Wedding vows – 10 steps on how to write them in a personal & sentimental way

A close-up shows a person in a white lace wedding dress holding a bejeweled bouquet handle with both hands. The person has manicured nails with a white and pink French tip design adorned with small white flowers and pearls. At The Humber Royal Hotel, the bouquet's green leaves and white flowers peek through elegantly. © Aimee Lince Photography

Congratulations! You’ve found the love of your life, and now it’s time to make it official. One of the most beautiful ways to express your love and commitment during your wedding ceremony is by writing your own wedding vows. Personal and heartfelt vows can add a special touch to your big day, and they will be cherished memories for years to come. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’re here to help you create vows that are personal, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

 

Let’s write those wedding vows!

1. Reflect on your relationship

Before you put pen to paper, take a moment to reflect on your relationship. Think about the moments that brought you together, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the dreams you share for the future. Consider the qualities you love most about your partner and the promises you want to make to each other.

2. Find inspiration

Seek inspiration from love poems, quotes, or even your favorite song lyrics. Look for words and phrases that resonate with you and your partner. Remember, there are no right or wrong vows – they should reflect your unique love story.

3. Set the tone

Decide on the tone you want to set for your vows. Do you want them to be lighthearted and funny, or more serious and romantic? Consider your personalities and the overall vibe of your wedding. Let your wedding vows be a true reflection of who you are as a couple.

4. Start with a draft

Begin by writing a draft of your vows. Don’t worry about making them perfect just yet. Write from the heart and let your emotions guide you. This is your chance to pour out your love and commitment, so don’t hold back.

5. Be specific

Avoid generic statements and cliches. Instead, be specific about the qualities and experiences that make your relationship unique. Share anecdotes, inside jokes, and heartfelt memories that will make your wedding vows personal and meaningful.

6. Make promises

Wedding vows are promises you make to each other. Think about the commitments you want to make and the values you want to uphold in your marriage. Whether it’s promising to always support each other’s dreams or vowing to be each other’s rock in times of need, make sure your promises are sincere and realistic.

7. Edit and refine

Once you’ve written your first draft, take some time to edit and refine your vows. Read them out loud and make sure they flow smoothly. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases and ensure that your vows are concise and easy to understand.

8. Practice, practice, practice

Rehearse your vows multiple times before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that you can deliver them with ease. Consider recording yourself or practicing in front of a mirror to fine-tune your delivery.

9. Seek feedback

Share your wedding vows with a trusted friend or family member and ask for their feedback. They can offer valuable insights and help you make any necessary improvements. Just remember, the final decision is yours – trust your instincts and choose what feels right for you.

10. Embrace the moment

On your wedding day, take a deep breath, look into your partner’s eyes, and speak from the heart. Don’t worry about perfection – the most important thing is that your vows are genuine and sincere. Embrace the moment and let your love shine through your words.

Conclusion

Writing your own wedding vows is a beautiful way to personalize your ceremony and express your love for each other. By reflecting on your relationship, finding inspiration, and making sincere promises, you can create vows that are personal, meaningful, and uniquely yours. Remember, this is your chance to share your love story with the world, so embrace the opportunity and let your words create memories that will last a lifetime.

For more wedding ideas, take a look at the rest of my wedding tips or browse my Ultimate Wedding Guide.

with love

AIMEE

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An artistic illustration of a leaf. The leaf is curved and shows a blend of green and brown hues, with a prominent central vein. The use of colors and shading provides a textured, almost watercolor-like effect, giving the leaf a realistic yet stylized appearance. © Aimee Lince Photography

Aimee is a North East Lincolnshire based candid wedding photographer who focuses on the naturally beautiful moments that unfold organically. Aimee not only captures beautiful and meaningful moments for her clients to treasure forever, but also helps, supports and advises her couples with the wedding planning process from the moment they book and beyond their wedding days.