Every Avenue Weddings Magazine Issue 15 Every Avenue Weddings Magazine 1 | Page 17

Think about what marriage really means to you
The simplest place to start is the beginning. How did you meet? When did you
realise you could stop looking for The One? Vows that reference turning points
in relationships are popular, giving your guests an insight into how you feel
about each other – and why. Do you share a particularly poignant memory, or
have a funny story that epitomises your relationship? How about your favourite
qualities in one another? Take a moment to think about what marriage means to
you, and the words are sure to flow.
Keep it short
You no doubt have so, so much to say to your future beloved. However, it’s im-
portant to be brief with your vows, or risk losing your guests – and officiate – in
the process. You have a lifetime of marriage to say all of those little things to one
another; keep your wedding ceremony a place for heartfelt vows and promises,
rather than filling empty silences with hyperbole. Some couples might feel under
pressure to mention anything and everything they can recollect, for fear that a
missed memory or sentiment will mean so much less. Please trust me when I say
tha t the most important person in the room certainly gets the gist!
Practice makes perfect
If you’re unsure how a particularly sentence, or promise is likely to sound then
get practicing! There’s absolutely no shame in reading your vows aloud, particu-
larly if it means you’ve a better idea of what you’d like to say. Ask a trusted friend,
such as the maid of honour or best man to witness your vows; do you trust his
or her judgment? If you’ve decided to be open with one another practice reading
your vows one evening in bed. In such a chilled environment you’ll immediately
know what works and keep your day free from nerves and surprises.
There’s no reason at all that you shouldn’t write your own vows, unless your
venue has dictated that you must follow a particular protocol. Many churches
and faiths may prefer you to use traditional vows, although you might want to
include a personal statement, reading, or poem, as you say, “I do”. It’s certainly
worth checking with your vicar, registrar, celebrant, or officiate, at the very least.
Words cost absolutely nothing at all, but their impact can last a lifetime. What
will you say to dearly beloved as you greet one another at the end of the aisle?
of the best writers are also avid readers, and garner their inspiration from the
conversations held in newspapers, the pages of their favourite novels, and even
advertising literature. Allow yourselves to be inspired by every word you come
across, and for each metaphor or rhyme to run away with you.