Putting your heart and soul into your wedding vows takes time, effort, and consideration. Here's how to get your intimate feelings onto paper and make it through reading them on the big day.
Photo: Kaela Mey Photography via Bridal Bliss
Take your time and start writing your vows early. "Brides and grooms always stress out about how to write their vows. I encourage them to take their time and start early. Write a few lines a night and review it at the end of the week. Think about all the things you love about them and express that the best you can through written words. There is no need to rhyme or be poetic, just speak from the heart and it will be perfect. My biggest tip is not to rush it — you cannot pull an all-nighter for wedding vows!" —Taylor Brione Ballard, CWP, Experiences By Taylor Brione
Photo: Vanessa Hicks Photography
Speak from the heart and say what you feel! "When you write your vows, they are even more special because no one has ever, or will ever, repeat these words again. How incredible is that? Remember, this moment right here is between you and the person staring at you. Write and say what you feel. If it's funny, great! If it's emotional, great! It's your day! And the person staring at you loves you. Write from your heart." —Vanessa Hicks Photography
Photo: The Shalom Imaginative via Feathered Arrow Events
Keep things feeling authentic. "Personal vows can be such a beautiful part of the ceremony when prepared well! Consider the things you love about your S.O., the promises you're committing to on your wedding day, and the future you hope to build in your marriage. As nerve-wracking as the ceremony can be, we've seen that the more authentic the personal vows the more at-ease couples feel." —Danielle + Hannah, Joyfully Gathered
Photo: Vanessa Hicks Photography
Be sure you rehearse before the big day! "Although each couple often feels the pressure to create the perfect ceremony and vows for their wedding celebration, the truth is there is no one who needs to love your vows more than you! Adding in too much fluff or overcomplicating wording with too many quotes or words of wisdom will only hurt you in the long run. Keep things short, simple, and most importantly, keep it you! Writing comes from the heart and presentation comes from practice. It might sound silly, but be sure to rehearse what you'll be saying on wedding day to ensure you are confident and prepared to share with your loved one." —Ari Busch, Operations Manager and Lead Planner at Bridal Bliss
Photo: Vanessa Hicks Photography
Create a keepsake by using an heirloom vow book. "Exchanging vows will be the most sentimental part of your wedding day. Like flipping through your wedding album or watching your wedding video, reading the heartfelt vows penned in an heirloom vow book is bound to leave you crying tears of pure joy on your wedding day and beyond. But before your vows are ready to be proclaimed to the love of your life, you do need to do a little prep-work. Draft a list of all your thoughts, be genuine, and most importantly, don't wait until the last minute. And when you finally draft up the version that makes your heart most happy, write that rendition in an heirloom vow book to read from during your ceremony. It will look great in photos, but will also remind you of those promises made long after the reception ends." —Meghan Shaughnessy, Lace and Belle
Photo: Daniel Kim Photography via Joyfully Gathered
Have a trusted friend or family member help read them over for you. "To write your own vows, speak from the heart and enlist a friend or family member to read them over or listen to you read them so they can give any feedback to make sure it sounds beautiful, well written and not too long." —Kari Dirksen, CEO + Lead Planner, Feathered Arrow Events
Photo: Kaela Mae Photography via Bridal Bliss
