Do you know what you will be saying when you exchange your platinum wedding rings on your wedding day? Your words should be romantic and profound. They should say exactly how you feel about your partner and the promise you are making to them. But where do you start when writing something so important? Here are a few top tips to help you write your wedding vows:
1. Read Up - What happens if you’ve never been to a wedding? Or perhaps you have and just not paid any attention? Then knowing what is expected of you may seem completely alien. Get googling and look up some vow examples. They may be pretty standard and impersonal, but this is a great starting point.
2. Agree on a Format - There is nothing worse than one of you have vowed ten times longer than the other, but knowing how much to write can be tricky. If you are writing your vows separately to your partner, so that they are a surprise, agree on a basic format and length before you write them.
3. What Do You Want to Say? - Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and note down some of the key things you want to mention. If you have trouble verbalising your feelings, think about how you first met, when you knew you wanted to ask her to marry you, or simply why you work so well as a couple.
4. Think About Promises - What will you vow? In other words, what promises will you make to your partner? You could list the basic, broad ones such as to love, care and support them always. And maybe throw in some more specific, personal vows, such as to make their work sandwiches or to never make them do karaoke again!
5. Write Yourself a Script - Although it may look better to have cue cards, it is likely you will be nervous on the big day, so it may be better to write out your vows as a script for you to read aloud.
6. Cut the Cheese - Although your partner may ‘make you feel whole’, and they may be your ‘better half’ that ‘you can’t live without’, cut these clichés out. Your guests will have heard them a dozen times before, and there is nothing personal or heartfelt about them. In other words, don’t be lazy!
7. Read Them Out - Have a few practice runs once you have finished writing your vows and time yourself; you don’t want to drag on too long, so make sure to keep to a two-minute max. If your vows are too long, cut a bit out. Practising will also make you feel more confident in what you’re saying, and it will help you to notice any bits that don’t sound quite right.
8. Print Out Two Copies - Yes, we said two! That’s one for you to read on the day, and one to go in the wedding photo album or memory scrapbook. Now you know how to write your vows get scribbling down. And guys, don’t leave it to the last minute!
(image: Plan It)