What to write in a Sympathy Card

A gentle guide for when words are hard to find.

Writing a sympathy card can be one of the most difficult notes to compose. When someone we care about is grieving, we often feel pressure to find the “right” words - but the truth is, there’s no perfect sentence to ease the weight of loss.

What matters most is the gesture: the act of showing up with softness, with sincerity, and with care. A sympathy card doesn't need to be long or eloquent. It just needs to feel real.

Below are some thoughtful, understated ways to express your condolences and remind someone they’re not alone.

Short and Sincere

A few honest words, simply written, can mean the world.

Thinking of you and holding space for your grief.

So deeply sorry for your loss. Sending strength and love.

Wishing you moments of peace in the days ahead.

With love and sympathy - we’re here if you need anything.

A Quiet Message for Deep Loss

When the loss is profound, your message can be too without needing to say much.

There are no words, only love. And I’m sending you all of mine.

I hope you feel held by memory, by love, by everyone around you.

Some people leave a silence that is impossible to fill. Holding you in my heart.

Grief is love, with nowhere to go. And yours is a love that will never fade.

If You Knew the Person They Lost

If the card is for someone whose loved one you also knew, a small, personal memory or detail can be a gentle way to honour them.

I’ll always remember her warmth and quiet strength. What a beautiful soul.

He made everyone feel welcome - I feel lucky to have known him.

She had a way of lighting up a room. Thinking of you as you remember her.

I hope the memories bring you comfort, even in the hardest moments.

For When You Don’t Know What to Say

It’s okay to say that - and often, it's the most honest thing you can write.

I don’t have the right words. But I’m thinking of you every day.

There’s nothing I can say to make this better - but I’m here.

Please know I care deeply and am sending all my love.

Whatever you need, whenever you need it - I’m just a call away.

Keep it Gentle, Keep it You

When in doubt, keep it soft. A little white space. A few words from the heart.

Our sympathy cards are intentionally minimal - blank inside, embossed on the outside - designed to hold your words with quiet grace. Whether you write one sentence or a few, your message doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be yours.

Looking for a sympathy card that says enough, without saying too much?
Explore our thoughtfully designed collection. Elegant, understated, and made for the moments that matter.