Writing your wedding vows can involve a lot of emotional pressure. This is a big deal. It’s important, and you want to find just the right words to express to that special someone exactly what they mean to you. If you’ve decided to forgo traditional vows and are writing your own, but you’re struggling with where to begin, we’ve got you covered. Check out these ideas for where to find wedding vow inspiration.
Movies and TV Shows
Weddings in movies and TV can be cheesy or hurried affairs, or perhaps too overly luxurious and romantic to be realistic. However, they sometimes include truly beautiful wedding vows that you can adapt or glean ideas from if your own wedding vow muse is eluding you.
Whether it’s Monica and Chandler’s touching vows from the sitcom Friends, Penny and Leonard’s wacky exchange in The Big Bang Theory, or words from Glee, Rachel Getting Married, When Harry Met Sally, Chasing Amy, Stardust, or The Notebook, you’re sure to find some of what you want to say reflected in fictional portrayals of love. Just be sure you give credit to the source of your inspiration!
Novels
Love interests in books are often more well-spoken than real-life people would be. So, take a page—figurative, not literal—from a book you admire and draw out a few beloved lines to use in your vows. As you would give credit for the dialogue you draw from movies or TV shows, you should also cite the work and author whose words you’ve quoted, either verbally or in a notation within the wedding program.
Songs
Weddings are joyous occasions full of music! And you have probably already planned to incorporate some of your favorite songs throughout the ceremony and reception. Maybe there’s a particular song you’ve always loved, about love or life or shared experience. If you’re stuck writing your wedding vows, make a playlist of some favorite songs that seem to encompass your relationship with your significant other, and see if listening to that music opens up some ideas. As previously mentioned, if you quote lines directly, give credit.
Traditional Vows
Traditional vows can offer you a good starting framework, even if you don’t plan to use them verbatim. You can keep the same loose structure and plug in your own thematic or faith-related elements, as well as any promises you want to make to each other. If nothing else, reading the traditional vows may give you an idea of what you don’t want to say. Or you may find that a few tweaks and more modern wording yield the perfect set of vows for you.
Keep in mind that whatever your vows may be, even if they aren’t perfect, as long as they come from the heart, that is what matters. Let your love shine through. If all else fails, cut out the poetic frills and keep it honest and simple. Show your loved one your heart, and they will understand exactly what you mean.
For more wedding tips and ideas, visit the Nanina’s in the Park wedding blog. And if you’re ready to reserve a date for your wedding, or if you have questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.
