example: "Happy 35th, Mom and Dad. You taught us that you can disagree about almost everything and still dance in the kitchen. Dinner's on us on Sunday."
Write it so it fits your family
Use the names you really call them, and write to the parents you have: two moms, two dads, a parent and a stepparent. If you're writing from all the siblings, one card signed by everyone often means more than several separate ones.
Anniversary messages for your parents
"Happy anniversary to the two people who started this whole chaotic group chat. We love you."
"Happy anniversary, you two. Thank you for showing us what staying looks like."
"Happy anniversary. Watching you two taught us that love is mostly small things done every day: the cup of tea, the lift to the station, the patience at the end of a long week. Thank you."
"Happy anniversary from all of us. You built a home where we always felt safe and a family that still wants to be in the same room. We're so grateful."
"Happy anniversary. Now that I'm married, I understand how much work goes into what you two make look easy. You're still my example."
"Happy [40th] anniversary. Forty years, [three] children, [five] homes and countless family dinners. Thank you for every one of them."
"Happy anniversary. Thank you for raising the person I married, and for making me feel like one of your own from the very start."
"Watching you two renew your vows was the best part of our year. Happy anniversary, and thank you for still choosing each other."
"Happy anniversary. Thank you for bringing our families together and for making everyone feel welcome in it. We're glad you found each other."
"Happy anniversary from far away. I'm sorry I can't be at dinner tonight. I'll call at seven, and I'll be home next month to celebrate properly."
"Happy anniversary. This year wasn't easy, and you looked after each other through all of it. We're proud of you both."
"Happy anniversary. Everything good in my life started with you two. Thank you for every year."
"Thinking of you today, on what would have been your [45th] anniversary. We're remembering Dad with you, and we love you."
"Happy anniversary! Another year of you two arguing about directions and arriving at exactly the same place. Never change."
"Happy anniversary. We've stopped asking how you've lasted this long and started taking notes instead."
"Happy anniversary, Grandma and Grandpa! Thank you for the sleepovers and for being the best grandparents. We love you."
"Happy belated anniversary. I'm sorry I missed the day. Can I take you both out to dinner this week?"
When one of your parents has died
The anniversary can be a hard day for the parent who's still here. Many people appreciate a short message that remembers both of them, by name, and doesn't ask anything of them: a call, a visit or a text saying you're thinking of them. Let them lead on how much they want to talk.
If your parents are separated
If they've divorced or separated, their wedding date is usually best left alone. Mark their birthdays instead, or the family days you share.
If you missed it
A belated message with a plan is fine: dinner, a call or a visit. Parents usually care more about hearing from you than about the date.
Frequently asked questions
What do I write in an anniversary card for my parents?
What do I write on my parents' anniversary if one of them has died?
Should I send a card or call my parents on their anniversary?
What should we do for our parents' milestone anniversary?
Remember the next anniversary
Your parents' anniversary is one of the few family dates that's about them as a couple. Save it and Greetigo emails you before it, the day before by default or up to 14 days before.
Save the date and Greetigo emails you before it. Then pick a free template or, on Plus and Premium, start from an AI-written draft. Send it by email from Greetigo, or copy it into WhatsApp, a text or your own email app. It works in any browser.
Writing for another couple, like friends, your sister and her husband or your daughter and son-in-law? See anniversary wishes for a couple.