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 for 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.
The Knot has nine wedding vow examples from real couples, some with both partners’ vows included, to give you many variations of vows, from one sentence to full-on emotional!
Decide If Personal Vows Are Right for You
“In wedding ceremonies, one of the focal points are the vows that the couple make to each other in front of witnesses that form a covenant,” Kevin Paladino says. This can be a lot of pressure for some, and writing personal vows, especially speaking personal vows, is not right for everything. If you’re set on writing your own personal wedding vows, one option to relieve some pressure on the big day is to speak your personal vows in private with your partner. This could be after your first look or ideally during a private moment before the ceremony. Whether you’re speaking them at the ceremony, or in private, know that there’s no need for these to be extravagant. Keeping the vows simple maybe your best route for success.
Practice Out Loud
Once you accomplished writing your lines, you’ll definitely want to read them out loud a few times for the big day! Complete’s Alex Antoine explains you should “plan out what you’re gonna say and stick to it.” Once you’ve completed the process, trust yourself that what you’ve written is enough, and practice memorizing, or preparing a neatly written note, for the special moment!
Complete Wedding Experts in Spokane
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!