Do’s and Don’ts Of Greeting Card Sentiments

Do’s & Don’ts
Developing a suitable greeting can be a challenge. Keep these guidelines in mind as you compose your salutation and check out Top 10 Greeting Card Ideas for some sentiment ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

• Do make sure you’ve spelled everything correctly and used proper grammar. Nothing mars a lovely card like a misspelled word or incorrect usage. For instance, using “your” instead of “you’re” when you’re trying to say “you are” is distracting and makes it hard for the recipient to appreciate the rest of the card.
• Don’t misuse humor. Be particularly sensitive about using anything that might be offensive or inappropriate. If you’re not sure about a greeting, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and go with something less risky.
• Do be sincere. Write (or type) your honest thoughts out on paper and consider them before adding them to your card. Hollow sounding greetings are a lot like “polite strangers” conversation—there’s no real meaning or substance so most people don’t listen very closely.
• Don’t assume that the recipient celebrates/commemorates/observes events a certain way. Again, when in doubt keep the greeting more general. Nothing is more awkward than wishing someone “Merry Christmas” that doesn’t celebrate that holiday. A “Happy Holidays” or “Seasons Greetings” would be more appropriate. Also consider their current situation. Sending a happy anniversary card to an individual who recently lost their partner may be a painful reminder. Conversely, they may appreciate you remembering their special day. You must judge the situation based on your knowledge of the recipient. As always, if you’re unsure, take a more conservative tack.
• Do reference passions, hobbies, and shared experience. Quoting portions of a song that has special meaning for you and the recipient immediately recalls tender emotions. Similarly, referencing your best friend’s compulsion for shoe shopping and her never-ending quest for the perfect heels can lead to some humorous recollections. If the card is for a child, spotlighting him or her involved in a favorite pastime shows them that you really are thinking about them.
• DON’T ever use crude, rude or lewd language in the greeting. It’s offensive (even if your long lost high school buddy used to swear like a sailor, he or she may have since cleaned up their vocabulary) and it’s inappropriate. Remember, even if it’s an inside joke between you and the recipient, they’re probably not the only person that will see the card.

Creating a greeting card with a heartfelt sentiment is challenging but can be a lot of fun. Follow these tips, really think about your intended audience and you’re sure to come up with a great card. Be sure to check out our top rated product, PrintMaster Platinum, an excellent software program for creating great greeting cards.