Writing Your Vows

Almost everyone in North America who has been wed has said a form of this age-old phrase, but do we understand what we are saying, when we speak these vows? Yes, if you are religious, the words hold a powerful meaning, but who says you can't change it up a little to really make them sentimental? Writing your own vows is challenging, so why not put a spin on something that is already available? Try the following six tips to add a touch of "you" to your vows, and to really test Aunt Betty's waterproof mascara!

Use your surroundings. You spent a whole year trying to decide where to tie the knot, so why not incorporate that into your vows? Many people get married in places that hold special meanings to them, such as parks, gardens, the beach, and yes, even churches. I had the opportunity to be married on a boat, and we incorporated "...finding our soul mate on the rocky sea of life." You paid for it, so use it to your advantage!

Pull out your thesaurus! Putting a new spin on old vows is as simple as changing up what you already have. Instead of "to love and to cherish", why not try "to adore and defend?" How medieval and romantic does that sound? Be careful here, though, as you don't want to make it sound like you are a walking synonym.

Borrow, borrow, borrow! As you are already in "full wedding mode," and you eat, sleep, and breathe "A Wedding Story" on TLC, carefully listen to the vows exchanged and craft your own with what others have spoken. Sometimes it really is as simple as tweaking what others have already done.

Take your time! Everyone likes to procrastinate, but waiting until the last minute to come up with your vows is down right sloppy. It took many months or years to create the emotional bond you have with your partner, so what makes you think you can convey all of that experience while you are getting laced up in your dress? Curl up with a cup of hot tea and some good old "alone time," and remember why you are marrying this person in the first place. Before you know it, the words will just start pouring onto the page!

Practice what you preach! Last, but definitely not least, once you have written your sure-to-be-tearjerker, make sure you can say it out loud. It may look good on paper, but make sure it sounds right coming out of your mouth. You are going to be nervous, so saying something like, "Stephen sends smiles that soothe surely sorrows" is not going to come out well at all. Keeping it simple and reciting it to yourself in the mirror is the best way to keep the sss...sss...sssstutters away!