Personal wedding vows have become increasingly popular among Filipino couples seeking to add intimate, meaningful moments to traditional ceremonies. Here's how to write vows that feel authentically you.
Start early. Don't leave vow writing until the week before. Give yourself time to draft, revise, and refine. What seems perfect at 2AM during wedding stress might need adjustment in calmer moments.
Consider your audience. While vows are for your partner, you're speaking in front of lolas, titos, and perhaps children. Balance personal intimacy with appropriateness for a mixed-generation Filipino gathering.
Structure helps. Consider: how you've grown together, what you promise, and what you're looking forward to. This framework ensures substance without rambling.
Match lengths with your partner. If one person speaks for five minutes and the other for ninety seconds, the imbalance is noticeable. Agree on approximate length beforehand.
Don't try to be Shakespeare. The most moving vows are often the simplest. Specific, concrete promises ('I promise to always make your coffee the way you like it') resonate more than grand abstractions.
Practice reading aloud. Emotions will be high at the altar; practiced vows are easier to deliver. Consider bringing a printed copy—there's no shame in reading rather than memorizing.