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 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.
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!
Know Your Audience
While you may be speaking your vows in front of many family and friends, remember that the vows are for your loved one, an audience of one! Complete’s Reed Beldin gives advice saying “When choosing what to vow, remember you are talking to her/him directly, not the 300+ people at your ceremony.”
Complete Wedding Experts in Tulsa, OK
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!