Did you know most couples spend less than an hour planning their vows? That’s why many end up sounding generic. You don’t have to be a poet to say something honest and moving. Below you’ll find a simple process, real‑world examples, and quick fixes for the usual pitfalls.
1. Start with a brain dump. Grab a notebook and write down everything you love about your partner – the small habits, the big moments, the things that make you smile. Don’t worry about order or length; just get the feelings on paper.
2. Find a core theme. Look at your list and pick a single idea that ties it together – trust, adventure, family, or growth. A clear theme keeps the vow focused and prevents it from wandering.
3. Choose a structure. A popular and easy structure is: statement of love, promise #1, promise #2, promise #3, closing line. This rhythm feels natural and helps guests follow along.
4. Write a draft. Plug your theme and promises into the structure. Keep sentences short – aim for 30‑40 words total. Speak as if you’re talking directly to your partner, not to an audience.
5. Trim the fluff. Read the draft out loud. If a word feels extra, cut it. If a sentence sounds stiff, rewrite it in everyday language. The goal is a vow that feels like you, not a script.
Classic simple vow: "Sarah, from the day we met you’ve made me laugh more than anyone else. I promise to support your dreams, to listen when you need to be heard, and to love you fiercely every day. You are my home, and I can’t wait to build our future together."
Adventure‑focused vow: "Mike, you turned my ordinary days into wild journeys. I vow to explore new places with you, to hold your hand through every storm, and to keep the spark alive no matter how many miles we travel. Let’s chase sunsets together forever."
Family‑centric vow: "Emma, you taught me that love grows when we share it. I promise to cherish our families, to raise our children with kindness, and to always put our love first. Together we’ll create a legacy of warmth and joy."
Take any of these and swap in details that fit your story – a nickname, a favorite song, a shared joke. The more specific you get, the more authentic the vow feels.
Finally, rehearse once or twice. Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend, but don’t memorize word‑for‑word. Speaking from the heart on the day will make any minor slip‑up feel natural.
Writing wedding vows doesn’t have to be a massive chore. Follow the five steps, use an example as a springboard, and keep it true to you. When the moment arrives, you’ll speak words that your partner, your guests, and you will remember forever.