How to Write Heartfelt Wedding Vows
Writing your own wedding vows is a beautiful way to express your love for your partner. It's a chance to share your deepest feelings and create a truly personal moment on your special day. Whether you're planning a traditional ceremony or something a bit more quirky, heartfelt vows can make your wedding day even more memorable.
Here are some tips to help you write vows that reflect your unique love story:
1. Start by brainstorming
Take some time to think about what you love about your partner. What qualities do you admire? What memories have shaped your relationship? Don't be afraid to draw inspiration from your shared experiences. Perhaps you met at a Sheffield Wednesday match or had your first date on the inflatable course at Rother Valley Country Park (this has been known!) Adding a touch of Yorkshire flavour can add a personal touch to your vows.
2. Be specific and personal
Instead of generic statements like "I love you," try to be more specific. For example, you could say, "I love the way you always make me laugh, even on a tough day." Or "I love how you're always up for an adventure, whether it's moaning about how sore your feet are on a Peak District ramble or the face you make when you sit through a curry, just for me, even though you hate spicy food."
3. Keep it short and sweet if you like
If you hate the thought of public speaking, you don’t have to make your vows long and drawn out. It’s perfectly acceptable to talk for as little as 1-2 minutes. This will help keep your guests engaged and you don’t go into meltdown. It’s also a lovely gesture to write longer vows and present those to your other half and say, “I’ve written a lot more that I couldn’t say out loud, they are my vows to you to keep forever”. Or you could be less slushy if it’s not your thing and simply hand them over and say, “these are for you to read later”.
4. Practice reading your vows out loud
Practice reading your vows out loud to a friend or family member. This will help you get a feel for the pacing and delivery. It will also help you identify any awkward phrasing or stumbling blocks. It’s really common for people to want to gallop through them at break neck speed to get them over with, but a little bit of practice makes perfect.
5. Don't be afraid to ask for help
If you're struggling to write your vows, don't hesitate to ask for help. A friend, family member, or even your wedding celebrant can offer helpful suggestions or feedback. At Lovebird Ceremonies, helping you write your vows is one of the services included in your fee if you need it.
Here are some additional tips:
Use "I" statements to focus on your own feelings and experiences.
Avoid clichés and try to come up with original phrases.
Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
Don’t use artificial intelligence to write your vows – your other half will know if you suddenly become Shakespeare!
Have fun with it! Writing your vows should be a joyful experience.
Example vows
Here are some examples of heartfelt and personal wedding vows that you can adapt to your own style. Adding an example is where the magic happens:
Example 1: "I love the way you make me feel like I can do anything. You believe in me even when I don't believe in myself. I’d never have got through my driving test if it wasn’t for you. You took me out time and time again and you were so patient even though I was quite clearly terrifying you at times. Thank you for always being my biggest supporter. I promise to always be there for you, to love you unconditionally, and to make you laugh every day."
Example 2: "I'll never forget the first time I saw you. You were helping your Nan cross the street, and I was immediately drawn to how much you took care of her. Your kindness shone through, and it made me want to be a better person. You've taught me so much about love, patience, and forgiveness. I promise to love you forever and to always be your biggest fan."
Example 3: "I love the way you make me laugh, even on the toughest days. You have a way of turning any situation into an adventure. Do remember the time when I sleepwalked in a hotel and pulled over the wardrobe. You got up early, went to B&Q and bought a hammer and some screws to put it back together. I knew then that you were a keeper. I promise to always be there for you, to love you unconditionally, and to make you happy. I promise not to pull over anymore wardrobes"
(This is actually a true story – I did this before my husband I got married – oops!).
Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Your sincere words will touch your partner and your guests.