(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI.)
‘(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out our eulogy writing service or our eulogy template.)
(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
Between 40% and 60% of couples now write their own wedding vows. That’s a hell of a lot. And, it makes sense.
It reflects our desire for authenticity and individuality. Unique vows guarantee the ceremony feels ‘you’. Rather than ‘the boring legal or religious bit’ of the day, it’s a chance to put your unique love story into words and create a moment that resonates with everyone present.
Your vows should get everyone in the room rooting for you two a little bit more, rather than discreetly checking their phone while you say your ‘I dos’.
Speechy founder Heidi Ellert-McDermott advises, “Writing bespoke vows is like telling your partner you love them but with all your favourite people listening in. It’s personal, authentic, and—with a little effort—a highlight of your wedding day.”
To make them genuinely wonderful, follow these steps:
Wedding vows should be short but impactful. It depends on the celebrant’s content but generally aim for 30 seconds to three minutes per person. This keeps the ceremony engaging and prevents guests from checking their watches.
Heidi notes, “A few heartfelt promises can be more powerful than an overly long monologue. Save your anecdotes and the bulk of your humour for the speeches later.”
The opening sets the tone for your vows. Here are some examples to inspire you:
Romantic Openers:
Light-hearted Openers:
Great vows blend sincerity with personality. Here’s what you might include:
Heidi advises, “Avoid clichés like ‘You complete me’ or ‘Love is patient, love is kind.’ Your vows should sound like you, not a Hollywood script.”
Romantic Lines:
Light-Hearted Lines:
End your vows on a powerful and memorable note. Here are some ideas:
Romantic Endings:
Playful Endings:
Being heartfelt doesn’t mean resorting to tired phrases or Pinterest-level quotes. Instead, focus on the small, unique details of your relationship. Heidi suggests, “If you’re going to the effort of writing your own vows, make sure you resist the usual clichés that many couples resort to. You don’t want to sound like you’re reciting a Pinterest board.”
Avoid: “Nothing truly ever made sense until you came into my life.”
Try: “I have grown to love the way you hum off-key while cooking because it’s always followed by a cheeky grin.”
Get Googling – but resist the urge to steal any specific lines.
There’re lots of lovely examples of wedding vows to check out, including this couple who wrote each others! Proceed with caution;-)
With these tips and examples, you’re well on your way to creating vows that truly capture your love story and say BOOM, we’re ready for a lifetime together.
Remember, bespoke vows are a gift to your partner, so make them personal and meaningful.
Need more help? Explore our other advice blogs or check out our bespoke wedding speech services. Whether it’s crafting the perfect vows or writing a killer wedding speech, Speechy’s got you covered!
The Speechy team are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.
Our advice has been quoted everywhere from The New York Times to Grazia and from Forbes to The Observer. Our founder has also featured on the BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, published by Little, Brown.
