When I met Katelyn at a wedding industry conference, I was amazed to meet a professional wedding vow writer. I had so many questions for her and realized that if I wanted to learn more, our engaged couples might want to learn more too. So here we go, 10 questions you’re dying to hear a professional vow writer answer. (Photo above by Rachel Doyle Photography)
1. Why write your own vows instead of going with the traditional options?
For couples who want to design a personalized wedding, writing your own vows is key. Traditional wedding vows do not fit every couple. Writing your own vows is a way to control the narrative. You get to decide what promises you want to make based on the values and vision you share with your future spouse.
Photo by Steven Miller Photography
2. What should couples do to start writing their own vows?
Don’t have a perfectionist mindset. Of course, you want your vows to be powerful and capture what’s in your heart. This can be so overwhelming though so don’t let the fear of not being perfect stop you from just starting. You can edit disorganized vows but you can’t edit a blank page, so just start!
I recommend beginning with brainstorming. Spend 20 minutes jotting down any memory or emotion that comes to mind when you think of your partner and your relationship. This will give you material that you can formulate into the structure of wedding vows.
Photo by Rhodes Studio
3. How much time does it take the average couples to write their own vows?
There’s no formula for how long it takes a single person to write their vows. It’s so unique to each person.
However, I can tell you that it’s very common for couples to procrastinate writing their vows until days before their big day. To avoid this, schedule time for vow writing the same way you’d schedule a time for cake tasting or meeting with your wedding planner.
Set aside one hour every week for two to three months before your wedding. You’ll likely end up having your vows completed before your wedding date but this way you’re not stressed and you will have plenty of time to practice.
Photo by Sonacity Photography
4. How far in advance of the wedding day should they write their vows?
I recommend starting two to three months before your wedding.
Photo by Jennifer Nicole Photography & Films
5. Where should they turn when they are drawing a complete blank?
Writing prompts are the best for writer’s block.
Here are some of my favorite vow writing prompts:
- What kind of spouse do you wish to be for your partner?
- What qualities does your partner have that you don’t?
- What makes you most grateful for your partner?
I also recommend referencing a vow writing outline. This will give you direction. I’ve created a vow writing outline for both the groom and the bride. You’ll also see vow-writing script examples within these outlines that you can use and edit to make them your own.
Photo by Bumby Photography
6. What should you do when only one person wants to write personal vows and the other one doesn’t?
Explain to your partner why it’s important to you and show them examples from wedding videos that you admire. This communication can often convince the more resistant partner to write their own vows too.
If the other person is still not into the idea, find a compromise. Wedding day letters are a nice way to communicate your feelings but it’s a more intimate experience than vows you’d publically recite.
Photo by Jennifer Nicole Photography & Films
7. Should they practice reciting their vows out loud?
Absolutely! Have you ever heard a speech that really moved you? Whether it’s an Oscar acceptance speech or a Ted Talk, these folks have practiced reciting those words.
I recommend practicing reading your vows out loud three to six times before the wedding day. You’ll start to semi-memorize your vows and you’ll feel more comfortable during your wedding ceremony.
Photo by Rachel Doyle Photography
8. What kind of promises should couples include in their vows?
It’s so important to include promises. Without them, your vows are not truly a vow.
Include three to six promises. Make the promises specific and sincere. Think about what will matter most in your marriage and create promises that speak to the type of partner you want to be throughout the evolution of your marriage.
If you wish to add a more playful promise, keep it short and sweet. One humorous promise is enough.
Photo by Jennifer Nicole Photography & Films
9. How long should wedding vows be?
It depends on the length of your ceremony but 300 to 600 words is a nice range. This comes out to be two to five minutes in speaking length. Be sure to communicate with your partner and agree on a word count so that your vows match in terms of length. Also, make sure that your wedding ceremony officiant has an idea of how long it will take for your vows to plan the ceremony timeline.
Photo by Steven Miller Photography
10. Why should someone consider a professional wedding vow writer?
If you want to write impactful wedding vows that capture how you feel but you’re struggling to articulate your emotions and vision for your marriage, get in touch. I work with couples who are deeply in love but are so overwhelmed with how to write vows that do justice to how they feel. As a professional wedding vow writer, I put their heart into words.
Photo by Rhodes Studio
Meet this amazing professional wedding vow writer:
Katelyn Stanis is the owner and creator of Wedding Words, a wedding vow and speech writing service. She helps tongue-tied couples from across the world tie the knot through her one-on-one custom vow writing service and vow editing service.
With a BA in Journalism, Katelyn has always adored asking people the right questions to unearth their own vibrant story. Today, she uses that same passion to discover the details of a couple’s love story and collaborates to put their heart into words.
Katelyn has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Brides, Bustle, The Everygirl, Bridal Musings, and Wedding Chicks.
Website: www.weddingwords.us
Instagram: @weddingwords.us
Photo credit: Asher Gardner Photography
0 Comments
Leave a comment