Tips For Writing Your Own Vows
If you’re planning to skip the traditional “repeat after me” wedding vows to pen your own, it can seem a bit daunting. Having the ability to be completely vulnerable in front of all your closest friends and family isn’t easy, but can be well worth it when it comes to your big day. There’s something about personal vows that add a unique and romantic vibe to an otherwise traditional ceremony. But, before you officially decide to write your vows, make sure to have a conversation with your partner to establish that you will both be writing vows and what tone you’re going for. Whether you plan to share your vows at the ceremony or in a more private way, writing your vows is a great way to take an intimate look at your relationship pre-wedding. If you’re suffering from a case of wedding writer’s block, we’ve listed below six tips that may help you when writing your vows!
Start Writing A Month Prior to Wedding
Don’t wait until the last minute to begin writing your vows. If you give yourself a head start, you’ll be able to take your time and really think about what you want to say to your partner. Rushing only leads to less meaningful words and a deadline panic.
Get Inspiration
Whether you’re a writer or not, it’s always good to get inspiration from books, poems, movies, music, etc. You don’t want to necessarily quote directly from a piece of work, but you can take ideas and relate them to your own love story. If you’re stumped, look up a few vow examples that other people have written for their weddings to help get your ideas flowing.
via Pinterest
Make A List of Your Thoughts
Instead of putting the pressure on yourself to write your vows right from the start, take a moment to jot down your thoughts. Pull up a computer document or get out a pen and paper and write down your stream of consciousness. Think about what it is that you want to say overall and the anecdotes you want to include, then start to narrow it down to what you feel is most significant. This will make it easier to form more coherent sentences and see what ideas go together.
Keep It Personal
Think of anecdotes that relate to your love story personally. How you first met, your first date, when you fell in love, and when you knew they were the one you wanted to marry. You can even include some funny stories if you feel it fits the vibe of your vows. This will make it easier to come up with content to fill your vows and remain genuine and heartfelt in your words.
Know You Can’t Include Everything
There are undoubtedly going to be many anecdotes that you want to include in your vows, but try to keep them concise at about 2-3 minutes. Cut out anything that might be too personal to share or borders on a cliché phrase. Find a balance between what you feel is important to share with your loved ones and what you want to keep between just you and your partner.
Make A Copy and Practice
Make sure to have a copy of your vows handy on the day of your wedding. You may want to memorize your vows, but most likely it will be easier to read them off a paper or have them there in case you forget a line or two. It’s also really important to practice your vows. Read them to a friend or family member a few days before your wedding so you will feel less nervous on the day.
Photography by Halie Olszowy
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