A good luck message is really a vote of confidence. Whatever someone is facing, an exam, an interview, a first day, a big performance, the most useful thing you can say is that you believe in them. Keep it short, keep it warm, and let them know you are in their corner.

Here are more than 45 good luck messages, grouped by the occasion and the tone you want. Add their name and a personal line, and send it before the big moment.

Short good luck messages

Good luck. You have got this.
Sending you all the luck today.
Go get them. We believe in you.
Wishing you the best of luck.
You are ready. Go show them.
Fingers crossed and rooting for you.

Encouraging good luck messages

You have worked hard for this. Now go and trust yourself. Good luck.
Luck is just preparation meeting its moment, and you are prepared. You have got this.
Take a deep breath and be yourself. That has always been more than enough.
Whatever happens, I am proud of you for getting here. Good luck out there.
You are braver and more capable than you know. Go show them what you can do.

Good luck for an exam

Good luck in your exam. Trust everything you have learned. You are ready.
You have studied hard. Now go in calm and confident. You have got this.
Sending you focus, calm and a clear head. Good luck in your exam.
Whatever the result, you have already done the hard part. Good luck today.

Good luck for a new job or interview

Good luck in the interview. Just be yourself. They would be lucky to have you.
New job, new adventure. Go in confident, you earned this. Good luck.
Wishing you a brilliant first day. They are about to see how great you are.
You are exactly what they are looking for. Walk in and own it. Good luck.

Funny good luck messages

Good luck. If preparation fails, just dazzle them with confidence and a nice outfit.
Break a leg. Not literally, that would make the whole thing much harder.
Good luck. Remember, they put their trousers on one leg at a time, just like you.
You do not need luck, but I am sending some anyway, just to be safe.
Go in there and pretend you are as calm as you look. Good luck.

Good luck quotes to add

The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Believe you can and you are halfway there.
Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.
Do not wish it were easier. Wish you were better, and you already are.

A quick tip for a big-day card

A good luck card is best delivered just before the moment, and best kept short so it calms rather than adds pressure. If you want to mark a real milestone, like a child's first day of school, a personalised book about being brave makes a thoughtful keepsake. You can browse our books here.

Frequently asked questions

What is a short good luck message?

"Good luck. You have got this, and we believe in you." Simple, warm and confidence-building.

What do you write to wish someone luck in an exam?

Keep it calming: "You have studied hard. Trust yourself and go in calm. Good luck." Reassurance beats pressure.