When it Comes to Vows, Practice Makes Perfect

Once your wedding vows have been written, you should breathe a sigh of relief – and congratulate yourselves.

This is not an easy task to take on, even for seasoned writers and orators. It’s especially challenging given everything else that is required when planning a wedding.  

Having said that, you’re not quite finished yet. Now it’s time to practice, practice, practice. 

The vows have to be recited, and this will require a little bit more effort from each of you. But before you begin practicing your pledges, decide if you will be memorizing the vows or whether you find reading them acceptable.  

There is no right or wrong here – many couples are so nervous on their wedding day that the thought of having to remember their vows creates an extraordinary amount of extra pressure. 

If this is you, then think about it no further – type up your vows so they are clear and legible on a clean piece of paper, then submit them to your maid-of-honor and best man, who can hand them to you at the appropriate time during the ceremony.

Whether you will recite from memory or read, you still need to rehearse, though:

Practice saying your vows in front of a mirror frequently

If you are memorizing your vows, take every opportunity available for reciting them out loud – in the car while stuck in traffic, in the bath or shower, while walking the dog. There’s no such thing as too much prepping here

Record yourself rehearsing your vows so you can work on proper timing and enunciation

Don’t be shy about rehearsing in front of your bridal party. They might offer invaluable input.

Take a cheat sheet with you on your wedding day, just in case. Even the most practiced bride or groom can get the jitters and forget every single word they’ve memorized!