If you are writing your own vows, try the following tips to make the experience a fun and memorable one. Get together with your fiancé and first discuss general rules for your vows.

For example, about how long they should be, will you use the words "I love you" or "You are my best friend", etc. in them.

One of you should not write a book of vows while the other just says a few simple things, so make sure to discuss this beforehand.

When you get the chance to be alone, reminisce about how you met, what you felt when you realised you were in love, and how you felt when you decided to get married. Write down descriptive words for these feelings.

For example "love", "forever", "journey", etc. Think about your relationship. Has there been a theme to your relationship, a favourite song, words you enjoy saying to one another? Write these down.

Review how traditional vows are said. For example, "In the name of God, I, (name) take you, (name) to be my wife/husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

Now think about how you can bring these things together. Think about what you like about the traditional vows and what you don't like. For the parts you don't like, how could you change them to your own words, to make them better?

Now, start writing your vows!

Do not practise your vows together unless you don't mind that they won't be a surprise. Once you have written your vows, you will most likely want to talk with your Officiant about them. They may want to approve them and/or offer you some more suggestions.

Remember if your vows were especially meaningful to you, type both of them up, print them on nice paper, and frame them to hang in your house after the wedding.

This way, you will never forget them and you will always be reminded of how special and sacred they are to your marriage.