Wedding Vows, Vowels and Vowls
How to Write the Best Wedding Vows
Which one is it?
“My husband and I would love to renew our vowls and we’re looking for a marriage celebrant… “ “Would you be available to perform a Vowel Renewal Ceremony for us on the …. “ “I don’t think I can write my own wedding vows, can you help please?”
Well… They are officially called Wedding Vows. What does it mean to take a vow? It’s a pledge, a solemn promise, and a personal commitment. So how do you begin to write your own Wedding Vows?
These are the kind of enquiries and ‘pleas for help’ that you often get as a marriage celebrant. Writing your own wedding vows is something very special and not everyone feels comfortable putting pen to paper about the thing that means the most to them, their partner. I’m a Marriage Celebrant in Perth and I am hoping with this little blog to be able to help you feel confident in writing your very own personal vows.
First of all, think of the past…
Remember the magic of the moment you realised this was ‘the One’! What attracted you to your partner, what did you find irresistible and what did you love about them from the outset? It’s sometimes nice to mention these things and possibly thank them for being that very special person. You may surprise your partner how much you remember from those first moments and what you actually noticed ☺ And trust me, if you have wondered how well you partner listens to you, in this moment you will experience what it means to be heard 100% and with all your heart.
Now think of the present…
What is important to you at the moment? Why are you standing in front of your lover and partner wanting to marry them and what will make this day special and memorable for you forever?
The groom in the photo below was a man of few words but his bride really wanted him to write some vows. He did. Two amazing sentences which said it all. I put them onto 3 pages which he kept folded as one page while she read her vows. He then let the pages fold down and you can see the reaction he got – priceless. The two sentences made her cry with genuine happiness and love.
Now think of the Future…
What are you dreams for your future? How do you see your life unfolding together with your partner? Maybe you want to remind them of the depth and honesty of your enduring love. Do you already have a family or are you blending a family – how will they be included and do you want to promise to encourage, support, and love them in any special way?
Let your Wedding Vows Reflect your Personality
It’s going to feel best for you if your vows are written in ‘your language’ – the way you speak to each other every day – and the way you engage with one another. If laughing and joking around is your everyday life, then include that in your vows too. Think of all the gorgeous little things you do for each other and feel free to say how grateful you are for them.
Including Something Special to you Both
Sometimes you might feel the need to include something in your wedding vows that has a wider meaning for you both. In the photo below, it was the grandparent’s Bible that the couple wanted to put their hands on as they made their vows. Their religion and beliefs were important to them and their grandparents had had a hugely positive influence on their lives and relationship. It was also a sign of respect to their Grandparents.
In Short:
Even though you are making a solemn promise you don’t need to write a novel, just few honest words, straight from the heart will be perfect. You need to feel comfortable reading your vows so they really need to be ‘yours’ and not written by someone else. Start writing them as soon as you know your wedding date. Write something and then put it away. Take it out again some time later and see if you want to adjust or add something. It’s the most wonderful feeling to hear from the one you love, why and how much they love you. It’s the most beautiful and meaningful gift you can bestow on your lover, on your wedding day.
If you need some help with your wedding vows I’m always happy to create some ideas with you ☺
Some Inspiration:
What are Vowels – Dictionary Definition
The definition of a vowel is a letter representing a speech sound made with the vocal tract open, specifically the letters A, E, I, O, U. The letter “A” is an example of a vowel.