Writing your own vows sounds great but where to begin......

First of all don't worry about sounding mushy or not "professional" this is from your heart for your partner - not the guests, although do remember some things shouldn't be shared! - and remember your first instance is usually correct. Each set of of vows usually lasts between two to three minutes in length.

Now consider if you want to write your vows together or will it be a surprise to your partner?

If you write them together: do you want to recite the same vows or individual statements from the heart?

If your vows will contain religious statements:

1. What is your/your partners favorite verse or passage?

2. What verse/passage most reflects your lives together?

If your vows contain a poem:

1. What is your/your partners favorite poem?

2. What poem most reflects your lives together?

If your vows contain or you will sing a song:

1. What is your/your partners favorite song?

2. What song most reflects your lives together?

Then write a "love letter" to your partner about your favorite times, the time you first met, what you look forward to with your partner and why you picked them over everyone else etc...

Take a few days before deciding that you're done so that you can write those little yet significant memories down, your partner will know a lot of heart-felt thinking went into this! Keep a note pad or small tape recorder with you if possible so you won't forget the details that meant a lot to the both of you.

Now put your thoughts and notes into "vow" format.

Tradition

Name of partner in honor of you I would like to take a minute to read to you your favorite poem, sing to you this song, etc...

"In the name of God, I, (insert your name) take you, (insert partners name) to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

For the non traditional vows you can begin or incorporate your special poem, verse or song....

Spiritual:

"From this moment, I, (insert your name) take you, (insert partners name) as my best friend for life. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you through our walk together. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow"

From the moment we met:

(insert partners name) from the moment we met I knew you would be my best friend for life....

Miracle:

Most people go through life never knowing a miracle.... (insert partners name) You are my miracle. That of all the people in this world I could find someone so right for me. From this day forward in good times and especially the bad ones just know there is someone who holds you, will treat you and respect you for the miracle that our lives together are...

When you get done with the rough draft with one very neat copy to frame or put away in an album and note cards to read or memorize for your special day.

Key Words and Phrases:

Sweetheart

Love of my Life

Uplift

Journey

Best Friend

Twin Soul (s)

Spiritual Connection

Soul mate and Companion

Equal and Partner

Best Friend and Confidant

Through Laughter and Tears

Together our Hearts

Solemn Vow, Promise, Pledge, Commit, Honor, Cherish