Step by step Guide to writing your perfect vows

It's come to that time where you've had a think about what style of vows you'd like to include on your big day.

You have come to the decision that you'd like to do personal vows but don't know where to start!

Fear not, writer's block can get to us all and it can be hard to put pen to paper but if you follow these steps, it will be a pain free and enjoyable process.

Obviously you can go rogue and do it in whatever format you like and feel works for you but this is simply a guide that will get the creative cogs turning and help you get what you'd like to say out in a way in which has some format to it.

Enjoy!

Please - if you'd like any help or someone to proof read through your vows, get in touch at any time.It can be wise to talk to each other about a word count or if someone finishes theirs first, share your word count with the other, this means they will roughly be the same length - however this isn't absolutely necessary, it's up to you!

To begin

Think about your partner, think of all the wonderful qualities they have that has brought you to this moment where you have decided, 'Yes, this is my person'. Think of how they make you laugh, the small things they do daily to make your life easier, the big things they do to get you through tough times. Think of when you first met and how you think of them now, how it has changed and the different things you have went through side by side - both the bad and good. Even as you are reading this, there will be things that will have popped into your head. Now read the following prompts, if need be, start off by writing bullet points, one word answers and continue to build from there. It will come easier than you think.

Start with a declaration or statement about your partner.

Begin by telling them that you love them. Tell them the reasons why. Follow up with how they make you feel and what they mean to you.

This is the perfect opening to your vows, it is a clear beginning. For example, you can say their name, even say, 'I can't believe we are here after all this time' or 'You are truly one of a kind, from the moment I met you, I knew we would be standing here one day.'

What about this person has made you realise that you're perfect for each other? What makes you laugh about them? What makes you smile? Focus on a few main things about them that you admire. If you listed everything I'm sure we'd be here a while!

Remember, you are saying these words to them, this is between you both and the rest of us are only bystanders in this moment, there to see you marry.

Pick a story or reflect on your time together.

Reflect on a time that you shared together that is your happy place, this can be home, when you're laid on a beach side by side, on a quad through mountains, whatever brings you peace and contentment with this person.

Or you can reflect back on when you first met how they made you feel, how they make you feel now, what you loved then and what you love now.

It's a nice moment of reflection for you and you can also reflect on the things I said at the top of this page. How they make your life nicer/better/easier.

Now it's time to share your promises.

This is your opportunity now to make all the promises you wish to express to your future husband/wife. They can be funny, lighthearted, sincere, serious, a mixture of all.

eg. 'Today, I want to promise to you, that I will always endeavour to make our home a safe space for you and our children'

'I promise to continue to make you smile and laugh every single day for the rest of our lives.'

'I cannot promise to always lift my dirty socks off the floor but I will always defrost your windscreen when it's frozen!'

You get the drift - 3 or 4 usually works really well at this point. Think about your daily life and the life you wish to have together, this will help you make the promises that are close to your heart.

Finish up with a look towards your future together.

Think about the future that you are looking forward to together. What is it that you are especially looking forward to with this person by your side?

This can be a life filled with adventure, contentedness and laughter. It can be kids or an unlimited number of fur babies. Maybe it's travelling together and seeing the world. Or maybe it's simply the next murder documentary on netflix. Whatever it is, it will be relevant to you both. Think about your values as a couple and how it will enrich your lives together.

eg. 'I cannot wait to spend our lives together filled with love and laughter, travelling the world side by side and sharing a bottle of wine along the way.'

'I know just by looking back on our journey so far, that we have so much to look forward to together, I know there might be tough times, amazing times and everything in between but I know that aslong as you are there, everything is going to be okay and I simply cannot wait to call you my husband/wife/life partner'