The exchanging of vows is one of the most important elements in your wedding ceremony. It’s important to make them your own and to be intentional about your words. This can be done by either writing an entirely new vow or even by combining elements from different vows you’ve heard into something new and personal.
A vow is in essence the promise that you make to your partner on this special day. It’s a statement of your commitment and love and while it’s common for couples to write their own vows, you don’t have to go down that route if you don’t want to. There are lots of different ways to express your love at the altar—and getting yourself ready in advance is a great way to be fully present in the moment.
When it comes to your wedding vows, there are a million and one ways to write them. We think these three sweet and simple ideas are just what you need to get started with yours.
- Keep it Short & Sweet
If you’re looking for a simple way to say “I do,” consider writing your own simple wedding vow that says exactly what you want without being overly flowery or wordy. Short and sweet can also be super effective. Plus, this is a great option if you don’t have much time to plan out your ceremony or want something that’s quick and easy to read aloud during the ceremony itself.
- Get Personal & Romantic
This option is perfect if you really want something unique to say on your wedding day—maybe even more so than just saying “I do” in front of everyone who matters most. Romantic wedding vows can be sweet and super personal. Depending on the kind of relationship you have with those closest to you who will be attending the ceremony, cracking a joke or too can even be fun.
Consider writing your own vows from scratch. This is a great way to share your story with your partner in front of everyone who loves you most or find a few that inspire you online and start building your own vows based on their style and format.
- Meet in the Middle
If you’re looking for a more middle-of-the-road option, consider writing your vows based on traditional vows but adding personal touches to them. For example, you could write something like: “I love you so much that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Or, “I promise to love and cherish you all the days of my life.” These are simple yet heartfelt and meaningful statements that express what’s in your heart without being too wordy or complicated. And if you can add in a sentence or two about your unique relationship it will kick things up just another notch.
Remember, your wedding vows should be meaningful and memorable, but don’t stress out about making them perfect. Start with these ideas for sweet and simple wedding vows and do whatever works for you to make your ceremony special.