Writing wedding vows can seem like a daunting task. Let's face it, its's a lot of pressure to sum up your feelings for your partner and to declare them in public. It's not something we do often (well ever) and the thought of it may be incredibly uncomfortable. However, don't shy away and skip over them because your wedding vows are the most important part of the ceremony and a rare opportunity to tell your partner what they mean to you in front of the people who have watched you grow as a couple.
Be brave and check out the tips for crafting wedding vows that are personal, heartfelt, and special to you. First up keep in mind that every person's vows are unique to them. There is no set structure or content that has to be included. This can be liberating or more intimidating because you can write anything you want. Wedding vows don't need to be formal or gushy if that's not you - remember you are talking to the person who knows you the best. Write from the heart and in your voice.
Remember that words of affirmation are a huge gift. It is not often that we hear how someone else sees us and what they love about us. Your words in your wedding vows are very powerful and it is a unique opportunity to tell your partner exactly what they mean to you on an occasion that you will remember forever.
Don't leave your wedding vows until the last minute. Start writing your vows with plenty of time before your wedding. It's a good idea to write a draft and then put them away and come back to them after a few days or weeks have passed. When you return to them be mindful of how you feel when you read them. Do they convey everything you want to say? Do they sound like you? What emotions do you feel reading them?
When you sit down to write the first draft of your wedding vows take a moment to reflect on your relationship with your partner and why you have chosen to marry them. What are the moments and qualities that you love most about them? What do you admire and appreciate about your relationship? How do they make you feel? What do you hope for in the future for you as a couple?
Start your vows with what your partner means to you and why the relationship with your partner is so special that you have decided to marry them. Continue by sharing some of the things that you love about how your partner makes you feel. What are the things they do each week that brighten your week? What makes you laugh about them? How do they make your life better?
Make a promise to your partner for the future. Tell your partner what it means for you to be their wife and what you promise them for the future of your relationship. Do you promise to love them forever through the good times and the challenging times? Do you promise to protect them? Do you promise to never go to sleep angry? Remember these are the promises you may revisit in tough times and celebrate at the milestones so think carefully about them.
Print your vows onto little post card sized cards and make sure the point that you will turn over the cards is at a natural pause in your vows and not mid sentence. Hold the microphone 1-2 inches from your mouth. Face your partner and take a deep breath before you start to calm any nerves. Take moments during the vows to connect with your partner. Pause and look into their eyes. There is no rush.
Enjoy the moment. Ultimately, wedding vows are a personal reflection of the commitment and love you and your partner share. Exchanging wedding vows may be a genuinely once in a lifetime moment so enjoy and treasure the experience.