This is the most riveting, emotional, and centrepiece of the ceremony. Your guests have come to see and hear you, not the officiant. This guide will ensure your 2 - 3 minutes of fame are eloquent and engaging!

How to Write Wedding Vows Without Losing Your Sanity (Or Your Partner)

Writing your own vows can feel like trying to bake a soufflé with no recipe. But fear not. We’ve got your back with a fun and easy guide to make sure your vows are as unforgettable as your dance moves at the reception.

1. The Great Vow Showdown: Setting the Stage

Before you start, talk with your partner about the vow game plan. Will you be writing together or going solo? Decide on the tone (romantic or comedic) and length (a sonnet or a short story). You don’t want a Shakespearean monologue going up against a limerick!

2. Find Your Zen Zone: Writing in Your Happy Place

Choose a quiet, distraction-free space—preferably one where your cat can't sit on your keyboard. A clear mind is key, so save the champagne for later. Pick a time when you’re feeling particularly inspired, like after a sunset or your third cup of coffee.

3. Memory Lane: Your Personal Highlight Reel

Pull out that dusty box of mementos—pictures from your first date, a tiny seashell from your beach trip, or even the ticket stub from that terrible movie you both loved to hate. These treasures can help spark those memorable moments that make your relationship unique.

4. The First Draft is Supposed to be Bad: Anne Lamott Style

Start writing; yes, it’s okay if your first attempt is more doodles than dialogue. The important part is to get your thoughts on paper. You can always refine them later—Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are the best wedding vows.

5. Start with a Bang: Address Your Love

Kick things off with your partner's name. It's simple, yet impactful. “Taylor, my partner-in-crime and the only one who laughs at my dad jokes...” Now you're cooking with gas!

6. Compliments and Feels: Sprinkle Some Sugar

Share how you feel standing next to them—nervous, excited, or just trying not to trip. “As I stand here, heart pounding, I realize marrying my best friend is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

7. The Promises: Heartfelt and Hilarious

Time to get serious—or not! Mix up your promises with humour and heart. “I vow to always keep the fridge stocked with your favourite snacks and to pretend I didn’t see the last episode without you.”

8. Reflect on Your Journey (Optional)

Here’s where you drop some wisdom about your relationship. “Through thick and thin, our love has been the constant. I promise to keep it that way, even when you steal the covers.”

9. Dream for the Future (Optional)

Finish strong by sharing your hopes for the future and how you will continue to grow together. “I can’t wait to see what adventures await us, but I know they’ll be even better with you by my side.”

10. Finish with a Bang!

Choose one sentence to wrap things up. "Jamie, I pledge my love and devotion to you for all eternity." If you want to keep it simple, just say, "I love you!"

11. Get it on Paper

Write your final draft in a beautiful vow book or print it on decorative paper. You can even frame them as keepsakes to display in your home. Amazon has inexpensive vow books or you can up your vow game with Etsy.

12. Practice Makes Perfect

Practice saying your vows out loud so you're comfortable when the big moment arrives. And don't worry if you get choked up—tears are just another way to show how much you care.

Congratulations, you have made it through this comprehensive guide on wedding vows! We hope these tips and tricks have helped you craft the perfect words to express your love for your partner. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to write your vows as long as they come from the heart. So take some time to reflect on your relationship, let the emotions flow, and enjoy this special moment in creating memories that will last a lifetime.

And don't forget to have some fun along the way! 

Additional Vow Writing Tips:

• Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and express your true feelings in your vows.

• Keep it concise and heartfelt. Shorter vows can often have a bigger impact than long, rambling ones.

• Remember, there are no rules when it comes to writing wedding vows. Make them unique and personal to you as a couple.

• Don't be afraid to seek inspiration from books, movies, or even other couple's vows.

• This is not the time to use AI - but you can clean things up after getting your thoughts out there

• Incorporate personal anecdotes and memories into your vows to make them more meaningful. Stories are captivating if you keep them short.

• Keep in mind the tone of your ceremony when writing your vows. If it's a more formal affair, then traditional vows may be more appropriate. Still, this is the best place for a well-placed joke.

• On the joke side - consider these are public. Inside jokes fall flat unless you are a comedic genius who can balance a double entendre.

• If your vows take longer than 3 minutes - it is time to cut things down. Whatever you cut, you can put it into a meaningful letter and have it delivered to your partner the morning of your wedding. This romantic gesture sets everything up perfectly for a memorable day.