How to write your wedding vows
A plain-English way to write vows that sound like you: what to gather first, the structure that works, how long they should be, and what to leave out.
Guides
Wedding writing guides
Short, practical guides for the writing side of your wedding day. For shorter pieces and newer writing, visit the blog.
Wedding vow examples, and why they work
Wedding vow examples in four styles, with a note on why each one works and how to borrow the shape without borrowing the words.
How to write a best man speech
A structure for a best man speech that actually works: what to say, how long to speak, which jokes to keep, which to cut, and how to deliver it.
How to write a maid of honor speech
How to write a maid of honor speech that sounds like you: the structure, how long to speak, what to say about her partner, and how to steady the nerves.
A wedding ceremony script for a friend officiating
A plain wedding ceremony script for a friend officiating for the first time: the order of events, what to say at each point, and the legal details to check first.
How to write a parent of the bride or groom speech
How to write a parent's wedding speech: what to include, how to welcome your new son or daughter in law, how long to speak, and how to get through it.
How long should wedding vows be?
How long wedding vows should be, how to time them at speaking pace, what to cut, and a simple way to rehearse so you can deliver them without losing your nerve.
A plain-English guide to wedding conventions
Whose name goes first, host lines, formal wording, ceremony order, toasts and save the date timing.