Every Avenue Weddings Magazine Issue 15 Every Avenue Weddings Magazine 1 | Page 16

Wedding Words: Going it alone
By Louise Baker
For all of my columns to date I’ve scoured websites, novels,
and anthologies in the hopes of inspiring brides and grooms
with words written by others. These verses have usually come
from songs, testimonies, poems, and prose, as well as the odd
literary conversation or two. They’ve been written as declara-
tions of romance and love, and for the purpose of being spo-
ken aloud to one another; they’ve been romantic and funny,
or utterly heartbreaking at times. Whatever its context each
word, line, and verse has been inspiring in its own way. Per-
haps you’ve chosen one such poem, or extract, as the basis of
your wedding vows or readings; maybe you were moved by its words epitomised
your feelings for one another. I’m glad to have been of service!
However, you mustn’t worry if you’ve yet to be inspired. There is another way to
come up with your wedding vows! Indeed, there’s a growing trend for couples
to create their own vows, writing promises and declarations that mean so much
more than any poem, or piece of prose has been able to encapsulate. After all,
what could be more special than two people declaring their love and commit-
ment to one another using words they’ve carefully crafted especially for the occa-
sion? There’s a certain pressure to get such things right; to create vows that will
be remembered forever by anyone who was present at the wedding. However,
such pressure in unnecessary. All that matters is how you feel about your own
vows, and that you’re comfortable and confident with every utterance.
If you have been thinking about creating your own wedding vows, or writing a
line or two about one another to accompany your vows, I hope you will find the
following tips useful. These are your words, so allow your heart to lead the way...
Decide on your theme and tone together
Before putting pen to paper, or finger to keyboard, decide on the theme, or tone
of your vows. Would you like to keep your ceremony sweet and meaningful, or
bright and lighthearted? Are you going to select words from your favourite songs,
or write everything from your hearts? Brides and grooms will often choose an-
ecdotes about their relationship so far, but that doesn’t mean your vows must
follow suit. Oh, but do make sure that you’re on the same page before starting;
those comical vows might stick out like a sore thumb, otherwise!
Read, read, and read some more
Perhaps you’re determined to write your own vows rather than using a familiar
poem or pre-penned ditty, but that doesn’t mean you should stop reading; all