@tailorjamesphotography, @velvetandgold
Exchanging wedding vows is an integral part of wedding celebration. And it's such an intimate moment! You open up your heart and soul to the person you see a happy ever after with. Wedding vows are all about showing a different, more emotional side of yourself. You can share your hopes, worries, plans, and dreams. Also, it's a great chance to tell your personal love story and give promises to your other half. But how to write the perfect wedding vows? We've curated a list of 6 simple tips. Check them out below.
Plan everything in advance
Waiting until the last minute is not a good idea at all. It may lead to a more stressful writing environment. So, it’s better to start writing your wedding vows early. By doing so, you will have more time to find inspiration and think every detail through. Plus, starting in advance gives more chances for practicing. And as we know it — practice makes perfect! Well, when is the best time to begin? It's advised to write your vows a month to three weeks before the wedding.
Make a list of your thoughts
Scribble out some initial ideas! Take a piece of paper or open your favorite note app, and start writing down whatever comes to mind. Don’t get stressed about writing full sentences — pour out your emotions, even if it’s just separate words or phrases. Then, form everything into one complete text. If you feel like you need a break, take one! Go back to your drafts in a few days and re-read your vows with fresh eyes. Make some changes if you need to, but don’t push yourself too much. Continuously rewriting also has its challenges.
Avoid including everything
Including every single detail is the wrong move. In fact, it’s the most common mistake couples make while writing their vows. We know, you probably want to fit everything you’re feeling into your wedding vows — but in reality, it doesn’t work like that. If you don’t want to see your guests yawning, exclude some unnecessary parts or details. Keep your wedding vows short and sweet. The ideal length is 2 to 3 minutes, which is enough to share your thoughts and emotions without going overboard.
Embrace sentimentality
Heartfelt words are never cheesy! Don’t shy away from showing your true emotions — your sincerity will definitely charm your partner and everyone attending the ceremony. Want to use a sentimental line from your favorite book or song? Do it! It’s your wedding, after all. The main rule is to be authentic and stay true to yourself. When expressing your feelings, try to avoid flamboyant and complex wording. Instead, use your own words and language you are comfortable with. However, keep away from words like “always” and “never.” This kind of absolute language is hard to live up to, so don’t promise perfection.
@kristinpiteophoto, @ohmariaflores
Be careful with jokes
Using humor is a great way to playfully offset the serious tone of the ceremony, so don’t keep yourself from being funny. However, try to avoid inside jokes or memes, as some are better off staying between the two of you. If you are not sure about jokes or funny stories you want to share, then it’s better to exclude them from your vows. Who wants to feel embarrassed on such a big day? The answer is — absolutely no one.
Practice aloud
Spare some time for practicing. Say your vows aloud in front of the mirror or record everything on a voice recording app to replay it later. You can also ask a trusted friend to listen to you and give you honest feedback — constructive criticism will help you improve your wording. But don't forget: your vows are a gift to your partner, so remind your bestie to keep them a secret. Once everything is finalized, carefully rewrite or reprint your wedding vows. Though the focus will be on what you say, aesthetics matter, too.
