Writing Your Vows Without Sounding Like a Greeting Card
Real love. Real laughs. Zero cringe.
Let’s be honest: writing your wedding vows can be terrifying. You sit down, pen poised (or fingers hovering over the keyboard), and suddenly your brain goes blank. “Do I quote Taylor Swift? Is it weird to mention our dog? What if I accidentally write a poem?!”
Breathe. You’ve got this.
Your vows don’t need to sound like Shakespeare had a baby with a Hallmark card. They just need to sound like you.
Whether you’re sentimental, sarcastic, or somewhere in between, here’s how to write vows that are real, personal, and not even a little bit cringe.
💌 Step 1: Tell your story (just a little)
You don’t need your whole relationship timeline here — just a sprinkle of how it all started, or that one weird moment you both knew it was a thing.
“I knew you were the one when you didn’t judge me for eating cold pizza for breakfast… again.”
Tiny, real-life details are gold. They make your vows feel personal, not plucked off Pinterest.
🎯 Step 2: Make promises that actually mean something
Yes, wedding vows = promises. But you’re allowed to mix the serious with the silly.
Go ahead and promise to love and support them forever — and to stop stealing the duvet, or to always make their cuppa just right.
“I promise to love you through the highs, the lows, and even during your fantasy football obsession.”
🧠 Step 3: Use your own voice
You don’t have to sound poetic or profound. If you’re not someone who normally says “my soul burns for you,” don’t write that now.
Write the way you talk. Like you’re telling your partner why you love them, and what they mean to you — not performing to win The Vow Olympics.
✂️ Step 4: Edit for fluff
Once you’ve got something down, read it out loud. If it sounds like something you’d never actually say, chop it.
Less fluff = more feels.
⏱ Step 5: Keep it short(ish)
Aim for around a minute or two when spoken. That’s about 150–250 words. Just enough to make people laugh, cry, and go “aww” without losing feeling in their legs.
📚 Bonus tip: Stuck? Steal this template
Here’s a simple structure to get the wheels turning:
- One line about your love story
“When we first met at that dodgy bar…” - What you admire about them
“You make life lighter, funnier, and 100% more organised.” - What you promise
“I promise to hold your hand, even when we disagree about takeaway.” - A final line that wraps it up
“You’re my person. And I’ll keep choosing you — today and always.”
Last thing:
There’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s your love, your story, your day. Whether you get emotional, throw in a joke, or quote The Office (respect), the best vows are the ones that feel honest.
So grab a cuppa, open a blank doc, and start scribbling.
You’ve got this 💛
