“congratulations” on female friend’s marriage?

Hi Bamboo-- welcome to English Forums.

Some say that congratulating a bride on catching a man is gauche-- but I don't know any good alternative, and I have probably said it dozens of times.

You might try something like I was delighted to hear about your engagement/marriage; I am sure you will both be very happy!

yes

I've also read the "rule" about never congratulating the bride, supposedly because it implies she has "won" her new husband in some kind of contest. However, it's considered correct to congratulate the groom. One of those slightly sexist points of etiquette.

And like Mr. Micawber, I've also done it myself, many times. And I cannot remember any bride ever "bowing up" as we say in the So

To avoid all problems of possible sexism (when I was in college in the medieval ages, it was strictly taboo to 'congratulate' the female), you can simply say "best wishes to" or "I'm so happy for" both of you.

my class freind waw married last week. i have no words how congatulate.