Look, writing vows doesn’t come easily for everyone. Many people aren’t great at putting down their emotions onto paper, and that’s okay. However, this is the one day you need to express yourself well — or risk upsetting your spouse-to-be! Here are four don’ts for writing your wedding vows from our wedding experts.
Don’t wing it
“I went to a wedding once where the groom, instead of saying vows, stumbled over the fact that he wasn’t good at talking about emotions and then proceeded to thank everyone for coming to the wedding. He essentially did a wedding speech and not his vows. It was funny to me at the time, although I was a bit shocked that no one told him what vows were!” remembers one Easy Weddings expert. Vows are meant to be promises for the future with your spouse. For example: ‘I promise to be there when you need me, to make you smile when all you want to do is cry.’
Speechform: Vow Writing Services
Don’t turn it into a stand-up routine:
A couple of jokes peppered in to ease all of the feelings going on in your vows is perfectly okay, but don’t roast your significant other. You’re not on Comedy Central. Remember to be romantic and focus on the love you share. If you want to make many jokes, best save those for your wedding speech. Also, consider the content of the jokes. You don’t want to make your spouse or guests feel uncomfortable.
Don’t bore your guests to tears:
Stick to short and sweet vows rather than a novel written for your spouse. The best vows are beautiful and moving, but think of it like an Oscars acceptance speech, you get your couple of minutes and then it’s time for the formalities to carry on. If you go on and on, there’s no one to play that music that hints that you need to leave the stage…
Don’t forget to keep it PG:
Don’t overshare details that your nanna, boss or nephews would not want to hear. Remember that this is a family event, and no one needs to know the juicy details of your private lives. Speak from the heart but keep the R-rated stuff to yourself this time around. If you do want to throw a few risque lines in there, consider adding those to a private letter for your other half to read on the morning of the big day.
If you still need help with your wedding vows, don’t be afraid to ask your celebrant for some tips! They’ve been to quite a few weddings and have heard it all. Your celebrant can help you express yourself in a way that’s true to your unique brand of romance.
