Help! How do I write my vows? | HS Celebrants

We’ve noticed an increasing trend for brides and grooms to write their own vows giving their ceremony a far more personalised and intimate feel. It’s the perfect way for a couple to express their love and committement to each other. Sounds simple enough but actually putting pen to paper can be more difficul than you think! Today we catch up with Celebrant and Pastor, Gareth Noble from HS Celebrants who shares his top ten tips for grooms looking for creative ways to craft their vows.

“Finding the right words to write your vows is a tough task. It’s a time when many husbands-to-be find out that writers block is real. Over the years, I’ve had many grooms reach out and ask me – Where do I start? Some men have turned to writing experts, while others have chosen the more traditional route and have chosen to go by the book. Either way, many couples today are choosing to craft their vows from the heart. Here are a few tips on how to get started:

1. Make time

When writing your wedding vows, sit in a quiet place, and imagine your partner standing in front of you. Take some time to reflect on your partner. Think about how you felt when you first met and what made you fall in love.

2. Decide on the tone of your vows

Do you want to be funny, or do you want to make each other cry? Whatever you decide, make sure your sweetheart is ok with it as this is not the time to take chances. Adding a little humor in your vows keeps guests interested in what you want to say. It also lets your guests share a laugh with you, and brings life to your wedding!

3. Make a list

Write down a list of things that are uniquely important to you about your partner. Some examples can include her kind heart, gentle nature, her femininity or how you have helped each other in your careers or even things like having a sense of humor. Use these points to help shape your vows.

4. Focus on the bride

Be careful not to think about the need to convince guests. Convincing the bride is enough!

5. Focus on the future, not the past!

Your vows should not focus on things in the past but preferably on your future together. Some examples include: “With you by my side, I promise to be the best version of myself, so that you can be the happiest woman in the world” and “I promise to shield you from the wind, cover you from the rain, and make a home for us inside my heart.”

6. Record your vows with a voice recorder

Try recording your vows before writing them down. Use your phone or a recorder, and close your eyes to help convey your feelings better. Once you have some voice notes, write them down and start editing.

7. Write them down and then edit again

Once you’ve finished the initial writing, reread it, and edit them again. Remove anything repetitive, cliché, things that are not important and don’t make sense. Then make sure to correct the grammar and spelling errors.

8. Your delivery on the day

Be aware of your voice and its capabilities. Make sure when you practice reading your vows beforehand, you don’t sound boring and monotone. Make sure you use your musical tone when reading them out. Be expressive and remember: When you’re at the altar, stand up straight, make eye contact and use your hands expressively so you don’t look like a robot.

9. Time

Stay under two minutes when reading your vows out aloud. It’s essential to take the time to practice reading them out loud before your big day.

10. Keep it real

Great vows are full of emotions and romantic, so don’t forget to speak from the heart and express your true feelings and thoughts. Some great examples include lines like; “I am yours for eternity,” “It was always you” and “Even though I’m unsure about most things in life, I am certain that I love you and will continue to love you forever.”

To find out more about HS Celebrants or to see if Gareth or another member of their team is available to officiate your ceremony email bookings@hscelebrants.com. Follow Gareth on Instagram for more inspiration.

Images Straight Street Media