Weddings used to be a lot more “cookie-cutter” than they are today. Newly engaged couples can now choose from an enormous variety of vendors, décor options, colours and locations for their big day. With so much personalisation available to show off your personality and love-story in your own way, you may be considering writing your own wedding vows to add that extra special touch.
Personalised wedding vows have grown in popularity over the last few years as more places of religion allow for them within a standard service. Please do check first whether the type of wedding you have chosen, whether it be religious or otherwise, will allow for personalised vows during the service if this is something you choose. Couples can also choose to add an additional “speech” to their reception where you and your new spouse can say your personalised vows to each other in front of your guests.
Writing personalised vows will take time, most people like to draft notes in the early stages of planning of things they want to include and then draft them up nearer the day so that they can get the wording just right. Your vows should be succinct and to the point, without losing feeling. Here are some more tips on how to write your perfect wedding vows;
Start with Your Story
Begin your vows by sharing a little about your journey as a couple. Refer back to your first date, or early memories you shared together – these can be challenges you’ve overcome or lighthearted, simple moments or the moment you remember falling in love with them for the first time.
Speak in Your Voice
Your vows should sound like they’ve been written by you and delivered in a heartfelt way. This means you don’t have to try and make them sound formal or make them rhyme! If you’re naturally a funny person, you could even add some comical lines in there that your partner will recognise as your sense of humour. These vows are some of the most important words you’ll ever say, they can be simple, they can be romantic – as long as they’re you.
Make Meaningful Promises
You may be tempted to mould your vows around the words we often hear on TV and in movies, but try to think outside the box and further than “in sickness and in health” etc. Personalise your promises to things that you know mean a lot to yourself and your partner.
End with a Note of Hope
Finishing your vows on a bright note about your wishes for the future, your excitement about the family you wish to start, or the adventures you will go on together, is a nice way to round off your vows. This shows not only are you showing appreciation for everything you have today, but also that you’re looking forward into your marriage.
Make sure you capture your delivery of your personalised vows and the reaction of your guests with a professional wedding photographer. A good photographer will be able to capture all of the emotions on your big day.