As a Newcastle celebrant, who has hitched up over 700 couples, I’ve had lots of people come through my door. While they are all unique and special in some way or another they all seem to share a common worry when it comes to getting married.
The VOWS.
Such a small part of the whole day to cause such huge worry but nevertheless important so here are my top tricks and tips to make your wedding vows rock.. HARD
- KISS – no, not each other, Keep It Simple Stupid. While you’re wedding day is fun and wild, its also one of the longest, most tiring (in a good way) days of your life. Don’t try and use big words that you have to google for their meaning. No one wants to hear you stumble over how your INCLINATION and DEVOTEDNESS could grow a tree in a land that is AMMOPHILOUS (look it up, I had to).
- Speak simple truths. Don’t worry if its been said before by someone else (it will have) she/he will only care that it is being said by you. If you’re are so happy that you have him/her in your life say exactly that “I am so happy to have you in my life”. There you have already written one line, you are doing well. *high five*
- Keep it short. This one is conditional. If you are eloping with a legal only ceremony, writing long vows to each other said in the privacy of a small, intimate gathering would be rather cool, but ifs its 40 degrees on a hot beach and you pull out a 3 page speech no-one, least of all me, is going to think “How awesome!” They are going to think.. well my mother told me not to swear.
- Don’t swear. Well, too much. An occasional “s” bomb or “f” bomb if well placed and relevant is always ok but this is a moment to keep those profanities to a minimum. (Again conditional, ceremonies at the pub/ wrestling match / national swearing convention are exceptions to this rule)
- Don’t try and be funny. I’ve done a few ceremonies where vows have been written for laughs not love. It doesn’t seem to fly. If you are genuine in what you want to say, you can be heartfelt and funny at the same time. Unless, you’re Arj Baker the funnies need to come from the heart.
And if all else fails, talk to me. I can help work through your vows and together we can come up with someone amazing. That is what I’m here for.
#sidenote : I put a whole heap of real vows up on my instagram. You might want to check it for inspiration @wedbykez
