Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

If you have decided to write your own wedding vows, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. How can you possibly express all the emotions you are feeling in front of an audience without sounding scatterbrained and nervous? Here are seven tips that will help you write and deliver your vows with confidence.

Decide on format and tone

Decide how you want your vows to come across. Do you envision your vows being poetic and romantic or more humorous? Also decide how long you want your vows to be and whether you will write them together. Each couple is different—find what fits the both of you.

Reflect on your relationship, but leave out TMI details

Definitely mention some of the best parts of your relationship and why you are getting married. But remember, your audience will be a diverse crowd, so keep it PG and try not to embarrass each other. If there are more intimate details you would like to share with your fiancé, you can always write a letter they can read privately on the day of the wedding.

Don’t let quotes and poems overpower your words

Be yourself. Keep your vows personal and don’t pretend to be something you aren’t just because you have an audience. Quotes and poems may help get your point across, but don’t forget to use your own voice and words.

Don’t make promises you won’t keep

Really focus on promises that will keep your bond strong for years to come. It’s okay to add a few silly vows, but your vows should incorporate promises that you want to make to the love of your life. They should also demonstrate the sacrifices you are willing and want to make.

Embrace the emotion

You’re pouring your heart out for the world to hear; it is okay to get a little misty-eyed. This is a huge day, so don’t hold back!

Practice, practice, practice

There’s a reason people say “practice makes perfect.” Practicing will make you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives. Whether you rehearse your vows in the mirror or read them to your dog, just say them out loud so you can hear how they sound.

Write them down AND save a copy

Trust me, you will want to have your vows written down somewhere. Make two copies. One to take with you the day of and one to save as a keepsake.

No matter what you say in those few precious moments, the end result will be the same. You will have promised to love and cherish your partner forever.