for better or verse

So you thought it would be great to write your own wedding vows, but now a healthy dose of writer’s block (not to mention stage fright) is looming ahead. Don’t know how to transform your meaningful, life-altering feelings into a string of coherent words? You’re not alone—but don’t worry, your goal is well within reach. Here’s the homework you need to do to create perfectly personalized wedding vows.

read dozens of vow examples for inspiration

Start by reading traditional, by-the-book vows from your own religion, if you practice a certain faith, and others as well to see what strikes a chord with you. You can incorporate these into the original words you write, or just use them as a jumping-off point for your custom vows. Once you’ve found a few you love, consider what