Handy tips from my team member Laura!

I personally think that the exchanging vows element of your wedding ceremony is the most personal and intimate part of your wedding day, so writing your own vows is a great idea, even if it may feel daunting! 

Writing words of your own gives you a way of expressing your own unique love story and it is so personal, giving you a truly memorable moment within your wedding day.

1. Think about whether you want to write them together or individually as a surprise for each other on the day. If you decide to surprise each other, you can always ask your Celebrant to help by checking that both sets of vows match in length and tone!

2. Thinking of tone - what mood do you want? Romantic, funny, emotional - what tone feels authentic to you as a couple? It could be a mix of course, using humour lightens the mood without overshadowing heartfelt emotion!

3. Structuring your vows will help to keep them simple and concise. A clear beginning middle and end will help, and don't feel like they have to be long!

4. Start with some reflection - what your partner means to you.  Think about the journey your relationship has been on and the qualities you admire in your partner, as well as your hopes for the future.

5. Are there any meaningful memories or anecdotes you'd like to include? Specifically, those that may have shaped your relationship today. Just make sure they are appropriate for your guests!!

6. Make promises and commitments to each other, consider how you see your future together and what would you love to achieve together? Publicly declaring these to one another helps to cement them and allows those who you cherish most around you (your wedding guests!) to support your relationship.

7. Rehearse your vows ahead of time, make sure they flow, and you are comfortable with them. You want to speak confidently on your wedding day so everyone in the room can hear you, without shouting!!

8. On the day, enjoy the moment, focus on the meaning and not trying to achieve perfection... the vows should be a reflection of your love and not a performance - your guests know you aren't necessarily an accomplished orator, unless of course you are!

I hope this has given you the confidence to have a go at writing your vows for yourselves, one of the most precious and intimate parts of your wedding ceremony – you are there after all to celebrate the two of you and your union!