How to Write Your Wedding Vows Part One

You and your soon-to-be spouse have decided to exchange your own wedding vows. You may not know where to begin or how to even express your feelings in words. A search of the Internet offers a wide variety of tips, steps and ideas for writing your wedding vows, but still you’re stuck. You simply don’t know where to begin. Here are a few brainstorming activities to give you an idea of where to start, what to include, and most importantly: staying true to yourself. This isn’t about writing your vows, yet, merely about finding the ideas and basis of what good vows will include. Part Two will cover putting the ideas here together into memorable vows. 

So, get out a piece of paper and open your mind. Let any ideas, thoughts, words or phrases out onto the paper. We’re just brainstorming, so don’t censor yourself. Sometimes the best ideas come when we’re just letting it all out onto paper.

1. Anecdotes. Did you and your future spouse meet in an unusual way? Is there a story about your relationship you both find telling to friends? Was the proposal over the top? Or was it perfectly normal—and that’s what makes it so special to you. Find a story or event in your relationship that is a great example of what you hope your marriage will be. Don’t be afraid to include what might seem mundane to other people. The vows are for you and your partner only. If you were touched by a night in front of the TV, use it. Anecdotes are a great way to use examples to sum up your feelings and your relationship. Write down any memorable event that you think could be worked into your vows. Keep in mind that your vows should not last for an hour! If the story is to work with your vows it should be possible to relate the anecdote in a few sentences or minutes.