style Trends
By Anne-Marie Pritchett
Do you have all the love in your heart but can’t find the words to put on paper? Crafting wedding vows and speeches is an emotional journey that many approach with intention, only to hit the wall of writer’s block, staring down a very blank page. You sit down, emotions flowing, memories flashing back, yet nothing quite captures the depth of your feelings. But don’t worry; a thoughtful approach to storytelling (and possibly a good writing coach) can help ignite the spark you need.
Before we get into some tips, let’s look at the latest trends in vow and speech writing. While tradition holds strong, many couples and wedding parties are embracing personal touches, humor, and interactive moments.
For those who have writing chops, a little guidance can go a long way. Here’s a little DIY roadmap to ignite your word fire within. Whether writing vows or crafting a toast, these steps will help you capture the essential moments.
First, think about the tone of the wedding day. Is it a lighthearted backyard gathering? A formal black-tie event? Consider how you want your wedding vows or speech to fit the overall vibe. This helps guide your style and content, whether sentimental, humorous, or a mix of both. You’ll also want to consider the dynamic of the family and guests—are they a more serious crowd, or are they on the edge of their seats just waiting for the party/reception?
This is where a questionnaire can be helpful. I ask clients some simple but powerful questions to guide them in this process, such as:
Reflecting on these can help uncover your most genuine and heartfelt thoughts, making pinpointing what you want to say easier. This brainstorming is where memories and insights start to flow, breaking that writer’s block.
A great vow or speech has a natural flow, from your feelings for the person to how they’ve impacted your life and promises for the future. Here’s a basic structure you can follow:
Vows should begin with a simple “My love” or a playful nickname. For speeches, try “Ladies and gentlemen” or “Friends and family, thank you for joining us.
Share a little history. In your vows, reminisce about a key moment in your relationship—when you first met, a memorable adventure, or when you knew they were “the one.” In a speech, you can highlight how you see the person joining the family, “There are many things that I love about you, Nikki. I love how we connect on our belief in God, love for Gold accessories, and affinity for Good wine.” You have to love some alliteration.
Highlight what you admire. For vows, this could be a mix of qualities and quirks, like “your endless patience, especially on road trips.” In a speech, focus on traits that make them a great partner or friend.
Wrap up vows with a heartfelt statement, such as “Together we will see the world, and we’ll have a few kids along the way, and create our own happily ever after,” or take it from Cece’s promise to Schmidt in the New Girl, “I look forward to a lifetime of joy, growth, and constant mispronunciation of common words.” In speeches, a warm closing like “To a lifetime of love and happiness, Cheers!” or “It’s the Catalina wine mixer!” would be strong for the right audience.
It’s tempting to turn to AI for help, but let’s face it: no chatbot can truly capture the nuances of your love story. AI can help with generic ideas, but it can’t ask the meaningful questions or understand the emotions behind your words. A professional, however, can take your memories, feelings, and unique style, transforming them into words that feel authentic, personalized, and unforgettable. So, if you’d rather skip the guesswork and focus on enjoying the moment, consider hiring an experienced writer who gets it so you can walk away with a final piece that feels true to you.
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BIO: Anne-Marie Pritchett is a seasoned lifestyle writer with over 15 years of experience crafting heartfelt and personalized words for life’s most meaningful moments. Specializing in bespoke vows, speeches, and toasts, she collaborates with brides, grooms, and their loved ones to turn emotions and memories into eloquent expressions that leave a lasting impression. Offering virtual or in-person consultations, revisions, rush orders, and keepsakes, Anne Marie’s thoughtful approach ensures every detail reflects the unique stories of her clients, easing the stress of wedding planning while creating unforgettable moments. Cheers!
IG: @sweetannemariee | pritchett.annemarie@gmail.com | annemariepritchett.com
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