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When it comes to writing your wedding vows, it’s about speaking from the heart and turning your emotions into memorable words on paper. Of course, this isn’t always an easy thing to do. We have created a template that you can follow when you begin writing, to prevent you from running into writer’s block. Every person’s vows will be unique to them and the love they have for their partner. This template can help you to craft your love into words and promises for the future.
Below you will find:
How to write your own vows:
Start by thinking about what emotion you want to portray to your partner. Most couples tend to have an unyielding love and passionate emotion in their speeches to their partner; an all encompassing of their love for each other. That said, there are a few who choose to incorporate humour or lightheartedness into their vows and ceremony. Think about your partner, do you want them to feel loved and teary-eyed (happy tears, of course!) or do you want them to smile and laugh a little? Perhaps a mix of both? Well, below you will find a step-by-step template to help you craft the perfect promises!
How to start wedding vows:
Highlight what you love
Start with a statement about who this person is to you! This may be your partner in crime, your best friend, your lover, or your everything. When did you first notice yourself falling in love with your partner? What are the qualities that separate them from the crowd?
Consider speaking to their attributes such as their kind heart, loyalty, and determination. Perhaps something more lighthearted, maybe they make the best butter chicken! Whatever it is, speak to their heart and let them know they are special to you, just because they are well… them!
Some personable traits to get you started could include speaking to their:
Adventurous spirit
Empathy
Hard work
Communication skills
Trustworthiness
Humour
Kindness
Family centred heart
Supportiveness
Find a theme and focus on the things that really stand out, you don’t have to cover every single thing, otherwise, your ceremony will never end.
2. Use a story that will bring your love to life
At this point, you can consider sharing a personal story that will touch your partner’s heart. Stories are memorable and can offer your guests a sneak peek into the love that you hold for your soon to be spouse! Additionally, this is a good opportunity to share a funny story, which can offer a momentary pause from the heavy sentimental words in the rest of your vows.
3. Make promises to your spouse that you will keep
This section should be the most thought provoking throughout your vows. Take time to really consider the promises you are making to your partner. You could consider vowing to offer unconditional love, or make a funny promise such as never to steal the bed covers (...unless the other person is hogging them). Some other promises to consider are:
Give unconditional love, promising to love them no matter what circumstances life gives you, through sorrow or joy.
Encourage personal growth, promising to always support them in all positive endeavours.
Openly communicate, share dreams, goals, and visions.
Be faithful - this one is a given, but should always be covered.
Be their friend, act as their companion and friend, not just their spouse.
Make sure your partner always matters to you, even through the hustle of life.
Most importantly, mention the specific ways that you will show your partner your
love for them. This can be in funny ways, romantic ways, or even in ways only the two of
you will understand. If you and your partner would like your wedding day to celebrate
your faith, consider incorporating wedding Bible verses and religious promises. Use
words like I promise, I vow, and I pledge.
4. Personalize it
If you and your partner humour each other, try mixing in some funny pledges. After all, your wedding day will be one of the most memorable and happiest days of your life. You could consider promises to:
Feed the dog
Never mention how they squeeze toothpaste out of the tube
Always share the TV remote (or not skip ahead on episodes!)
Always ask if they want the last piece of cake…. Or pizza
Let them play DJ on roadtrips, (even if your music is actually better)
5. Reassure them
In traditional vows, one would say “for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer”. Take this time to reassure your partner that you will be there for them, even when times are tough. Contemporary ways to reassure your partner could include:
In the highs and lows of life
Throughout moments of adversity or abundance
In moments of happiness and in hardship
Throughout sunshine or storms
In valley lows and mountain highs
6. Wrap it up with the future
Use this opportunity to share what you look forward to with your soon to be husband/wife!
Looking forward to the future sets the tone of your promises with commitment, love, and loyalty. It emphasizes your eager anticipation to start the rest of your life with them! What is the thing you are most looking forward to?
Think about things like:
Looking forward to growing old together
Starting a family
Walking side by side through life
Fulfilling your dreams
Cultivating laughter in your everyday life
Deepening your Faith together
7. Seal it with one last promise
Traditionally, this is where the bride and groom promise forever, until death do us part, as long as they both shall live! This is your chance to offer one last promise to your partner that tells them you’re in it for the long haul!
Lasting promises could include:
For all the days of our lives
For as long as we both shall live
For now and forevermore
Quick Tips for Writing Wedding Vows
Winging it is not the way
Don’t wait until the last minute! If you are planning your wedding over the course of a year, start writing early in the process and continue to work on them throughout. Reworking it and coming back to them, a few different times will offer you fresh perspective and renewed focus.
2. Be Authentic!
Be sure to think, speak, and write using your heart. Writing these promises is meant to last forever. You want it to be genuine!
3. Practice makes perfect
Practice reading your writing out loud! Do you need to rework a few sentences that run-on? Is there any space where you stumble over your words? Practice it out loud. This gives you another opportunity to find areas of improvement in your writing.
4. Pause
Make spaces for pauses. This goes hand-in-hand with practicing reading out loud. When you are writing, focus on breaking it up into bite-sized chunks that are easy to read when you might be feeling a little nervous. Avoid writing one giant paragraph.
How to Write Wedding Vows
Well friend, I know that was a lot, but hopefully, you have a good foundation and guidelines on how to write your promises and pledges, for your special day! Pro tip: Don’t forget to send this blog to your partner so they also can write A+ vows for you too!
If you are looking for some more helpful wedding planning tips, I got you covered, or, if you are ready to create your dream day together, feel free to get in touch. As a Calgary wedding photographer with 12 years under my belt, I have a few other pro tips I share with all my couples to help their days be as stress-free as possible.
Till next time friends,
Xo Krystal
