Sympathy Card Wording

When you need to express condolences, it's not unusual to feel at a loss for words. You may question how well you know the bereaved or how well you knew the deceased, and how much or how little you should say in your business sympathy card. Not to fret! Bizgreetingcards.com is here to give you some useful tips on sympathy card wording.

It is always appropriate to acknowledge the end of a human life, whether expressing yourself to a close friend or to a business acquaintance. It is particularly important, no matter what the printed sentiment on sympathy greeting cards, to hand write a brief but genuine personal note.

The following examples may help you to get the sympathy card wording process started.

First, your sympathy greeting cards will need a salutation:

Dear Jane,
Dear Jane and John,
Dear Jane, John and Family,
Dear Anderson Family,

Next, if you know the person or family to whom you are sending the business sympathy card, but were not acquainted with the deceased:

You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your grandmother.
You have my deepest sympathies on the death of your uncle.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Otherwise, if you knew the deceased but are not acquainted with the bereaved:

Jane will be sorely missed by us.
John will be sadly missed but warmly remembered in our office.
I will especially miss Jane's warm smile and kind words.
John's character was an inspiration to so many.
Jane was a dear friend and she will always be warmly remembered.

Finally, if you have had a personal relationship with both the deceased and the bereaved, you can use combinations of the above examples. Just remember to let your heart guide your pen but keep your message brief and genuine. Sympathy card wording can be one of the more difficult aspects of greeting card etiquette, but learning it correctly will make sure the recipients of your sympathy cards will receive your message loud and clear.