Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[stevenukd]

Dear Teachers,

- An English friend of mine is getting married next week in Vietnam, so I would like to give him some wishes after the wedding party. So are these wishes natural?

a. I wish you and your wife happy forever.
b. Wishing you both of you live happily forever.
c. Wishing you two have a happy life until white-haired and loose teeth.

- I would be very glad if I received some more ways to wish my English friend from Teachers.

Thanks a bunch to Teachers,

Stevenukd

[CP]

It is traditional to say "Congratulations" to the groom (the man) and "Best wishes" to the bride (the woman). Of course, you can go beyond these wishes, but I would recommend starting with them.

Your three suggestions have sweet sentiments, but I would revise the way you express them.

a. "I wish you and your wife happy forever" would be better as, "I wish you both a long, happy life together."

b. "Wishing you both of you live happily forever" could be, "Wishing you both a fairy-tale ending, 'Happily ever after.'"

c. "Wishing you two have a happy life until white-haired and loose teeth" is nice in sentiment, but I wouldn't refer to the infirmities of age directly in speaking or writing to a young couple just starting out.

Try something like, "Wishing you both many years of happiness and love." "May today's happiness last a lifetime."

Have fun at the wedding!
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[stevenukd]

Dear CP!

Thanks very much for your help. I really appreciate it. Have a nice weekend!

Best wishes,

Stevenukd