You've booked a wedding venue, picked the menu, and sent out invitations. Now it's time for what really matters — expressing your love for your partner. Figuring out how to write wedding vows may feel daunting, but we'll help you say what you truly feel.
Read on for tips on crafting heartfelt wedding vows, including:
Finding inspiration for your vows
Structuring your vows
Choosing the right tone and length
Personalizing your message
Sample wedding vow examples
Key Takeaways:
Reflect on your relationship for inspiration and speak from the heart.
Personalize your vows and avoid generic phrasing.
Structure the vows with an opening, a story or anecdote, promises, and a look toward the future.
Aim for wedding vows that are 1 to 2 minutes in length each.
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Finding Inspiration for Your Vows
Memorable wedding vows are genuine and authentic. Don't agonize over every word or worry about being profound.
Start by remembering who you fell in love with — when you met, your first date, and how you knew you wanted to spend your lives together. Are there shared jokes, funny misadventures, and challenges you've overcome? These special moments help your vows sound natural, but discuss with your partner how personal your vows should be.
Use your own words and speak from the heart, but feel free to draw on books, songs, poems, and sample wedding vows to spark ideas and refine your thoughts.
Structuring Your Vows
Now, let's give your ideas structure. Here's an outline of how to write wedding vows that are flowing and smooth:
Opening. Start at the beginning and tell your partner how much they mean to you ("The first time I saw you…" or "My world changed the day we met…").
Reflection. Personalize your vows with stories about your partner ("I knew you were the one when…" or "Your kindness and generosity…").
Promises. Make a commitment to your partner, and feel free to be playful. ("I promise to always be there for you and defend you from scary spiders, too").
Closing. End your vows by looking toward the future ("I can’t wait to build a life of love and adventure with you").
Read your vows aloud as you write to see what they sound like in your voice.
Choosing the Right Tone and Length
There's no rule book when it comes to writing vows, but try to be short and concise. You might have a lot to say, but a few sincere words can have more impact than a long, rambling speech. Aim to speak for about 1 to 2 minutes, which is about 150 to 250 words per person.
Wedding vows for the bride and groom can have slightly different styles, but decide together on an overall tone. For example, you can write traditional or romantic vows with a few lighthearted moments.
Personalizing Your Message
Make your vows uniquely yours by drawing on cherished moments, gestures, and shared dreams. Try to make your vows resonate rather than focusing on perfect words. You can work with a florist or use lighting at your wedding to convey romance and poetry instead.
Don't include too many private jokes, as guests may feel excluded. Also watch for clichés such as "through thick and thin" or "you're my soulmate," which can feel overused.
Sample Wedding Vow Examples
Ready to get started? The examples below show you how to write wedding vows for the bride and groom that capture different tones and personalities.
Heartfelt: "My heart is overflowing with gratitude because I get to spend my life with my best friend. I promise to love you passionately and make you as happy as you make me."
Romantic: "You opened my heart to love in unexpected ways. I promise to cherish and support you and catch you when you fall."
Traditional: "Today, in front of our family and friends, I choose you to be my (wife/husband). I vow to love you, unwavering, for all of our days."
Humorous: "You know me better than anyone and still love me! I'll always put you first, even during football season."
Make Every Word Count with Modern Moments
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