Five Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

  In an era of customizable everything, more and more couples are writing their vows. Though the thought is romantic, the actual act can be overwhelming and deeply frustrating. If you’re ready to write your own vows, we’ve got you covered. Follow these can’t-miss five tips for writing your wedding vows tips. Discuss Your Guidelines

Most couples share their vows beforehand, but if you want to keep it a surprise, agree to some basic guidelines governing length and content. If one partner’s vows take five minutes to recite while the other’s take 50 seconds, it creates a strange disparity. Writing your wedding vows is a beautiful and personal way to express your love and commitment to your partner.

 Here are some ideas and prompts to help you brainstorm and create heartfelt vows:

Express Your Love and Admiration:

• • Start by expressing your love and why your partner means so much to you.
  • Share specific qualities or moments that you adore about them.

Promise of Commitment:

• • Make a clear and heartfelt commitment to your partner.
  • Mention your intentions to stand by them through thick and thin.

Shared Goals and Dreams:

• • Talk about the dreams and goals you have as a couple.
  • Express your excitement for building a future together.

Specific Promises:

• • Make specific promises that are meaningful to both of you. These could be related to communication, support, trust, or other aspects of your relationship.

Memories and Shared Experiences:

• • Recall special moments or experiences you’ve had together.
  • Highlight how these moments have shaped your relationship and why they’re significant.

Acknowledgement of Imperfections:

• • Recognize that you’re both human and may have flaws.
  • Promise to love and support each other even in times of struggle.

Personal Touches:

• • Include inside jokes, quotes, or meaningful references to both of you.
  • This can add a unique and personal touch to your vows.

Cultural or Religious Elements:

• • If applicable, incorporate cultural or religious aspects that are important to both of you.

Commitment to Growth:

• • Express your willingness to grow and evolve as individuals and as a couple.
  • Promise to support each other’s personal development.

Gratitude:

• • Express your gratitude for having your partner in your life.
  • Acknowledge how they’ve enriched your life.

Closing Remarks:

• • End with a powerful statement of your love and commitment.
  • You can also express excitement about starting this new chapter together.

Poetry or Quotes:

• • Consider incorporating a meaningful poem or quote that resonates with both of you.

Promises for the Future:

• • Share your hopes and dreams for your future together.
  • Talk about the adventures you look forward to experiencing as a married couple.

Still struggling to write your vows? Here is one I prepared for an outline.

[Partner’s Name],

From the moment our paths crossed, I knew my life was forever changed. Today, surrounded by the ones we hold dear, I stand before you, ready to make these promises:

I promise to cherish and adore you and be your confidant and biggest supporter. I’m in awe of the person you are, and I pledge to love you fiercely, celebrating both our triumphs and our challenges.

I promise to honor and respect you, listen and learn, and always make room for growth in our shared journey. Together, we are a team, a partnership that will weather any storm and savor every sunrise.

I promise to be the keeper of our adventures, to revel in the beautiful moments we create, and to hold tight during the trying times. Every laugh, every tear, is a page in the story of us, and I promise to cherish each one.

I promise to be patient, to be kind, and to always put in the work to understand you, for you are my heart’s deepest longing and its truest home.

Today, I give you not only my heart but my soul, and I entrust it to you with unwavering faith. With you, I’ve found my forever. With you, I’ve found my always.

Keep it Short

Now is not the time for a long speech and flowery language. Wedding vows are brief because there’s only so much you can reasonably promise. Stick to the basics of fidelity, love, support, and affection. Make Promises, Not Compliments 

You’re getting married, so you’re already probably overwhelmed by love. Remember, though. A vow is not a long love letter; it’s a promise.

 Your vows should be a series of promises, not a long list of compliments. Of course, there’s no harm in sprinkling in a few compliments, so long as they are in the context of vows. For instance, follow traditional vows and sprinkle your own flavor. Keep it Meaningful 

An inside joke here or there is harmless, but your vows shouldn’t be overly funny or simplistic. After all, wedding vows are the sacred commitment you promise to adhere to for life, which warrants some thought. Stick to substantive promises, and leave the jokes for the best man speech at the reception.

Write Them Down 

Even if you’re an expert public speaker, you’ll probably be nervous on the big day. Write down a copy of your vows to pull out in case you need them.

Not only can this save you from a wedding day disaster, but it also ensures you always have a copy of the promises you made on that important day. Some couples even pull out their vows every year on their anniversary and read them to one another.

One more thing, even if you are nervous, don’t drink too much before your vows. It’s better to sound nervous than drunk.  

Yes I know there’s more than 5 tips for writing your wedding vows. But sometimes we need all the help we can get:)

Ah, the bridal veil – that delicate cloud of mystery that hovers over a blushing bride, adding a touch of elegance and a dash of “wait, is that my aunt from the other side of the family?” to the wedding proceedings. Get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of bridal veils, a place where the worlds of fashion, fabric and tradition collide.

