Most couples either want the simplest possible vows, which sound comfortable and familiar, or they want special & unique vows, which reflect something different about their relationship.
Here's an article from bride's magazine!
How Do We Write Our Own Vows?
Many couples choose to compose their own vows. You might be surprised how effectively you can write. It's the "getting it down on paper" that’s difficult for some people.
Just Say It. Don’t sit down to write. Instead, get a tape recorder. Say what you really want to say. Don't worry about the words. Take your time, talk more than you need to, if that will help. Then replay the tape. Find the phrases or sentences that really work, that communicate your true intent. If something on the tape makes you laugh, cry, smile, it’s a winner.
Be Simple. Good writing doesn’t require big words or long sentences. It should aim to successfully communicate particular thoughts, sentiments or ideas.
Be Specific. Stay away from broad generalities ("I will love you forever") and focus on small specific expressions of love. If you write about one specific event ("I promise to always dry if you wash, and wash if you dry") you write, by extension, about all events.
Avoid Cliches. Everyone will surely understand “My love for you is deeper than the ocean,” but they’ve heard it a million times before. It’s unoriginal, uninspired. And your vows should reflect the profound inspiration of your love for one another. If it’s a phrase you've heard before, if it sounds like a line from a song, get rid of it. Find a new and original way to illustrate your point.
Find a Friend Who Can Write To Give It A Read. You may not know any "professional writers" but you probably know people who write as a part of their work. Or you may know people who do a great deal of reading and thus have a good critical eye. Consider calling upon a friend who is a teacher or a librarian, they may be able to give you some constructive advice on how to improve your writing.
How Can We Make Our Vows Sound Natural?
When writing your vows, find inspiration from your favorite poem or try penning your own expressions of love. You can keep them short and sweet, but remember that to be legally binding, the wording must state that you take your partner as your spouse and that you promise to remain committed to him or her.
An example of a poetic vow goes as follows:
"Darling, when I look at youEvery aged phrase is new,And there are moments when it seemsI've married one of Shakespeare's dreams.”-Ogden Nash
“I (Name), take you (Name), as my (wife/husband). You are my best friend and I promise to love you and provide you with strength, support, and patience. I promise to laugh and cry with you, in whatever endeavors we choose to embark on. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you.”
How Can Our Vows Reflect A Retro Style?
Tap into your creative side by writing your own vows. For inspiration, turn to words from your decade’s love passages, hit songs, or even movies. Make sure your officiant reads over them to ensure that the vows include the necessary words to make the marriage legally binding.
“I have only one request of your lifeThat you spend it all with meAll the seasons and the times of your daysAll the nickels and the dimes of your daysLet the reasons and the rhymes of your daysAll begin and end with me.”-Frank Sinatra“Today I, (Name), commit myself to you (Name), as your (husband/wife). I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow, till death do us part.”
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There's no end to the creativity you can use with your vows. I have samples of the many wonderful and spectacular things couples have created on their own or with me in our collaboration.
--ML
Contrasts
12 years ago
