Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

So you have decided to marry that special someone but, like me, have decide that a canned wedding ceremony just will not do. There are things on your heart and in your mind that you wish to share with that special someone on that glorious day. Yet you are not sure exactly how to go about collecting your ideas together to create a wonderfully sounding, yet truthful wedding vow. I have started working to collect my thoughts and feelings together and have two pages already.

From the Heart

If there are memories you have with that special someone, draw from the good times first. There might have been an embarrassing moment for the one you plan to marry, but you might think it's not a good things to share. Provided it's not extremely personal and you can add a loving message to it, leave it out. If you can think of something witty or funny to say about a moment by all means throw it in. For instance, remember that time you waved at me from across the room and then spilled your drink on someone else, well it was that simple wave that made me realize I just had to come over and talk to you.

A good exercise I applied for my own vows was to simply write what was on my heart and mind. I did not simply sit down and it all flowed out. It might take some time, so don't wait until the last moment.

Use Your Own Words

Sure there might be that nice line from your favorite movie you just want to use in your vows. For instance, using that famous line from Jerry McGuire, "You had me from hello" might seem like a good idea on the surface. If it is how you truly feel, by all means use it. Just don't throw stuff in because it sounds good to you.

From my own personal vows:

"I know you say you know all about the types of beauty, but I want you to see yourself through my eyes. When I look at you, I see a woman with a heart full of love begging to be let out, yet so deathly afraid to let it out in fear you might get hurt. I see a woman so put together on the outside that the world does not bother to see you are slowly dying inside, wanting to be loved by someone who loves you in spite of the many flaws you believe you have. I see a woman who beats herself up for feeling something, anything about another person. I see a woman so deathly afraid to live, yet even more afraid to give up and die. Most of all I see myself in you."

Be Honest

Think hard about the things you wish to share with that special someone, your thoughts, your fears, your desires, your dreams and your wishes. Be honest with yourself and with them when you write your vows. If you uncertain you will be the best spouse, don't be afraid to let them know as I have done. But also let them know you will work to be the best spouse you can be.

Here is an another excerpt from my wedding vows:

"It is only natural for us to have our doubts, our fears, our moments when we question the other. This comes as part of being human. Yet, I promise to you this day, before God, that I will not allow anything or anyone (even myself) to tear apart what I believe in my heart was meant to be by God. Will I be a perfect husband? I certainly hope not. But what I do hope for is to be a shoulder to cry on when someone says or does something to you that hurts you, to be an ear whenever you need someone to simply listen, to love you and cherish all that is you until the good Lord calls us home."