How and Why to Write Your Wedding Vows
You are engaged now! Congratulations on choosing to start a life with your partner; you probably are searching for inspiration to choose the right style and interviewing potential vendors. But have you thought about your ceremony? Receptions often get most of our attention while wedding planning, but the most meaningful part of marriage happens in the ceremony.
During your wedding ceremony, you will make promises to each other, which are your vows. There are two types of vows, traditional and modern. Traditional ones are those we all know, which go along the lines of I take thee, to have and hold, in sickness and in health, until death does us part. While modern vows are a personalized version of those promises.
Why Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?
There is a template, it is traditional, and it pretty much sums up what we all want to say to our loved ones while we tie the knot, right? Not always, traditional vows state some things you might not feel comfortable with. But when you write them, you make real promises to your partner, and you share some of the reasons you are starting a life along with them.
Writing your wedding vows might sound easier said than done. And if you are hesitant about writing your vows or have no idea where to start, I have a couple of tips to help you pour out your feelings in the best way possible to make your wedding vows unique and unforgettable.
How To Write Your Wedding Vows
Start with a story or a statement; for example, you can write, "when I met you, I knew you were extraordinary" or "you are my best friend."
Explain what makes your partner special. You can write a list of characteristics you love about your other half or how the presence of your partner has made your life better. Phrases like, "since you came into my life, I felt the need to be the best version of me," "you always know how to make me believe in myself, even when I feel I cannot go any further," or "your kind heart, your thoughtfulness, and your charming smile are the sun to my days."
Tell a story. Think about a moment you treasure; it can be funny or heartwarming, an anecdote of the moment you knew you had found everlasting love. Perhaps the day you met or a challenging moment in life when the only person by your side was your soon-to-be husband or wife.
Make real promises. Now to the essence of vows, promises. Make promises your other half wants to hear, not shallow ones, but those you can keep. I promise to clean out the sink even if I had a bad day, or I promise to cover your cold feet before we go to sleep, even something romantic like I vow always to remember how much I love you when we disagree.
Finish reassuring your love. When we take the train of marriage, we hope for nothing more than for our partner to be by our side when times get dark. Make sure you let your partner know, your love is unconditional and everlasting.
Tips.
Set the tone. Even if you have different ways to say “ I Love You”, it is a great idea to talk to each other about the approach you want for your vows. Is it going to be funny and cute, or funny and mean? Each couple has their language; make sure you are on the same page, and most importantly, make sure you are both writing your vows.
Sooner than later. Your vows are important, more than the color of the napkins for your reception, so do not leave them for the last minute. Writing how you feel about the person you love might be more difficult than you imagine; give it enough time.
Practice. Yes, it would help if you got familiarized with the words you write and pause and emphasize your vows' significant parts. Read your vows to someone you trust and listen for their feedback.
Make it short. We all want to hear your love story, but the short version. After a couple of minutes, you might lose your guests' attention; try to keep your vows meaningful and straightforward.