50+ Ways to Wish Someone a Bright Future & Good Luck

Co-authored by Tami Claytor and Kira Jan

Last Updated: March 12, 2024 Fact Checked

When you’re writing a graduation card, a farewell note, or a message celebrating a milestone in someone’s life, we know it can be tough to find the right words. How do you wish someone good luck in a unique, sincere way? We’ll help you craft the perfect message with our list of the 50 best ways to wish someone a bright future in both personal and professional contexts. From classic messages to inspirational quotes, we’ve got something for you—and for the person in your life with a beautiful, bright future ahead.

Quick and Heartfelt Ideas

“Wishing you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors.”
“I’m sending you the best of luck for your new, exciting chapter.”
“May you get all of the success and happiness you deserve.”
“Thank you for being such a great friend and colleague. We’ll miss you!”

Section 1 of 5:

Classic Ways to Wish Someone a Bright Future

Download Article

You can’t go wrong with this classic well-wishing message for any occasion. Whether you’re wishing a coworker, friend, or loved one good luck, go for a classic and hopeful option.
Add a bit of personality to your message by expressing how excited you are for the other person’s future.

Advertisement
Let the other person know you’re wishing them a bright future and sending along a bit of positive energy. It can’t hurt!
Remind the other person that they have an incredible journey ahead of them. They’ll appreciate the extra encouragement to get after their goals and pursue their dreams.
Make the other person feel like they’ve earned everything they’ve accomplished—and they deserve an amazing future. Wrap up your message with a classic “wishing you well” to end on a traditional yet sincere note.
This message is perfect if you’re saying goodbye to someone and wishing them well as they move on to another job. Let them know they’ll be missed, but you support their decision to start a new chapter.
Try out this message if someone’s moving to a new place or passing a major life milestone. Let them know you’re along for the ride and just as excited as they are for what’s to come.
Starting your good wishes with a “may you” statement adds a bit of formality. This is a great message for a professional setting.
Keep your message upbeat and positive. Tell the other person you’re rooting for them and they deserve only the best!
Sprinkle hope and optimism into your message. Cheer on your friend, loved one, or coworker and say they’re going to crush it!

Section 2 of 5:

Inspirational Good Luck Quotes

Download Article

Write a heartfelt message into a good luck or congratulations card. With these uplifting words, you’ll show the other person you’re their #1 fan.
Remind the recipient of your card or message that their future is full of opportunities to make a difference. Emphasize how optimistic you are about what they’ll be able to do.
Add a healthy dose of optimistic advice as you wish someone off to their bright future. This message would work super well for your kids or grandkids, younger coworkers, or people you’ve mentored.
Make sure the other person knows that when they head off to their next chapter, they won’t be alone. You’ll be there every step of the way to help support them!
Celebrate what lies ahead for the other person, and show them you understand they have what it takes to succeed. Moving, graduating, or starting a new job can all seem daunting, so whoever receives this message will appreciate the support.
Focus on their bright future, but acknowledge everything they’ve done to get to where they are now. This message will give the recipient a chance to step back and reflect on everything they’ve accomplished.
If you know they’ll face a few challenges, acknowledge that struggling through rough times is a part of life. But end your message on a hopeful note by saying that you’re sure the recipient can get through it.
Throw in a compliment to show you recognize how unique and special this person is. They’ll feel honored, understood, and seen.
Try this spin on the classic quote “there’s no time like the present.” Celebrate the fact that their future isn’t a far-off, abstract idea—it’s starting right now!
We all know it’s easy to doubt ourselves from time to time. Take a moment to reassure the recipient of your message that you have faith in them and their future.

Section 3 of 5:

