What to Write in a Valentine’s Day Card

There's something magical about receiving a handwritten love note. In our digital age, taking the time to write your feelings on paper is romantic in the most nostalgic way. As retail florists, we see our customers’ love notes every day, thousands of them a year. Safe to say we know a thing or two about what to write in any message of endearment, and Valentine’s Day is the day for all types of love notes.
Whether you're anxiously pondering what to write to a new love interest, sending words of love to your best friend, seeking a playful message for your littles, or looking for fresh sentiments to pen to your partner of many years, here are our tips on what to write in a Valentine's Day card (or really any love note) that they'll treasure for years to come.
Valentine’s Day Cards for All Kinds of Love
When thinking about what to write in a Valentine’s Day Card, remember that Valentine’s Day is for all types of love – romantic, friendship, familial, and beyond. These tips apply to any and every love note you write – the content will just change a little.
Selecting a card is part of the fun! We have soooo many fun cards for Valentine’s Day and for all types of love. Looking for something elevated and classic? This Floral Valentine’s Day card is the perfect platform for your love note. One for a pun? This playful peaches card is a house favorite! Feeling overwhelmed by choices? This heartfelt card (a new addition to our collection) tugs at our heart strings and feels like a fit for nearly every type of Valentine you might have!
*Retail Florist Tip: when picking a Valentine’s Day card, check to see if it’s blank inside or comes with a note already inscribed; that will affect how much and what you write inside.
Start With Your Salutation
How you start the note in your Valentine’s Day card sets the tone for everything that follows. While you can’t go wrong with "Dear…,” consider taking this opportunity to use a special nickname or term of endearment.
- In the name of romance: "To my love," or "To the one who stole my heart"
- For budding love: simply their name with a heart
- Seasoned sizzles: "To my soulmate" or "To my forever Valentine"
- For a friend: “To my dear friend,” or “Happy Gal-(or Pal)-entines!”

How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways…
Share what feels unique about your loved one and relationship in the heart of the message in your Valentine’s Day card. For this part of the love note, the more specific the better! Instead of, “I love your kindness,” consider, “I love that you open the door for strangers.” In lieu of, “You make me laugh,” try, “Your impressions never fail to brighten my day and make me laugh out loud!”
- Back to the beginning: what made you fall in love or show interest in your partner? Something you did together in your youth?!
- Shared experiences: what are your favorite things to do together? What would you like to do more of?
- How they’ve changed or improved your life: do they encourage you to grow? Did they open your eyes to new ideas and beliefs?
Write Like You Talk
There’s something about writing a love note that can make us feel like we need to be more formal and encourages us to use certain words or phrases we wouldn’t use when talking to our loved ones. What you write in your Valentine’s Day card will sound more like you (and will probably resonate more with the recipient) if it sounds like you’re just talking to them. Don’t be afraid to use inside jokes, abbreviations, or idioms that are personal to you and your relationship!
Finish with Flair
As you finish up the message in your Valentine’s Day card, consider three things:
- Reiterating your love or sentiments one more time: “With all my love,” or “My whole heart, for my whole life.”
- Creating excitement for the future or the next chapter: “Always + Forever,” or “Today, tomorrow, and always,” - “cheers to more shenanigans!”
- Signing with their nickname or term of endearment for you: “Your Wild Child,” or “Your Grumpy Old Man.” Or even simply just, “Me.”

Regardless of what you write, remember that the most meaningful message to write in your Valentine’s Day card will come from the heart - genuine is better than perfect, and effort is more important than eloquence.
Too often, we get caught up in the challenges and chaos of life and don’t make it a priority to tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. That’s part of the beauty of Valentine’s Day — it’s the perfect excuse to lean into your love.