An extra touch of magic at Leah S Designs – our store is currently offering a delightful 10% discount on all bridal veils when purchased with a dress. Because finding the perfect veil to complement your dream gown should be as joyful as saying ‘I do’.”

Retro Veils: A Glimpse Back in Time

Let’s start with a salute to the retro veils that our grandmothers rocked like they were about to meet the Queen herself. These are the veils that transport us back to a time when lace and tradition ruled the scene. Think Grace Kelly and old school glamour. Like the sound of this? You might like our Divine lace bridal veil with lace edging.

In my time in the world of weddings, I’ve discovered a captivating way to bridge the past and the present: a vintage wedding veils with a new dress. These thoughtful pieces are the perfect companions for my choice of a three-quarter wedding dress or a soft satin gown, adding a touch of vintage allure to a modern-day celebration. Oh don’t forget to add a gipp bouquet and traditional fruit cake for reception.

Fingertip Veil: The ‘I Do’ All Rounder

The fingertip veil: perfect for brides who want a touch of tradition without losing the ability to operate a smartphone. It elegantly graces the tips of your fingers while you exchange rings, offering the ideal blend of classic charm and modern convenience. Our most popular style, this veil caters to even the most coordination-challenged brides – ensuring you don’t just say “I do,” but you do so with style.

Featuring a touch of playful flair, our ribbon-edge double-layer veil adds that extra dash of character. It’s the perfect companion to your wedding journey, embracing tradition and humor in equal measure. So, if you’re the kind of bride who wants to blend subtle elegance to your dress, this fingertip veil style is your match made in bridal heaven. Finger tip veils suit all styles of wedding dresses, a double layer is the best choice and is easy to remove during your reception.

Check out our ribbon edge double layer veil.

Blusher Veil: Unveiling the Mysterious Mystique

The blusher veil – the wedding world’s equivalent of a magic trick. It conceals and reveals, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already emotional ceremony. This is a one layer wonder for the bride who is uncertain on wearing a veil. Bonus: it’s excellent for throwing over your face if you accidentally make eye contact with a creepy in-law. You can’t go wrong with our scattered pearl bridal blusher.Pair a blusher veil with a simple chiffon or tulle wedding dress. Ideal for casual settings like a beach, garden, or home-based wedding. This combo captures effortless charm and brings a touch of elegance to your relaxed yet unforgettable day.

You can’t go wrong with our scattered pearl bridal blusher

Ankle Veil: For the Practical Princess

Why wear a floor-length veil when you can subtly sweep the floor as you walk with an ankle veil? This is a request from our past brides and now its here to stay. It’s perfect for the bride who plans to defy tradition by busting out some impromptu dance moves later in the evening. The twist and tango have never been this ethereal.

Chapel Veil: When You Need a Little Extra Length

Moving up the scale in both length and grandeur, we have the chapel veil. It’s the Goldilocks of veils – not too short, not too long, just right for adding a touch of drama without risking tripping down the aisle. Just make sure your veil is longer than your wedding dress train, perfect option for a train-less dress that needs extra wow. How about viewing our best selling Forest veil.

I love the chapel length train veil. Its grace perfectly complements our designs as most have 40 cm train dresses, ensuring a captivating entrance while revealing delicate details. Our  Divine, Desire, Forest, Stevie, Ivy, and Charlie dresses, have matching lace veils.

A tiara or a dainty comb completes the look, It’s not just an accessory; it’s a reflection of your identity as a bride.

Cathedral Veil: Your Very Own Red (or Ivory) Carpet

Finally, the grand dame of them all – the cathedral veil. This majestic masterpiece practically demands a spotlight and a wind machine. If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own Beyoncé moment, this is the veil for you. Best to have a committed bridesmaid for this one! We have the Amira Veil and the Margaret veils in store that are next level for length.

Step aside, ivory norms – let’s explore the wild side of non-traditional veils.

Picture a bride striding down the aisle with a pink tulle cascade flowing behind her like a barbie dream. Or imagine the daring elegance of a midnight black veil that hints at a mysterious love story. But wait, there’s more: bridal capes, the superhero of wedding attire. These flowing wonders add a touch of drama, letting you channel your inner cape crusader while saying, “I do.”

Do Modern Brides Need Veils? A Tulle Tale for Today

In the age of non-traditional weddings and Harry Potter -themed receptions, does a modern bride really need a veil? The answer is as clear as the glass slipper Cinderella left behind: maybe – maybe not! But if you’re a fan of tradition, a veil will add that extra sprinkle of fairy tale magic to your day, making you feel like the protagonist of your very own romance.

So there you have it – a whimsical whirlwind through the world of bridal veils. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast, a practical dancer, or a royal inspiration, there’s a veil style waiting to sweep you off your feet (and maybe tickle your nose a little). Remember, on your big day, the most important thing is feeling like the enchanting, one-of-a-kind soul you are – even if that means a veil that’s longer than your Pinterest wedding board.

Why do wedding dresses have a train?

Wedding dress design is steeped in tradition. Many design principles that originated centuries ago still apply now. The wedding dress train or tail is one of those traditions.  

