6 Card Templates to Wish Happy Birthday to a Brother-In-Law

Sitting down to write a birthday card can be challenging, especially when the recipient is your brother-in-law. Whether you two are tight and share funny memes on the regular or you have a more formal relationship, there are nice ways to share a special birthday message.

Here, you’ll find ideas for crafting heartfelt birthday messages for a brother-in-law. We’ll share examples of different styles — including punny messages and sentimental sayings — and offer tips for personalizing the message to reflect your relationship. Best of all, you’ll find ideas for wishing him a happy birthday on all platforms, from traditional cards and gifts to social media posts and emails.

Tips for Writing Happy Birthday Brother-In-Law Messages

Starting at a blank card or screen with no idea what to write? Don’t stress, we’ll give you some tips to make putting pen to paper easier than ever. Plus, this advice also makes it easier to pick out birthday cards and find him the perfect present. 

First, start by thinking about your brother-in-law’s interests. Does he love a certain sport, movie, or activity? You can pick out a card that features one of these items or include a quote or reference to it when writing your birthday wishes.

Think about his personality too! Does he have a great sense of humor or does he tend to be serious? Is he more traditional or modern when it comes to style and taste? By considering these elements, you can pick a card, gift, and wording (like birthday puns) that suit his personality. This helps you pick an appropriate tone for the card that reflects your relationship.

You’ll also want to think about where to wish him a happy birthday. If you’re not very close or have only met a handful of times, a traditional birthday card is a good bet. If you hang out regularly, an emailed card, quick text message, or social media post is a great idea. You can also add elements like memes and GIFs if he’s a funny guy to make it more personal.

Happy Birthday Brother-In-Law Message Examples

Still not sure what to say in your happy birthday wishes for your brother-in-law? We’ve done the hard work for you and created examples that you can copy directly into the card or draw inspiration from. We’ve broken them out into different tones and styles so you can pick one that best suits your relationship — and one that you can match if you’re planning a birthday party for him.

Here are some funny birthday wishes to use for a lighthearted brother-in-law: 

• I always wanted a brother, I just never knew he’d be married to my sister! Wishing you the happiest of birthdays.
• Cheers to another year of surviving being married to my sibling. I’m buying the drinks and birthday cake, so let’s get together soon and celebrate!
• Age is just a number…unfortunately, yours just seems to keep going up and up. Wishing you a day that’s better than average and a year that’s better than the last. 
• Happy b-day to the coolest brother-in-law I know! I hope you get the best gifts and spend your big day doing everything you love.
• Happy b-day to the man who chooses to deal with my brother! I hope today and this year is the best yet. Can’t wait to celebrate with the best bro-in-law the next time you’re in town.
• Older? Yup! Wiser? Definitely not. That’s okay because there’s always next year. In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating with you at your party. HBD!

Consider these heartfelt birthday wishes for a sentimental approach:

• Happy birthday to the brother I never had. Wishing you all the best on this special day. Thanks for being an amazing brother-in-law, we’re so lucky to have you in our family.
• Sending you my most heartfelt birthday wishes today. May God grant you health, happiness, and prosperity. 
• Dear brother-in-law, wishing you a fantastic birthday and a year that delivers everything your heart desires.

If you prefer to keep things simple, try these ideas instead: 

• To the best brother-in-law: I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
• Very happy birthday to you, dear brother-in-law. I hope you have a wonderful time celebrating at your birthday party and I’m so sorry to miss it.
• To my brother-in-law, I wish you a very happy birthday and a year full of success.
• Thanks for being the best brother-in-law. I wish you a very happy birthday today and hope you have a memorable birthday celebration.

6 Digital Birthday Cards for Your Brother-In-Law

Looking for inspiration for birthday card design? Here are a few of our favorite birthday cards to send to your brother-in-law. And if you’re thinking of planning a b-day celebration for your brother-in-law, don’t forget to look at digital invitations to find a birthday design that matches his card and sets the tone for the event.

1. HBD Card

Design: Signature Greeenvelope

Looking for a birthday card that’s fun and casual? This bold design is the perfect fit. Featuring colorful block lettering, it’s simple enough to send your best birthday wishes to a brother-in-law you’re not super close with. Plus, the supported backside leaves tons of room if you are closer and want to leave a longer message.

2. Birthday Cheers Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Looking for the perfect birthday card for a brother-in-law who enjoys beer? Consider this toast-worthy card that features two mugs of ale and vintage detailing. Write a special message to your brother or sister’s husband and make it a themed thing by inviting him out to the brewery or treating him to beers at a ball game.

3. Minimal Sun Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This brother-in-law birthday card is simple and classic, making it perfect for all types of birthday greetings. Letter-pressed details add a traditional feel while geometric elements honor modern boho vibes. The backside has plenty of space for a personalized birthday message, whether you want this to be a heartwarming or funny birthday card.

4. Getting Older Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Your brother-in-law is another year older, but he can still feel young at heart thanks to this fun birthday card. Featuring retro vibes, you can customize it with six artist-curated color schemes or choose your very own using the color wheel tool. Make it even better by adding music from their favorite genre.

5. Birthday Doodles Card

Design: Signature Greenvelope

For a brother-in-law who has a colorful personality, this vibrant card is the perfect way to send well wishes. Choose from six color palettes including shades of pink, blue, and green to match the birthday honoree’s favorite hues. Add a quick message on the front and send it off in seconds, without any hassle.

6. Happy Bday Frame

Design: Signature Greenvelope

This photo birthday card lets you send birthday wishes and a snap of the two of you, or just the birthday honoree. Upload your favorite image from a time you spent hanging out or choose a great portrait image of the birthday guy. There’s room for a short b-day wish and decorative confetti gives them an added surprise when they open it up.

Say Happy Birthday to a Brother-In-Law 

With these ideas, it’s easy to say happy birthday to your brother-in-law. Whether you want to take a sentimental approach or prefer a funny vibe, there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s easy to customize these messages by considering your brother-in-law‘s interests, personality, and style.

When you’re ready, browse our selection of birthday cards for adults to find a design for your brother-in-law. Each card is completely customizable so you can change the color and typography to match a party theme or his interests. Plus, you can add elements like music and wax seals to make it extra special.

For more birthday ideas, continue browsing our Stationers blog. It’s chock full of ideas from b-day party themes and decorations to gift-giving guides and more.