When it comes to writing your wedding vows, couples often don’t know where to start and become overwhelmed. This post will show you it is not as hard as it first seems.
There is a mandatory legal sentence that you need to say, the rest of your vows are your own words to each other. This post gives you guidance on how to create your vows in a meaningful way, but remember you are free to say whatever you like.
Answering one or more of the following questions will help you focus on why you have chosen to marry your partner and what you love about them.
- What is the single greatest thing about the person you are going to marry?
- What is your favourite memory of your partner?
- When did you realise you were in love?
- ‘I love it when you …’
- What is the quirky habit they have that makes you giggle and smile?
- What is the one thing throughout your relationship that you look back on and laugh about?
After you have reflected on your relationship and love for your partner you can put it all together by writing a couple of sentences stating your love and commitment.
- Start with a statement about who this person is to you. You are my best friend, my lover, my partner in crime, you are my everything.
- Continue by saying what it is you love about your partner. What about this person has led you to promise ‘forever’? What makes your relationship tick? Write down everything that comes to mind; then focus on a few items that really stand out or have meaning to you and your partner.
- State exactly what it is you are promising. Vows aren’t just cute anecdotes; they are the statement of serious commitment you are making. Such as ‘I vow to always support you,’ or I promise to dream with you’.
- Use romantic wedding vows to personalise your promise. Define your love, what is your devotion to your partner.
- Don’t hesitate to use funny wedding vows to personalise your promise. Adding your humour to your vows means your vows stay true to the two of you. ‘I promise to kill all the spiders that venture into our home’.
- Mention specific things the two of you will do and accomplish together. Use phrases like ‘With you …’ and ‘Together …’
- Don’t shy away from adding that you’ll be there through life’s challenges. For example I promise my life to you when the love is easy and when it is hard.
- Wrap up your vows with a look towards the future. Loving what you know of your partner and trusting what you do not yet know. Will your love help you through moving countries for work? How will your love support the way you raise your family?
Your vows are your promises to each other said at one of the most romantic times of your lives. You do not need to say everything … your vows (and ceremony!) would go on forever. Your guests know your story – don’t retell every single moment, just the highlights.
Some things are best said during the reception speeches … some things are delightfully shared during your wedding ceremony.
All my couples know I can and will assist them write their vows, keeping the process as stress free as possible.