Your wedding should be all about you and your partner, a celebration of your love story and the happily ever after that awaits you. But of the many personal touches that will be included in your big day, none will be more meaningful as your wedding vows.
Crafting heartfelt wedding vows is an art form, a delicate balance between expressing deep emotions and avoiding overly sappy clichés. Here are some tips that will help you pull off the perfect amount of sentiment when saying your ‘I do’s’:
Photographer: Tori Anderson
- Reflect on your journey. Looking back on your journey as a couple is like flipping through the pages of your love story. From the first spark that ignited your connection to the adventures, hurdles, and personal growth you’ve embraced together, these memories will serve as the heartbeats of your vows. Share brief details on how you met and any milestone moments that helped define your relationship.
- Set the tone. One of the first things you should do when writing your wedding vows is decide on the tone. You’ll want your vows to reflect your personality, so decide if you want it to be funny, light-hearted, romantic, or a little more serious. Take into account your audience – are your guests mostly close family and friends who know you and each other well? Are you inviting a lot of work and professional colleagues, or out-of-town guests who you rarely see? Knowing who will be attending will help determine how personal – and funny – you can be with your vows.
- Keep it personal. Your vows should be a reflection of you and your relationship. Share anecdotes, inside jokes, and personal experiences that are special to both of you. This is your chance to let your personalities shine.
- Be honest and sincere. Authenticity is key. Speak from the heart and be sincere in your promises. Don’t overcomplicate things with fancy words; keeping it simple often makes for the biggest impact. And if you get choked up while speaking your wedding vows, that’s perfectly okay. Your guests will appreciate the sincerity of your feelings.
- Keep it concise. While pouring your heart out is tempting, remember to keep your vows concise. Aim for around 2-3 minutes per person. Short and sweet can be incredibly powerful.
Photo: Tori Anderson
- Make promises. Vows are promises, so don’t forget to include them. Think about what you’re committing to and express it clearly. Whether it’s “I promise to always make you laugh” or “I promise to support your dreams,” these commitments matter.
- Practice, but don’t memorize. Practice your vows aloud to get comfortable with the words, but don’t feel pressured to memorize them. A small cue card with your vows is a great backup plan in case you stumble or forget your words.
- Get feedback. Share your vows with a trusted friend or family member ahead of time to get their feedback. They can offer suggestions and ensure your vows are balanced and heartfelt.
- Embrace the moment. When it’s time to recite your vows, remember to embrace the moment fully. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the business of the day and certain parts will feel like a blur. But the moment you become united as one is definitely worth remembering so take a deep breath, look into your partner’s eyes, and relish in the moment.
- Don’t aim for perfection. Nothing’s perfect, not in love and relationships, and the same can be said for your vows. Don’t feel pressured to write or recite your vows perfectly, it will only cause you stress in the long run. Instead, speak from the heart and be authentic. And if you fumble a word or two, it makes no difference as the end goal of being married remains the same.
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