Tips for writing your own wedding vows?

The best advice I can give, is to be authentic.  

You will probably not write them in one sitting.  Grab a journal and start writing down little stories or memories of your partner and your relationship.  Write key words to describe your partner and your relationship.

Allow time for the ideas to flow and eventually a theme or a few key ideas will stand out.

Your celebrant will be able to give you guidance too based on the type of ceremony that you are having.

Good luck!

Much Love,

Celebrant Emily x

Don't leave this job to the last minute.

Don't try to include everything that's in your mind.

Make a short list of your thoughts.

Write up some drafts.....several drafts.

Try to include some funny reflections of your relationship.

If i get someone (usually a groom) who has absolutely no idea what to write i ask them to list three things:

What did you think of (bride) when you first met.

What made you ask her out ?

What drove you to ask her to marry you 

That is usually sufficient to write  a vow, just adding those three answers together

Simple honesty from the heart is a recipe for success, making sure you leave no doubt as to your good intentions. First try writing your own personal vows when you find yourself in the right frame of mind:

1. start by making your partner feel great with compliments and affirmations, letting them know they are the only one for you
2. make a promise or several promises of your intentions, what you bring to the marriage
3. finish with a vision to the future that encompasses you both, and include any existing children, and family goals.

If you are still in need of inspiration, ask your celebrant for more help or look for samples online.

There are two types of vows that can be said during the ceremony. Legal vows are certain words that must be said correctly in order to solemnise your marriage. Personal vows can immediately follow each party’s legal vows in a way that blends the two, and softens the legal wording.  In this example the legal vows appear in bold, "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, (your name), take thee, (partner's name), to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse), my one true love and constant companion. You are the keeper of my soul ....etc ... "

Personal vows don't have to be the same for both parties. They can be kept secret from each other if you prefer, in which case it's a good idea for each of you to share your vows with your celebrant so they can help balance things out if necessary.

And just ask if you need more help:)

My advice is to speak from the heart.  When it is meaningful to you and your partner and captures the essence of your feelings then your vows will be wonderful.  Do something unique to you as a couple if you can, a lovely touch in one of my ceremonies was when the Bride spoke some words in her husbands language which was not her own.  The Groom and his family were beaming.  Personal vows do not need to be long but are certainly one of the most touching parts of a ceremony.

The best tip is to write from the heart. Your wedding is an opportunity to really tell this wonderful person you are marrying why you love and appreciate them so much. 

If you want some ideas there are some wonderful vows listed here on Easy Weddings and if you google, there's more. In the end it needs to feel right for you both and we are all different! Do you want traditional, funny, romantic, nautical, etc. The list is endless. Have a wonderful wedding day!