For a change of pace I thought I might give you all some insight on the vow writing process. As more and more couples are deciding to write their own, they are realizing just how difficult it can be. Sure, I know you love each other, but how do you say that in a paragraph or two? Here are some ideas and examples.
1. First of all and most importantly, don't wait until the last minute. I know you think you got this, but trust me, you don't. Vows are important. You don't want them to be a last minute rush job. You want them to be meaningful and even funny, if you choose to go that way.
2. Say "I love you". Seems like a no-brainer, but in your zeal to write the perfect words, this little phrase is often overlooked.
3. Make a list of things you want to say, anecdotes about your life, how you met, things you love about your partner, things that annoy you (yes, it can be funny), and anything else that comes to mind.
4. Write a draft, then another, then another, then another, until it is exactly what you want. You'll know when you've nailed it.
5. Then practise saying it out loud. See if it rolls off the tongue easily. Does it trip you up at all? Then change the wording. Once you think it's perfect, put it away somewhere safe - either on your phone or give it to your officiant. Keep it away from your partner.
6. The day before your big day, go over it one last time. Do you still like it? Good! Job well done! It will be great the next day at your wedding.
For anyone having trouble coming up with vows, I've compiled a selection that might ignite your creativity. Today's examples are pulled from some favourite movies. Enjoy.
From Lord of The Rings
I would rather spend one lifetime with you than spend all of
the Ages of this world alone.
If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded
gold, it would be a merrier world.
From Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
If ever two people were more meant for each other, we'll
just have to hunt them down, kill them, and bury them in the desert.
From Doctor Who
You know when sometimes you meet someone so beautiful and
then you actually talk to them and five minutes later they're as dull as a
brick? Then there's other people, when you meet them you think, Not bad.
They're OK. And then you get to know them and…and their face just sort of
becomes them. Like their personality's written all over it. And they just turn
into something so beautiful. You’re the most beautiful man I've ever met.
From Harry Potter
Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty
temptress, adventure.
Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our
aims are identical and our hearts are open.
We can’t choose our fate, but we can choose others. Be
careful in knowing that.
You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!
We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are
divided.
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also
What's comin' will come, and we'll meet it when it does.
From Star Wars
You are the Obi Wan for me.
Anakin
My Queen, may the Force be with us as we travel through the
galaxy of life. I pledge to never turn to the Dark Side but stand forever in
the illumination of our love. I vow to fight the Evil Emperor and I invite you
take your place at my side as we rule the galaxy. Take my hand and stand with
me for light and justice throughout our lives.
Padme
My Jedi, my love, I take your hand and accept your pledge.
May the force be strong with us all the days of our lives. There is good in
you, I sense it. Remain a Jedi and I will stand by you. I pledge to you my love
and my companionship as long as I live.
Princess, I love you more than I love the Millennium Falcon.
I'll give up a lifetime riding the galaxies in search of treasure with Chewie
just to be with you. Together we can withstand anything, even the Death Star,
Jabba the Hut and Darth Vader. Come with me and we will make this world and the
others around it ours. I'll take part in any rebellion you want and pledge my
life and love to you, Princess.
Leia
Han, no matter what world we crash land on, I know that you
will take good care of us. No matter what happened in the past, I know you are
brave, intelligent and I love you. Together we can stand against injustice
wherever we find it and bring freedom to our world.
I close my eyes I see my home, I see peace, I see tranquility, I see you. I vow to be your peace, your tranquility, your home.
Of course I promise to love you, but I promise to buy the lottery tickets, order the takeout, shovel the snow, plant the tulips, open the wine, pop the corn and kiss you every night. That’s what love is!
