How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows in 5 Easy Steps

Getting in front of a room full of people and reciting a list of eternal promises to your new spouse is no simple task. It’s not uncommon for people to be hit hard with writer’s block when attempting to write their own wedding vows. Luckily, you’re only a few steps away from writing beautiful, personalized vows for your big day.

Discover how to write your own wedding vows in 5 easy steps:

1. Take a deep breath.

This is the first and perhaps most important step. Writing wedding vows can be intimidating, but there’s no need to panic. If you feel the pressure to create the “perfect vows,” you almost certainly won’t be able to write. Take a deep breath and remember that these are just words.

2. Find inspiration.

Before you begin writing, find some examples of wedding vows you like. These can serve as models for your own vows. Where can you find inspiration? If you liked your friends’ vows, take a page from their book. You can also find anything on the internet -- vows included.

3. Chronicle your relationship.

Sit down and take some notes about your relationship from start to finish. How did you meet? What did you think about your partner at first? When did you know that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with them? What about them inspires you? What challenges have you triumphed through (that you’re willing to share)? All of these points can potentially be woven into your vows to make them personalized and relatable.

4. Focus on your promises.

Vows are, after all, a list of promises. Envision your life together with your partner and think about all of things you wish to do for them. What does marriage mean to you? What do you want to be able to provide for your partner? Think about all of things you want to give them and uphold for them.

5. Get to writing!

Now that you’ve determined how you want your vows to look and thought a little bit about the content, it’s time to start writing! Be sure to write these far ahead of the big day so you can practice reading them aloud (yes, this is important) and make edits to anything that sounds unnatural. Starting your writing process early, and then make tweaks to help you create the best wedding vows possible!

UP NEXT: Tips for writing the perfect wedding speech. Plus, some examples and ideas of wedding vows for her and wedding vows for him!