HOW TO WRITE YOUR PERSONAL VOWS
It’s time to write your vows! But where to start? Don’t worry! We’re here to help.
SET SOME GROUND RULES WITH YOUR PARTNER
Decide if you want to write your vows together and say the same thing (common vows) or if you want to each write your own vows.
If you are writing different vows, discuss if you want to share them with each other before the wedding day.
Decide on the general length and vibe of the vows. You don’t want one person to write a four page long funny letter and the other to write 5 serious lines.
GET IN THE VOW WRITING GROOVE
Find a quiet place where you feel comfortable writing. Turn off your phone, the TV and anything else that might be distracting.
Pick a time to write when you are feeling alert and excited.
To help get you in the mood, it may be helpful to look at some photos of you and your partner, re-read old letters , or think back on milestones in your relationship.
BEGIN BY ADDRESSING YOUR PARTNER BY NAME
“Bob.” Now that wasn’t so hard, was it?
ADD A COMPLIMENT AND SAY HOW YOU FEEL
It’s always nice to start by acknowledging the moment, how fast your heart is beating and how devastatingly gorgeous your partner looks.
“I stand here, today, a little nervous and very excited.”
“You look beautiful, and I can’t believe the day I get to marry my best friend has finally arrived.”
“Who would have thought when we met that we would be standing here today?”
TALK ABOUT WHEN YOU FIRST MET YOUR PARTNER (OPTIONAL)
This step is optional. If you prefer shorter vows, feel free to cut this step out. But if you’d like to include it, think back to how you felt when you first met your partner, what captivated you and how they changed your life.
“From the moment our paths crossed, you’ve surprised me, distracted me, charmed me, and challenged me in ways I never knew possible.”
“We have been through so much together, not all of it easy. But together, we have made it through all that life has thrown at us.”
“Before I knew you, I had no idea what love really was.”
PROMISES , PROMISES
Okay, now comes the actual “vow” part of the vows. What do you want to promise your partner? Don’t be afraid to include some funny, personal items as well.
Interchange the words “I promise”, “I vow” and “I will” so you don’t sound too repetitive.
Choose 4-6 promises/vows and don’t forget to be honest and realistic. While it might sound nice to promise to never have an argument with your partner, it seems pretty unlikely.
“I will always remind you how awesome you are, especially when you don’t believe it for yourself.”
“I vow to respect and appreciate you for who you are, and for the person you wish to become.”
“I promise to work together to keep our lives exciting and passionate; persevering when times get tough, knowing that any challenges we face, we will conquer together.”
STATE WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP (OPTIONAL)
If you’d prefer shorter vows, feel free to skip this step. If you want to keep it, now’s the time for you to shed a little light on your relationship and talk about the two of you as a couple.
“No matter what life throws our way or how much time has passed, I know our love will never fade and we will continue to grow side by side.”
“I believe in the truth of what we are.”
“I know life will not always be easy, but together, we can make the difficult times a lot more fun.”
CHOOSE A CLOSING STATEMENT
You did it! You’re almost at the end of your vows. All you’ve got to do is put a bow on it with a sweet and short closing statement.
“This is my sacred vow.”
“I will love you from this moment until my last.”
“Loving you is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“You have my heart and my soul, forever.”