Last Updated on December 21, 2024 by Sandra Adamson

7 Tips for Writing Your Perfect Wedding Vows

Your wedding vows are the most important promises you will make to each other. A beautiful beginning to a new life’s journey as husband and wife. Your vows are a deeply personal declaration of the love and commitment you share together. They should reflect your unique relationship. Writing your own wedding vows can be a daunting task, but with a little guidance and planning, you can create something truly beautiful and meaningful. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 7 essential tips for writing your wedding vows.

The bride speaks her vows during their wedding ceremony as the groom reacts emotionally.

1. Start with a Brainstorming Session

Before you even start writing, it’s important to sit down and do a bit of brainstorming. This is your chance to reflect on your relationship and think about what you want your vows to say. Take some time to write down any words, phrases, or memories that come to mind that capture your feelings for your partner. This will help you to create a strong foundation for your vows.

You can also take a look at some examples of wedding vows online to get some inspiration. This can also help you to come up with ideas for your own vows and get a better sense of the type of language you want to use.

The groom writing his vows before his wedding ceremony at DeWolfe Park in Halifax.

2. Keep it Short and Sweet

Your wedding vows should be short and sweet, around two to three minutes in length. Anything longer than that can become tedious for both you and your guests. Remember that your vows are meant to be a heartfelt declaration of your love and commitment, not a dissertation. So focus on the most important points and keep it concise.

If you’re having trouble keeping it short, try writing out your full vows and then cutting out any unnecessary words or phrases. This will help you to stay focused on the most important points and make your vows more meaningful.

The vow card among the bride's bridal wedding bouquet.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Show Your Emotions

Your wedding vows should be a reflection of your love and commitment to your partner. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions when writing your vows and express how you truly feel. This will make your vows more meaningful and memorable.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and think about why you chose to get married in the first place. Reflecting on the early days of your relationship can help you to write meaningful vows that capture your feelings for your partner.

A soon to be bride and groom pose for a picnic themed engagement shoot at Shubie Park in Dartmouth NS.

4. Use Personal Examples

Your wedding vows should be unique to you and your partner, so don’t be afraid to use personal examples. Include stories, memories, and moments that are special to you both. This will make your vows more meaningful and help your partner feel special.

This can also be a great way to add some humour to your vows and lighten the mood. If you’re feeling stuck, try writing down a few funny memories that you both share and use them to add some levity to your vows.

The bride and groom say their vows and make each other laugh during their wedding ceremony at Healy Farm in NS.

5. Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Vows

Although it can be helpful to look at some examples of wedding vows online, it’s important to remember that your vows should be unique and special to you. Written in your own words and brimming with your personality will always bring the best emotional reaction from your partner. It’s tempting to copy someone else’s vows, but it’s important to make them your own. Choosing your own words will help to make your vows more meaningful and memorable. This is your chance to express your love and commitment to your partner in your own words.

The bride shares her written vows with the groom on their wedding day.

6. Practice, Practice, Practice

No matter how well you think you know your vows, it’s important to practice them beforehand. This will help you to feel more prepared and confident when it comes time to actually say them. It will also help you to memorize your vows and make sure that you don’t forget any important points.

Practice your vows in front of a mirror or record yourself saying them. This can help to make them more natural and ensure that you feel comfortable when you’re actually saying them.

The bridesmaids cut up a Nova Scotia tartan to wrap the bouquet in before the bride walks down the aisle.

7. Don’t Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself

Finally, it’s important to remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. Writing your wedding vows is a meaningful and special process, but it shouldn’t be stressful. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a step back and remind yourself that your vows are meant to be a reflection of your love and commitment to your partner.

At the end of the day, your wedding vows should be heartfelt and meaningful, so take your time and don’t rush the process.

The bride and groom read from their wedding vow booklets during their ceremony at the Healy Farm in NS.

Conclusion

Writing your wedding vows can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With these 7 tips, you can create the perfect vows that reflect your love and commitment to your partner. Take your time and make sure to practice your vows before the big day. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy this special and meaningful process.