6 Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

At the Tate House, we love that our couples’ weddings are always beautiful celebrations of two unique souls becoming one. So, when a couple wants to dream up a unique declaration of their promises to each other as they become one, we’re all for it! For couples looking to personalize their wedding, writing your own vows is the perfect way to incorporate your own style and story. Here are six tips on writing your own vows from the heart. 

Photo: Laura Catherine Organic Photographs, Florals: Amy Osaba Events, As Seen in Flutter Magazine

6 Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

Look for inspiration. Customizing wedding vows is becoming the more popular option than the traditional “repeat after me” style of exchanging vows. Plenty of examples can be found online nowadays and are even categorized by specific themes. As you sit down to brainstorm for your own unique wedding vows, take some time to look at inspiration. Reading these examples can remind you of something specific in your own relationship, give you direction for the overall tone, or inspire an idea you hadn’t thought of yet.

Make it personal. While it’s always smart to start off by looking at examples, don’t just copy another couple’s vows you found online. Use the inspiration from these examples, but make your own vows personal. Think about your significant other and what makes your relationship unique. Furthermore, stay away from clichés. Your soon-to-be spouse will appreciate the thought and nods to your story that you put into your wedding vows.

Make sure to include a vow. Your vows are a perfect time to express your love for each other, and the audience will swoon over hearing the sentimental words you exchange at your wedding. However, don’t forget to include a promise (or a few), since that’s what vows are all about! Make sure to include a statement of what you vow or promise to do in your marriage as the two of you offically become one.

Write for your significant other. As you’re standing in front of all your family and friends, you might feel as if your vows have to please them. It’s easy to write your vows with your audience in mind when you know they’re going to be listening. However, write for your significant other – not your friends and family. It’s ok if you include a joke or sentiment that might go over the audience’s head. Your significant other will cherish it. And that’s all that matters!

Keep it short and sweet. To keep the nerves down and to create an impact, make sure your vows are short and sweet. At the Tate House, we recommend keeping your vows between two to four minutes. Your audience will love hearing you exchange your vows and will enjoy them even more if they’re brief, but impactful. Plus, this will make it easier for you to remember as much as you can without needing to break eye contact with your spouse to look at notes. 

Keep a copy as a keepsake. There are only so many things that you are able to keep from your wedding. Of course, you’ll always have your memories and photos. Having a copy of your vows as a keepsake is a perfect way to remember the promises you made to each other on your special day. Not only is rereading your wedding vows later romantic, but they can be used for vow renewals, anniversaries and sharing with your children.

Brides and grooms, do you have any other tips to share or perhaps memories from your own Tate House wedding? We would love to hear!