Creating your Personal Vows

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Start early. Begin crafting your vows early so you’ll have plenty of time to find inspiration, to procrastinate and to enjoy thinking up all the reasons you are saying, “I, Do!”

• Talk vows over with your fiancé. You’ll want to keep the final product a secret and surprise for your wedding day. Although, it can help you feel more comfortable getting started if you and your partner agree on a certain style, format or tone for your vows. Will the two of you incorporate some of the same promises as traditional wedding vows? Are you going to stick to romantic promises or incorporate a more light-hearted tone? Some couples even decide to share their vows with each other before the wedding day. The best part is that the two of you get to decide what you prefer!

• Surround yourself with memories. Whether it’s old photographs, your first love note or special keepsakes, these items will remind you of all the moments the two of you have shared with one another. One moment may remind you of another which, may lead to that one time and the next thing you know it, you’ll have too many ideas.

• Make a list. When you first sit down to write your vows, don’t be stressed about writing complete sentences. Start jotting down everything that comes to mind.

• If you get stuck, answer a few questions about your relationship.

  • Why did you decide to get married?

  • What did you think when you first saw him/her?

  • When did you realize you were in love?

  • What do you have now that you didn’t have before you met?

  • How has she/he changed your view of the world?

  • What do you miss when you’re apart from each other?

  • What hard times have you gone through together?

  • What makes your relationship tick?

• Get inspired. You can look through different wedding vow examples including the ones featured below. You’ll be able to find plenty of inspiration. You can also pull inspiration from your favorite poets, authors, o romantic movies, as long as you don’t let someone else’s words overpower your own. Once you’ve found a few ideas you love, determine what it is about those vows that you are drawn to and try to incorporate that into your own.

• Avoid anything too personal or embarrassing. You’ll want your guests to be able to follow along with what you’re saying and be a part of this special moment. Limit the inside jokes and any words you second guess as you re-read what you’ve written. You can also have a friend read through your vows and make sure you didn’t miss anything.

• Take a break. Sometimes your best writing happens when you come back to it the next day. If you need a break, then take one. This is the reason you started early in the first place.