Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

By offthechartentertainemnt
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22 Aug, 2017
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Writing your own vows is a great way to really personalize your special day. If you are thinking about writing your own, here are some tips.

Are you thinking about writing your own wedding vows? Many couples decide to forgo the traditional vows and write their own instead. Why? For one thing, writing your own vows makes your wedding more personal. It also gives you the ability to tell your spouse exactly how you feel in a public venue, and it’s something very special to look back on in years to come. Of course, writing your own wedding vows isn’t for everyone; some churches and officiants insist upon using the tried-and-true traditional vows, and some couples love the idea of reciting the same vows that millions of couples, probably even their own parents and grandparents, have uttered! If you are thinking about writing your own, though, here are some tips:

Decide if this is an individual or joint endeavor
Some couples prefer to write their vows together, and others have the bride write hers while the groom writes his. It’s up to you whether you want to share your vows with each other in advance of the wedding, or if you’d rather be surprised. If you opt for the surprise, it’s a good idea to give your vows to a family member or friend, though; she can make sure that both sets are roughly the same length and have the same amount of humor or sentimentality included.

Pick a general theme
Are you looking for very romantic vows, or will you be including some humor? Will there be a short story included? Maybe you want to use the traditional vows as a base but just spruce them up with your own personalities. Or perhaps you want to sing your vows to one another. Whatever the case may be, decide what effect you’re going for before you write them down.

Look around for inspiration
Not sure what to say? Think about the most romantic songs, movies and books that you’ve ever encountered, and feel free to steal some of the words and ideas to base your vows off of. If the two of you have a movie or song that is meaningful to you, all the better! Even if not, though, leaf through favorite books, put on one of the love song channels on Pandora, and rewatch some of the great romantic movies. Take notes on the best lines and see if you want to incorporate them into your vows.

Remember your audience Your vows are mostly for you and your husband, of course, but everyone from your grandmother to your cousin’s 10-year-old will be watching and listening. For this reason, keep it relevant, interesting, short, and PG-rated. Your vows should each be no longer than about one minute in length, and you should avoid private jokes that would confuse your family and friends. It goes without saying that you should also avoid jokes and stories that would make great-aunt Millie blush.

Practice out loud
Remember, you’re going to be saying these vows on a day when you’re feeling nervous and emotional. Practice makes perfect! You’ll want to make sure that you can say your vows smoothly, so eliminate any awkward phrases and tongue-twisters that unwittingly make their way into your speeches.

Writing your own vows is a great way to really personalize your special day. By starting early and taking your time, you’ll be able to give this very important part of your ceremony your best efforts.