Five Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

 

In an era of customisable everything, more and more couples are writing their own vows. Though the thought is romantic, the actual act can be overwhelming, and deeply frustrating. If you’re ready to write your own vows, though, 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.

Keep it Short

Now is not the time for a long speech and flowery language. Wedding vows are succinct 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 just add a sprinkling of you’re your own flavour.

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, and that 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’re probably going to 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; 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 to much before your vows, its better to sound nervous than drunk.