Sometimes we just want to add a little extra flair when wishing others an enjoyable weekend. Alternatives like “Have a fabulous weekend,” “enjoy days off,” and “Have a restful weekend” communicate the same message with a bit more pizzazz.
You can also get creative with figurative language for instance, telling someone to “go out and seize the weekend.”
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 fantastic alternatives to wish your coworkers, friends, or family an amazing couple of days off. We’ll move into why variety matters in your weekend wishes and how to choose the perfect phrase for any situation.
Is It Professional to Say “Have a Great Weekend”?

When it comes to workplace etiquette, the appropriateness of saying “Have a great weekend” can vary. In many modern offices, this phrase is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged. It shows a human touch and helps create a friendly atmosphere.
However, in more formal settings or with clients you don’t know well, you might want to err on the side of caution. Ultimately, professionalism depends on the context, relationship between parties, and organizational culture.
Some traditional perspectives suggest well-wishes for employees’ time off imply overstepping professional boundaries. However, many modern workplaces embrace more casual interactions that build rapport and show interest in employees’ lives outside of work.
- As long as “Have a great weekend” aligns with behavioural norms and is not said to the wrong audience (e.g., unknown clients), it can be appropriate and thoughtful.
What To Say Instead of “Have a Great Weekend”

Here’s a list of 10 fantastic alternatives to “Have a great weekend,” each with its own unique flavor:
- Enjoy your weekend
- Wishing you a fantastic weekend
- Have a wonderful weekend!
- Make the most of your weekend
- Hope your weekend is amazing
- Have a splendid weekend!
- May your weekend be filled with joy
- Relax and enjoy your weekend
- Wishing you a weekend full of fun
- Have a blissful weekend
1. Enjoy your weekend! (Casual & Friendly)
This relaxed communication option is perfect for most situations. It’s casual enough for friends but still appropriate for work. The word “enjoy” adds a personal touch, like you really want them to have a good time. You could use this after a team meeting on Friday afternoon.
- For example, “Great work this week, everyone. Enjoy your weekend!” To make it even more personal, add a little something about their plans if you know them. “Enjoy your weekend camping trip!” shows you’ve been paying attention and care about their time off.
2. Wishing you a fantastic weekend! (Warm & Enthusiastic)
When you want to amp up the enthusiasm, this is your go-to phrase. It’s perfect for those times when you know someone has exciting plans or when they really need a break. The word “fantastic” adds a boost of positivity.
You might use this with a colleague who’s been working hard on a project: “You’ve put in so much effort this week. Wishing you a fantastic weekend to recharge.”
- This excited greeting can really lift spirits and show that you care about their happiness beyond the office.
3. Have a wonderful weekend! (General & Kind)
This phrase strikes a nice balance between casual and formal, making it versatile for various situations. It’s a step up from “good” but not as exuberant as “fantastic,” so it fits well in most professional settings. You could use this in a closing email to a client or at the end of a meeting with your team.
- For instance, “Thank you all for your contributions today. Have a wonderful weekend, and we’ll pick this up on Monday.” The word “wonderful” adds a touch of warmth without going overboard, making it suitable for formal interactions.
4. Make the most of your weekend! (Motivational)
Here’s a phrase that’s both encouraging and action-oriented. It’s great for motivating your team or friends to really enjoy their time off. This works well when you know someone has been looking forward to the weekend or has special plans.
- For example, after a long week of hard work, you might say to your team, “You’ve all put in 110% this week. Make the most of your weekend – you’ve earned it!” This phrase shows that you value work-life balance and want others to have a pleasant break.
5. Hope your weekend is amazing! (Optimistic & Supportive)
This alternative salutation is perfect for injecting some positivity into someone’s day. It’s especially good if you know a colleague or friend has been having a tough time.
The word “hope” shows that you’re thinking about their well-being, while “amazing” adds a dash of excitement. You might use this with a coworker who’s been stressed lately: “I know it’s been a challenging week.
