AisleDash

• The KISS method. This is the tried and true "Keep It Simple Silly." If your guests have to bring a pocket dictionary and thesaurus to understand your wedding vows, you might want to do a little editing. That doesn't mean that you have to write your vows at a second-grader level, but keep in mind that people are listening to, not reading, your vows.

• Thirty minute rule. Long gone, we hope, are the days when wedding ceremonies would last for an hour or more. Of course, your guests want to see you and your loved one exchange perfect vows, but they also want to get to the fun stuff and be able to congratulate you. Thirty minutes is a pretty good time limit to follow.
  
• The do-it-yourself vows. Personal wedding vows are wonderful when they're constructive, heartfelt, and to the point. However, ad lib vows are never a good idea, unless you're an amazing public speaker. Your best bet is to write your vows out and practice reading them in front of a mirror. Also, there's nothing wrong with having a typed version of your vows with you during the ceremony, just in case you get the jitters. Your officiant can keep them handy until they're needed.

With these guidelines, you should be well on your way to a well-organized ceremony with vows you'll both remember for the rest of your lives. If you're still having trouble deciding on your vows, visit a site like this where you'll find tons of ideas.

Have a great wedding vow? We'd love to hear it!