Short Good Luck Quotes

Download Article

Keep it short and sweet with this easy way to wish someone a bright future and show them you care. Swap “adventure” for “chapter” or “journey” if you want to customize the message.^{[1]
X
Research source}
You can still pack a ton of encouragement into a tiny message. This is a perfect message for someone who’s starting at a new school or job, or for someone who’s started chasing their wildest aspirations.
Send a stoic, yet powerful message if you’re not into getting super gushy. You can still be supportive, even if you’re not someone who likes to write long, encouraging messages.
When in doubt, go for a simple, straightforward approach. You really can’t go wrong with this option in any context—your niece’s Sweet Sixteen, your friend’s engagement party, or your coworker’s product launch.
Focus on all the incredible possibilities that lie ahead. Drop this message into a supportive text, use it to sign off an encouraging email, or write it into a heartfelt card.
Try out this supportive message if you’re looking for a slightly fancier, formal way to wish someone a bright future.
Here’s a classy and professional message of encouragement. This one’s particularly appropriate if you’re writing a goodbye letter or card.
Send this message to the ambitious dreamers in your life. It’s a warm way of telling them they deserve the whole world!
Go for a punchy, pithy expression if you’re in a casual setting. This fun idiom is especially appropriate if you’re encouraging someone to get out there and impress a bunch of people.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source}
Use a classic expression borrowed from show biz instead of just saying “good luck.” While this expression is usually used for specific situations (like a performance, interview, or presentation), you can drop it into any card to wish someone luck and success.

Section 4 of 5:

Funny Good Luck Quotes

Download Article

If you’re close to the recipient, feel free to tease them a bit. This facetious quote takes the meaning of “praying for you” to an ironic level.
This playful quote starts off seriously and takes quite a turn. Send it to a friend who’s starting a new chapter, but avoid using this one in serious contexts.
Here’s a fun way to tell someone you think they’ve got huge opportunities ahead. Just make sure they keep in touch on their wild ride to success.
If you’re known for your sarcastic sense of humor, go for something like this quote. You can even find versions of this quote written out on greeting cards, like this one from Moonpig.
Dial down a serious message with a Jedi-inspired quote. Or, if you’re not into Star Wars, dip into another pop culture franchise with something like “Live long and prosper” or “May the odds be ever in your favor.”
Let’s be real, inspirational messages can be super cheesy! Start out with a seriously inspirational message and put a twist on it to wish your friend good luck and make them laugh.
This message is perfect if you’re wishing someone a bright future before they move. Or, swap “friends” for “coworkers” if you’re signing a farewell card for a colleague.
We took this pseudo-inspirational message from a popular meme about cauliflower pizza crust.^{[3]
X
Research source} Tell your friend they’ve got an incredible future ahead and sign off with this hilarious quote to really make a statement.
Include a “dad joke” in your card or message to make the recipient smile. If you think they’ll be getting a ton of cards with classic words of wisdom, give ‘em something totally wacky instead.
"As you embark on your journey, remember: if you think you’re too small to make a difference, you’ve never been in a room with a mosquito.” This funny yet wise advice has been attributed to both African proverbs and the Dalai Lama.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source

American Psychological Association
Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists

Go to source} In any case, it’s a refreshing and fun way to remind someone that they can make a difference.

Section 5 of 5:

Messages for College Graduates

Download Article

Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment, so let the grad know you’re celebrating them today! They’ll appreciate that you took the time to acknowledge their effort.
Remind your favorite grad that you don’t graduate from college every day—this is a major milestone!
Pair a congratulatory message with a reminder to look towards the future. They might be closing a chapter as they leave college, but they’re opening a new one!
Go for a classy and sincere congratulations message. This one’s especially appropriate if you’re giving a card or gift at a graduation party.
Make a reference to the classic cap throwing ceremony that happens at commencement. Then, emphasize you believed in the new grad the whole way through!^{[5]
X
Research source}
Celebrate the fact the new grad will be entering a whole new stage of adulthood.
Jazz up your message with a bit of rhyming fun. A short and sweet message is perfectly appropriate for any [1].^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source

Greater Good Magazine
Journal published by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, which uses scientific research to promote happier living

Go to source}
A message like this will let the graduate know they have a support system now and in the future. You’ll be looking out for them and cheering them on.
Write your grad a sincere and genuine message to celebrate this huge accomplishment. Remind them to take a minute and think about both where they’ve been and where they’re going.
Why not throw in some good vibes and energy? Write a thoughtful message and let your grad know you’re thinking of them, today and every day.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How do you say good luck to a performer?

Tami Claytor
Etiquette Coach
Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.

Tami Claytor

Etiquette Coach

Expert Answer

The standard saying is "Break a leg," but it depends on if you're speaking to someone you're close with. If you know the person well, you can say "Break a leg but not literally." If you're meeting with a professional dancer backstage, you'd be more formal and say "Oh, I can't wait to see your performance. I've been waiting to see you for three months. Good luck!"

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3