- Hope your weekend is amazing – you deserve some great downtime!” This phrase can really lift spirits and show that you care about their happiness beyond the office.
6. Have a splendid weekend! (Cheerful & Slightly Formal)
“Splendid” is a word that adds a touch of class to your weekend wishes. It’s cheerful but has a slightly formal edge, making it great for business communications or interactions with superiors. You could use this at the end of a meeting with clients or when saying goodbye to your boss.
- For instance, “Thank you for your time today. Have a splendid weekend, and we’ll touch base next week.” The key to nailing this phrase is in the delivery – say it with genuine cheer, but keep your tone professional.
7. May your weekend be filled with joy! (Heartfelt & Warm)
This phrase takes your weekend wishes to a more personal level. It’s perfect for close work friends or when you want to show extra care. The word “joy” adds a deep, positive emotion to your farewell. You might use this with a colleague you know has been going through a tough time.
- “You’ve handled everything so well this week. May your weekend be filled with joy and relaxation.” This heartfelt wish shows that you truly care about their happiness and well-being outside of work hours.
Related Guide:
10 Other Ways to Say “Happy Birthday” (With Examples)
8. Relax and enjoy your weekend! (Reassuring & Casual)
Sometimes, people need a gentle reminder to take it easy. This phrase does just that. It’s perfect for workaholics or after a particularly stressful week. The combination of “relax” and “enjoy” encourages both rest and fun. You could say this to your team after wrapping up a big project: ” Now, relax and enjoy your weekend.
- No thinking about work until Monday!” This phrase shows that you value work-life balance and want your colleagues to unwind and savor their time off.
9. Wishing you a weekend full of fun! (Lively & Exciting)
This excited greeting is perfect for injecting some energy into your farewell. It’s great for friends or colleagues you know have exciting plans. The phrase “full of fun” creates an image of non-stop enjoyment. You might use this before a holiday weekend or when someone has mentioned special plans: “I heard you’re going to that music festival.
- Wishing you a weekend full of fun and great memories!” This shows you’re genuinely excited for them and interested in their life outside work.
10. Have a blissful weekend! (Peaceful & Serene)
Sometimes, what people need most is peace and quiet. This phrase wishes them exactly that. It’s perfect for times when you know someone needs to decompress or when the week has been particularly hectic. The word “blissful” evokes a sense of deep contentment and relaxation. You could use this with a colleague who’s mentioned needing some downtime:
- “You’ve been going non-stop lately. Have a blissful weekend – hope you get plenty of rest” This shows that you understand their need for a calm respite and support their well-being.
Conclusion
Mixing up your weekend wishes is a small but powerful way to strengthen relationships and show you care. Whether you’re aiming for professional, casual, or somewhere in between, there’s a perfect phrase for every situation. So next time Friday rolls around, try out one of these alternatives. You might be surprised at the positive reactions you get.
Remember, a thoughtful goodbye can set the tone for a great weekend and a fresh start on Monday. Here’s wishing you many joyous days off and happy time away – may your weekends always be blissful, fantastic, and full of fun.
FAQ’s
What can I say instead of “have a nice weekend”?
Instead of “Have a nice weekend”: “Wishing you a weekend filled with joy, laughter, and relaxation. Take time to unwind and recharge.
How do you say have a great weekend differently?
Instead of “Have a great weekend”: “Hope your weekend is filled with fun and adventure! Enjoy every moment and make some great memories.
Is having a great weekend polite?
Yes, “Have a great weekend” is polite: It’s a warm and thoughtful way to wish someone well, offering good vibes and positivity as they approach their time off.
How do you say have a great day in a fun way?
Fun way to say “Have a great day”: “Here’s to a day full of exciting surprises, great vibes, and endless possibilities. Go rock your day.
How do you say good day in a unique way?
Unique way to say “Good day”: “Wishing you a day so amazing that even the sun will be jealous of how bright you shine.
What can I say instead of having an amazing day?
Instead of “Have an amazing day”: “May today be filled with endless opportunities, smiles, and moments that make you feel unstoppable and fulfilled.