Historically, trains have been a part of wedding fashion for centuries. In the past, longer trains were reserved for royalty and the upper class, as they were a sign of wealth and social status. Even today, wedding dresses with trains evoke a sense of tradition and timelessness.

 It adds an element of drama and elegance to the bride’s gown, creating a memorable and regal presence as she walks down the aisle.

 For many brides, wearing a dress with a train fulfills a childhood fantasy of feeling like a princess or having a fairytale wedding. The train adds a touch of magic and fantasy. 

Photographic Appeal: 

Trains can create visually stunning photographs. They add movement, depth, and dimension to wedding photos, creating a sense of grace and elegance. Photographers often use the train to create artistic compositions or capture dramatic moments during the wedding.

Dramatic Effect: The train can be particularly impactful during the ceremony and first dance, leaving a lasting impression on guests.

Do wedding dresses have to have a train?

Not all wedding dresses have trains, and modern bridal fashion offers a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Some brides may choose dresses without trains for practical reasons, such as ease of movement or the style and theme of their wedding. Ultimately, the decision to include a train in a wedding dress is a personal choice. For everything you need to know about train lengths you might find this post helpful.

The presence of a train is a design choice and personal preference. While many traditional and formal wedding dresses feature trains, there are plenty of modern and alternative options available without a train.

Leah S Designs offers a wide variety of styles, including those with a sleek and simple silhouette to full ballroom styles with or without a train.

The absence of a train can offer practical benefits. If you are on a budget, trainless gowns are usually cheaper. Plus Wedding dresses without trains are often easier to move in, making it more comfortable for the bride to walk, dance, and interact with guests throughout the wedding celebration. They can also be more suitable for outdoor or less formal ceremonies where a long train may need to be more practical.

Can a wedding dress train be taken off?

Yes, in many cases, a wedding dress train can be detached or bustled, or cut off in alterations. 

Bustling is a common alteration that allows the train to be lifted or secured to the back of the dress, making it more manageable and easier to move around during the reception or after the ceremony.

Bustles can be created using hooks, buttons, or ribbons, depending on the design of the dress and the desired effect. The train is gathered or folded up and secured, often discreetly, to the back of the dress. This creates a seamless transition from a long train to a more practical length. This alteration enables the bride to dance, mingle with guests, and move around more freely without the train dragging on the floor.

It’s important to consult with a professional seamstress or bridal boutique to determine the best bustling method for your specific wedding dress. 

How do I make a trainless wedding dress look like it has a train?

If you have a trainless wedding dress but like the look of a train, there are a couple of options to consider:

Overskirt or Detachable Train: You can add an overskirt or a detachable train to your dress. These separate pieces can be attached or fastened to the back of the dress, creating the illusion of a train when desired. This allows you to have the flexibility of wearing a train for the ceremony and easily removing it for the reception.

If you are short, there are benefits; your gown may only need hemming at the front, and the gown length will give you a drape at the back.

Another option to add a tail to your wedding dress is a long cathedral or chapel-length train. This will give the lux illusion of a train for the service and photos. But when the party starts, take the veil off and have the movement of your trainless gown.

It’s important to consult with a professional dressmaker or bridal boutique. And ask to discuss these options and determine the best approach for your specific dress. They can provide guidance based on the style and fabric of your dress. This ensures that any modifications are done seamlessly and complement the overall design.

Easy Ways to Include Your Pets in Your Wedding

For many newly engaged couples, pets are more like furry children than animals. If you love your canine or feline companions, why not include them in the happiest day of your life? Here are a few easy ways to include your pets in your wedding.

Put Them in the Wedding Party

If your pets are well-behaved and extraordinarily well-trained, then now is your chance to show them off! Try including them in your wedding party.

You might make your dog your flower girl by putting a little wedding dress with flowers on her, or turn your cat into a ring bearer by attaching a tiny pouch around the neck. Word to the wise: this will only work if your pets are very well-trained.

Bring Them for a Reception Visit

If your pets are like most, they’re not perfect all the time. This doesn’t mean you can’t include them, though. Treat them as honored guests at your reception by bringing a pretty bowl and allowing them to eat with your guests for a few minutes, before having a pet-sitter hastily spirit them back home.

Easy ways to include your pets in your wedding take a picture

Don’t want to fool with hiring a dog trainer or dealing with unruly pets? Especially a large dog that will jump all over your wedding dress. Try making your pets’ photo a focal point at your reception. Animal-loving guests will think it’s adorable.

Take Your Engagement Photos With Them

Some pets don’t do well in large crowds. Others tend to get dirty, hyperactive, or destructive. If your pets aren’t fit for public viewing or you can’t find anyone to help you manage them on your big day, you can still make them a permanent part of your wedding memories.

Include them in your engagement photos. Or, if you’re just itching to have them in your wedding shots, ask your photographer to do a “trash the dress session” the day after your wedding. This session allows you to have fun with your pets and your new spouse, without worrying about destroying your dress, your makeup, or your hair.