Wedding vows are always written from the heart. They reflect how you and your future spouse feel about each other, and are the embodiment of your emotional journey; everything that you’ve gone through has led to this day. While the first kiss may cement the marital status, it’s the vows that are said that establishes the foundation of your future as a married couple. Here, Western Australia Wedding & Bride explores what you should consider when writing your vows for the big day.

There are many formulas and structures you and your partner can follow to ensure that you’re both on the right track, but adding a personal touch always makes the vows a bit more special. “It’s your chance to express your love and feelings – remember, they are your promises to each other,” Edwards says.

A Personal Touch

Brides- and grooms-to-be can tailor the traditional formula and structure of wedding vows in myriad ways. Instead of a traditional ceremony, consider a candle lighting, wine or sand ceremony as a unique way to speak your vows to one another and join your families. This can also work well if you and your partner are wanting to renew your vows. Another alternative would be to change up the wording of long-established vows. Edwards suggests swapping ‘to honour and obey’ with ‘I promise to be true to you in good times and bad’, or ‘I will love you and honour you all the days of my life’. She also advises to include a humorous twist; “[couples] add something humorous that they do or promise to do such as ‘I promise to cook with love from now on’ if they really hate it, or ‘I promise not to get annoyed when you ask questions during a movie you are not interested in’,” Edwards explains. This will allow you and your loved one to insert your own personality into the wedding vows, while conveying your love. To add a truly personal touch, if you or your partner have children, incorporate them into your vows. Your vows are all about declaring your love for your partner, so if all else fails, speak from the heart.

It Takes Two To Tango

Collaborating with your significant other when writing your vows can actually be beneficial. If you and your partner are not sure where to begin, talking it out and taking notes is an excellent way to start to the process. While you want to add some mystery and intrigue to what you will be saying, working together also ensures that your vows are similar in length and avoids any awkwardness or upset if one writes more than the other, “[your vows] can be short and sweet, or as long [as you like],” Edwards says.

Figuring out the tone together is another crucial aspect. Andrea explains that if one half of the couple is adding fun and comedic value, and the other half is being more romantic, there won’t be much balance between the vows. “Adding humour and something you prioritise to do or change is also good, but it needs to be a balance, if possible.” Having equal parts heart and humour is one of the key things for creating perfect and unforgettable wedding vows.

If you’re struggling to overcome writers block, ask your friends and family for advice; “family and friends can be asked for ideas on how to phrase one’s feelings, or give some feedback on the completed vows,” Edwards highlights.

Collaborating on your vows is also ideal if your wedding is themed around your favourite film, television show, comic or book. You could even include some of your favourite quotes to pair with the decorations or special wedding attire, which will make your day truly memorable.

Brides- and grooms-to-be can tailor the traditional formula and structure of wedding vows in myriad ways. Instead of a traditional ceremony, consider a candle lighting, wine or sand ceremony as a unique way to speak your vows to one another and join your families. This can also work well if you and your partner are wanting to renew your vows. Another alternative would be to change up the wording of long-established vows. Edwards suggests swapping ‘to honour and obey’ with ‘I promise to be true to you in good times and bad’, or ‘I will love you and honour you all the days of my life’.