You’ve had your final fittings, finalised your guest list and your big day is right around the corner, but have you thought of everything? For some, the vows are both the most special and most difficult part of a wedding. Follow our handy tips when writing your vows to make the task easier and truly impress your other half. If you want a wedding to remember, book the day of your dreams in our Wicklow wedding venue, Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort. Our experienced wedding team are on hand to show you around our impressive location & grounds or discuss your options.
Don’t wait until the last minute
The most important thing to keep in mind when writing your vows is timing. If you leave everything until the last minute and write your vows the night before, you’re sure to forget something in the excitement. Start writing your vows at least a month before, writing and rewriting drafts. This is the most important speech of your life, and a little thought and planning will make your life a lot easier.
Make notes
The whole point of starting early is to jot things down as they come up for weeks before. Make notes when you think of something you’d like to mention in your vows. When you sit down to write closer to the time, you’ll be glad you took the time.
Don’t wing it!
Even the most experienced speakers need prompts and if you decide to wing it you will almost certainly forget something. Nerves and possibly a couple of drinks before will cloud your mind and make it a lot more difficult to wing it on the day. At least jot down some talking points to make sure all bases are covered.
Talk to your other half
You’ll want to keep the final product as a surprise, but you should discuss your vows with your other half before the big day. Discuss the content, style, format, and tone for your views so no one is surprised at the altar.
Ask for help
If you’re sitting in front of a blank page, take a break. Speak to friends who are good at speeches or get some inspiration from the internet. Millions of people have written vows for their loved ones, don’t feel you need to reinvent the wheel.
Don’t drink before vows
Depending what time your ceremony is, it may be far too early to worry about drinking but many people like to have a small one for Dutch courage. That’s fine as long as you stop at one. You don’t want to slur your way through your vows!
Include a Joke
Vows can be romantic, personal, and heartfelt but if you want to keep the attention of your wedding guests, you’ll need to be funny too. Include one or two jokes, staying away from anything too personal, embarrassing, or inappropriate. It’s ok to include a subtle inside joke but don’t make it the focus.
Tell your story
You already know the story of your relationship but to set the scene for friends and family, you can use storytelling. Start by describing your other half and what they mean to you and continue telling the story of your relationship and how you got to this point. Make specific mention to any battles you’ve had to weather together (from children to home DIY!) and your plans for a bright and happy future together.
Make it Unique
It’s acceptable to glean inspiration from the great writers of the world but think of your wedding vows as an exam – plagiarism is frowned upon. Make your vows unique to your relationship, adding in some personal details and using your own words to convey how you feel.
Keepsake
Make a few copies of your vows and give a copy to your Best Man/Maid of Honour – just in case something drastic happens. After all is said and done, you’ll have a copy to tuck into the pages of your wedding scrapbook as a keepsake and to remind yourselves how in love you were on your big day.
The Final Word
A vow is a promise to your partner so make it one you’ll both remember forever. Write your vow directly to your partner and make it personal. Leave thanking your friends and family for the speeches, this is a personal note to put into words how you feel. Finish your vows with ‘til death do us part to show your lifelong commitment to your loved one.
If you’re looking for a Wicklow wedding venue with something a little special, contact Tulfarris Hotel today. We have a long standing reputation as an excellent wedding venue with high standard food & drink and happy couples. Contact us today to arrange a show-around of our gorgeous new wedding space.