While Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum were a memorable couple in the movie “The Vow”, I am talking about writing your vows for your wedding day. So many brides and their significant other tell me they have plenty of time to write their vows. Months turn into weeks and weeks into days and then they realize they have no idea where to start!
I think it’s a great idea to surf the net and read samples that other people have written, but it’s much easier to answer some questions about your own personal relationship to get a jump start on your own vows. When things are going great, we only see one side of the person we’re going to marry. It’s only when the relationship is tested by the trials and tribulations we call ‘life’ that we get a more 3D version of our fiancé. That may be a great place to start!
- What were some of these hard times and how did you both work through them?
- How about the first time you saw your other half… what was your raw and honest first thoughts of them?
- Why did you decide to get married and what do you both want to accomplish as a couple?
- When you’re not together, what is the one thing you miss most?
Some more tips:
- KEEP IN MIND who will be attending the wedding and listening to your vows? Inside jokes and silly nicknames are great in private, but you may have hundreds of guests wondering what you’re talking about and it may be embarrassing 20 years from now when your own children or grandchildren are watching the video!
- Practice out loud and in front of a person(s) that will give honest feedback is even better.
- It’s never too early to start and you can always add too it as the wedding date gets closer.
- Print a copy on your favorite paper and keep in your wedding album as a beautiful keepsake.
By the way, this is by no means exclusive to traditional weddings. Some of the most unique and memorial vows have come from my non-traditional couples!