So many couples these days want to make their wedding ceremony as personalized as possible. And what better way to make a wedding ceremony your own than to write your own vows? While there is something to be said for the traditional nature of reciting vows dictated by any particular religion’s ceremony, writing your own wedding vows can be a moving and unifying experience.
Doing so can make the ceremony tailored perfectly to you as a couple, and will say only the things you feel are most truly important and relevant to say to one another. Thinking about getting started on writing your own wedding vows can be a stressful process, so this article will give you guidelines on where to begin putting pen to paper and writing down what is in your heart.
Start with just writing. Don’t think too hard about what you are writing. Take time to yourself in a quiet place where you can reflect on your relationship, your impending marriage and why you want to spend the rest of your life with this person. What makes them special? Why are they the one for you? Just brainstorm. Don’t worry about anything having any poetic nature or true sentimentality in the beginning-just get down into words all of the things you love about your partner and what makes you excited to spend the rest of your life with them.
Once you have a nice big list of things (and you should have a good sized list, otherwise you might want to think long and hard about what you are committing to!), have a talk with your fiancée about what kinds of vows you will both be writing. If he is writing something light hearted and funny and you want to write something incredibly sentimental and sappy, the feel of the ceremony might get thrown a little off kilter.
Being on the same page about how you want to deliver your vows is very important.
Once you are both on the same page as far as the tone of your vows, pick out some of the most important and relevant things from the list your compiled earlier. Maybe you think it’s adorable that your beloved always wears socks, even in 100 degree heat. That is a sweet aspect to your relationship, perhaps, but maybe not the best thing to mention in wedding vows that are meant to be sentimental. If funny is what you are going for, that anecdote might be a wonderful choice to include. Focus on the things about your partner and your life together that mean the most to you, and if you were to suddenly die tomorrow, what would you want them to know about how you feel?
Be conscious of those attending your wedding, and try not to make your vows a 20 minute monologue each. Of course, it is your ceremony and if you want to have vows that lengthy, that is completely your decision. However, it might be difficult for your friends and family to sit patiently while you both speak at great length about your love for one another.
One good thing to keep in mind while you are writing: Think of your partner. Imagine their reaction to the words you have written and how they will react to hearing them said out loud in front of your loved ones. Keep their reaction respectfully in mind and speak from the heart and in no time at all you will have penned some vows that will speak perfectly to your relationship and hopeful future together.
L Maher is a content writer who writes and researches about unique and gorgeous Celtic jewelry, as well as Irish culture and history. Get more information regarding Celtic rings.