Tips for writing your vows

The beauty in every civil ceremony is being able to add your personal element with an expression of your thoughts and desires.  If you decide to recite personally written vows, they can be as long or short as you like. You could even do a reading or a poem to reiterate your personal feelings and promises towards your partner.

Some people are better at writing feelings than others - so ask a friend, a relative to help you if you get stuck. Your celebrant should also have an array of suggestions and guidance to help you express your message.

• Speak from the heart and you can't go wrong - “My darling, I feel such a sense of serenity and calm knowing that soon I can call you my husband.  I feel we have both bought out the best of each other and truly evolved into the best version of ourselves – TI AMO”
• Talk about what you feel for your partner, what you promise to your partner and what you hope for your relationship - “My queen, you are the love of my life.  You have kept my soul warm and loved and my heart singing daily.  Not a day goes by where I don’t stop and thank the universe for you”
• If you are worried you will get too teary, add some humour in there which will help settle the nerves - "I promise to always make you breakfast in bed on a Sunday, even when I'm hungover"
• Preparation, practise - Try to have your vows written no later than a month before the wedding as you will simply have too much to do. You don't want to rush the process. Have plenty of time to really think about what you want to say and find a few moments to practise.  This will help you not be too nervous or read your vows too quickly.