Top Tips for Writing your Vows

Writing your vows to each other is the one thing in a wedding preparation that gives the Bride and Groom the most nerves.   It is the point in the wedding, where in front of those that are important to you, that you publicly share your love and open your heart with words.

The thing is, not everyone is a wordsmith, and often couples decide to not include hand written vows, for the fear of not getting them right.

The great thing about weddings, is that there is really only a very small part of the overall wording that needs to be said word for word, and your celebrant has that covered.   Everything else, should suit your style, personality and reflect your level of comfort.

Here’s my top tips for writing your vows.

1.      Imagine you are living overseas from each other

What would you say to each other if you lived on the other side of the world, and were writing a letter to each other?  What are the things about each other that you would miss and that you would share?

2.      Keep to three things

What are the 3 things that you want to promise to your partner that you will commit to, and that will sustain your love for each other and strengthen your relationship.  Think of it as a life or relationship goal.

3.      It’s OK to read them

I’ve had couples say a few lines to each other, and other read a letter out aloud.  It’s your vows, and how you approach them is completely your choice.   Your celebrant can hold onto the vows and give them to you when it’s time in the ceremony.  Once you’ve written them, say them out aloud to hear how they sound when spoken and make any changes.  Don’t make them too long, one to two minutes is ideal.

4.       Say I love you

And don’t forget to include I love you.  These three words can be a good way to start or finish your vows.

 And if you feel shy about sharing your feelings with your guests, let your celebrant know.   You don’t have to say personal vows to each other – after all, you are marrying the person you love and want to stand by for the rest of your life, and that says everything.

Image Credit: Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash

Five Tips for Covid Weddings

Welcome to 2022, and it looks like that pesky Covid-19 still has surprises in store for us to start this year off. The good thing, is that we are starting the year with the learnings from the last two, and we now have experience in navigating the ups and downs.

I've been having a few conversations around ceremonies for 2022, and if you are planning your wedding (or replanning), here are my top tips of the ways your celebrant can help to take the edge off some of the covid bumps.

1. Have a Plan B Celebrant

Ask your celebrant the 'what if' question and who will take over if they can't be there on the day. Whilst we all hope this won't happen, removing this uncertainty and knowing that your celebrant has a back up plan is just one less thing for you to worry about.

2. Shift your Ceremony Outdoors

Moving outdoors gives your guests greater freedom and choices to be social distanced. Most guests won't mind, even if they have to stand for a short period.

3. Announce your Social Distance Guidelines

All your guests will have a different tolerance to engaging with strangers. Ask your celebrant to announce up front what your expectations are of your guests, and you might even want to have some fun with it, and ask guests to identify themselves to make it easier for others, with either wristbands, funny tags or necklaces.

This takes some of the stress away from your guests, particularly those who may have health concerns.

4. Use Two Microphones

It might cost a bit more, but having at least two microphones means less people sharing. You might want to keep one for the bride and groom, and the other for your celebrant.

5. Be Small & Creative

There has never been a better time to buck the expectation of a large wedding with friends and family. Want to get married on a ferry on Sydney Harbour, on the beach at Sunrise or cliff top in the Blue Mountains. You only need your celebrant and two witnesses, and one of these could be your photographer.

Save the celebrations on a larger scale - and blame Covid-19 to do something unique.

Your dream - and your wedding reality in 2022 might be very different. But what is important, is being able to say I Do, and having someone to share the rest of your life with.

When you look back at it, what a story it will be to tell.

Image Credit: @amishthakkar on Unsplash