The commitment couples vow to make on their wedding day is typically sealed (before the kiss of course) with each individual’s thoughts, hopes, and intentions for the future of their relationship. Traditional vows include the standard “… to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part”, but writing your own personal portion before these (or starting from scratch completely) can mean SO much to your partner, and can help inaugurate the vows in your own heart as well. This is something you do once-in-a-lifetime, and we think a few vow writing tips can help get the words flowing!
Vow Writing Tips from Wedding Experts
Complete Weddings + Events’ wedding experts, each attending over 25 weddings a year (some over double that!), have the advice to help you get started in the vow writing process plus tips on what to include in these declarations of commitment. Get all our vow writing tips from wedding experts below!
Where to Start?
Complete Weddings + Events’ Lisa and Eric Raftery have a great technique to help you get started on the personal vow writing process. Write one line about the past, one line about the present, one line about the future. Here’s an example using three sentences and the past, present, and future method to get you thinking.
- Past: I remember when I first met you and was so impressed by not only your gorgeous smile but by how thoughtful and kind you were.
- Present: Now we are best friends, and I still love your smile and am impressed by who you are, every single day.
- Future: As we get married today, I am so excited about this beautiful season together, to spend the rest of my life, loving you and discovering new ways that you are the most amazing man I have ever known.
When to Start Writing Vows?
Starting the vow writing process at least two months before the big day will give you enough time, but some suggest thinking about what you want to say, and why you’re making this commitment during the entire engagement period will help make the entire process easier. But if you’re swamped in the month’s prior, don’t sweat it if you’re unable to start until the final 3 or 4 weeks before the big day. “The majority of planning should be completed by then and this will give you plenty of time to focus and put your heart and soul into it,” Chad Erb of Complete Weddings + Events advises.
Here for Happy Tears
Complete’s Jason Williams states, “If you cry, you cry!” Know that no one is going to be bothered by tears on your wedding day. They may create more happy tears among the crowd, but don’t feel the need to hold back the emotions. Don’t worry about fumbling over words or crying because this is your moment, and you can take all the time you need! Jason says, “write and speak your vows from the heart, as it will be a memory you can look back on through photos and videos for years to come and you want it to be authentic!” There’s no shame in authentic tears darling!
Complete Wedding Experts in Sioux City
If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve come to the right place. At Complete Weddings + Events, our team of photographers, videographers, DJs, and event consultants specialize in wedding services to make your day a success and make sure you’re just worried about enjoying it. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding packages best for your special day!