Wedding Vows: A Simple Guide to Writing Your Own
When writing wedding vows, it isn’t important how long they are – or how short. Straight up, it depends on what you, the writer, feel comfortable in writing. Sometimes the most simplest of phrases can mean more to another than spouting off old Shakespearean sonnets. What IS important is the message being said. Keep that in mind as you are writing them.
Give yourself time. Everyone has heard the phrase, “Good things come to those who wait” and in this instance, it is very much true. These are your vows for better, worse and until death do you part. Dedicating time shows that you truly care about the person as well as the wedding ceremony itself. Nobody appreciates a pieced together last minute effort in a formal situation. It can be embarrassing to be tongue tied due to not being prepared. Think of it like a class. You need to be prepared for class in order to succeed. This situation is no different.
Don’t be afraid to use a popular quote if it rings true. Just make it your own. For example, if Romeo and Juliet is a favorite of yours and you wish to use “Be but sworn my love..” add onto it. Change it. Instead of that, say, “And I swear to you…” Using favorite quotations or even song lyrics that express your feelings is not a crime. Do not feel ashamed in using them – especially if they launch you onto the rest of your vows.
Speak only what is true in your heart. If you need to find out what is there, just look at the person you are about to marry. Look into their eyes. Look at their smile. Observe them. Nobody wrote a law about what has to be included in a vow, just that you swear every word uttered is true. If telling them how they make you feel every time you look at them expresses it better, by all means use it.
Never hesitate in asking someone else to proof read what you’ve written. They may have a suggestion on enhancing what you’ve got – as well as also pointing out any grammatical errors. Having an editor for wedding vows is not a bad idea. Or even just somebody to proof read. Read it out loud or have someone read it back to you. Listening to what you’ve written could help you in figuring out if you want others to hear what you intend to say.
Most importantly, enjoy writing your vows. No matter what it is or how long it takes, remember, it may seem like a job but don’t fret over it if at first you can not figure out what you want to say. It shouldn’t be a chore that you dread, so don’t make it into one. If all else fails and you still can not write your vows, talk to your betrothed, maybe they can give you ideas. Remember, you don’t have to be a professional writer in order to express a feeling. You just have to be in love.
