Forty years of marriage is something special. Finding the right words for this day is not always easy. That’s why we put together this list of 40th Wedding Anniversary Messages for every kind of couple and card. This milestone is called the Ruby Year, since rubies stand for a love that has grown stronger with time. 

Whether you are writing for your own spouse, your parents, or close friends, you will find a message here that fits. Some are heartfelt, some are funny, and some are short and sweet. Pick the one that feels right, or use a few together to make your card feel personal.

The ruby year, said plainly

Forty years together is rare. It means two people chose each other again and again. The ruby color stands for deep love and strong bonds.

• Forty years, and still going strong. Happy Ruby Anniversary.
• Ruby red for a love that never faded.
• Forty years of love, laughter, and life together.
• Some things only get better with time. Your marriage is one of them.

Heartfelt messages for your spouse on your own 40th

These messages come straight from the heart. They work well in a card or a quiet moment together.

• Forty years with you still feels like a gift every single day.
• You are still my best friend, all these years later.
• I would choose you again in every lifetime.
• Thank you for forty years of love and patience.
• Here’s to many more years by your side.

Read More: 100+ 60th Wedding Anniversary Messages for the Diamond Year

Funny and fond messages for your spouse

A little humor makes any anniversary card more fun. These lines keep things light while still showing love.

• Forty years and you still haven’t returned me. Thanks for keeping me.
• Still married, still in love, still can’t find the remote.
• Forty years of my bad jokes, and you still laugh. That’s true love.
• We said “I do,” and forty years later, we still do.

Short lines for the front of the card

Sometimes you just need a short line for the cover of a card. These are simple and to the point.

• Happy 40th Anniversary
• Forty Years of Love
• Cheers to the Ruby Year
• Still Going Strong After 40 Years

For the two of them together, from friends

Friends can add warmth and joy to the celebration. These messages fit well for a couple you know and love.

• Forty years of marriage, and you two still make it look easy.
• Watching your love grow over the years has been a joy.
• Happy 40th Anniversary to two of the best people we know.
• Here’s to forty more years of laughter and love.

Religious and faith-based 40th Wedding Anniversary Messages

Faith often plays a big role in a long marriage. These messages add a spiritual touch to your wishes.

• May your marriage keep being blessed for many more years.
• Forty years of love built on faith and trust.
• Wishing you continued grace and blessings in this new chapter.
• Grateful for the way your marriage reflects true devotion.

For a hard year, or after an illness

Some anniversaries come after a tough year. These messages offer comfort along with celebration.

• Forty years, and you have faced every storm together.
• Your strength through hard times shows the depth of your love.
• Happy Anniversary. You have proven that love can carry you through anything.
• Wishing you peace, healing, and joy in the years ahead.

For your parents on their 40th, from the grown kids

Children often want to thank their parents for showing them what love looks like. These messages work well from adult kids.

• Mom and Dad, forty years of your love has shaped our whole family.
• Thank you for showing us what real love looks like.
• Happy 40th Anniversary. We are so lucky to call you our parents.
• Your marriage has always been our example of true love.

From the whole family, for a shared card

When the whole family signs one card, a group message works best. These lines are easy to add names to.

• From all of us, happy 40th Anniversary! We love you both.
• Forty years of family memories, and we can’t wait for more.
• The whole family is cheering for you on your Ruby Anniversary.
• We are so proud to be part of your love story.

Gift ideas that match the ruby theme

Ruby is the traditional gift for a 40th anniversary. A small ruby-themed gift adds a nice touch to your card.

Ruby jewelry, like a ring or necklace, is a classic choice. A photo album covered in deep red also fits the theme well. Wine, since it is often deep red in color, makes a simple and thoughtful gift too. Even a small ruby-colored candle can carry the same meaning.

Turn it into a group card

A group card lets many people share their wishes in one place. Here is how to make it easy for everyone.

• Ask each guest to write one short line and their name.
• Leave space for a family photo inside the card.
• Use a large card so everyone has room to write.
• Pass the card around a few days before the big day.

Tips for writing your own message

Writing your own message can feel more personal than a printed one. Keep it simple and true to how you feel.

Start with a memory you share with the couple. Keep your message short and clear. Avoid trying to be too clever, since simple words often mean the most. End with a warm wish for their future together.

Final thoughts

Forty years of marriage deserves words that feel true and warm. These 40th Wedding Anniversary Messages can help you say exactly what’s in your heart. Whether you pick a heartfelt line, a funny one, or a short line for the card, what matters most is that it comes from you. 

A simple message, said with love, always means the most. Use this list as a starting point, then add your own touch. Happy Ruby Anniversary to the couple you’re celebrating.

Frequently asked questions

What is the traditional gift for a 40th anniversary? 

Ruby is the traditional gift for a 40th wedding anniversary.

What color represents a 40th anniversary? 

Deep red, the color of a ruby, represents the 40th anniversary.

What do you write in a 40th anniversary card? 

A short, honest message about the couple’s love and years together works well. You can add a memory or a simple wish for the future.

Is 40 years called the Ruby Anniversary? 

Yes, 40 years of marriage is known as the Ruby Anniversary.