Thanksgiving is the holiday to reflect on what we’re grateful for and so why not use this positive perspective to influence your wedding vows?
Let’s look at how the concept of thankfulness can inspire your wedding vows using these five tips.
Tip #1: Designate a Section of Your Vows to a Thank You Note
In addition to including specific promises within your vows, communicate your appreciation for your new spouse by making a section of your vows a thank you note.
Example:
When I think back on our 7 years together, I feel deeply grateful for the partner you are and the spouse I know you will be. Know that each one of these promises is tied to a thank you note from my heart to yours to remind you of how much you mean to me.
Thank you for showing up when I need you most and when I don’t ask. Your constant support is the motivation I need to keep going when I’d be discouraged, to keep smiling when I’d feel defeated, and to love you the way you’ve always loved me.
Tip #2: Write with Intentional Repetition
When you write several lines that begin with the same phrase, this is called intentional repetition.
This style of writing can add more emotional impact to your vows and has a slightly poetic feel to it.
So if you’re striving for romantic wedding vows rather than funny wedding vows, consider including a section with intentional repetition.
Example:
Thank you for your support.
Thank you for making me smile.
Thank you for being my best friend, the love of my life, my partner, and now my wife.
Tip #3: Use Gratitude as a Writing Prompt
Does writer’s block have you stumped? One of the most difficult parts of writing your own wedding vows is in getting ideas down on paper. Sometimes your feelings are so close to you, it’s hard to zoom out to determine what you want to include in your vows.
In this case, use writing prompts to gather some material for your vows.
Writing Prompt Examples:
What makes you most grateful when you think of your relationship?
Why are you thankful to be marrying this person?
How can you show your gratitude to them throughout your marriage?
Once you write the answers to these questions, sift through your notes to see what you can edit into the first draft of your vows.
Tip #4: Reflect Back on Traditions
The holidays are full of traditions. During this time of the year, consider what traditions you two have created together as a couple. It does not have to be holiday-specific either.
What is your Saturday morning routine like? Have you divided up the household chores? What’s your favorite way to spend time together?
Think about these routines that you enjoy and feel unique to your relationship. Then weave these into your vows.
Example:
I love the life we’ve created together from our Friday night test kitchen ritual to our quiet Sunday mornings sipping coffee while we race to complete the crossword. My life has taken on new shape and greater meaning because of you and our love.
Tip #5: Reference Your Favorite Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Many of my clients are obsessed with shows like How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and FRIENDS which all happen to be shows that regularly feature Thanksgiving day themed episodes.
Why not turn to some of your favorite shows to draw inspiration for your vows? And don’t just limit yourself to the Thanksgiving episodes.
Are there any quotes you could pull from a show you both love that will illustrate your love?
How I Met Your Mother Examples:
"There are two big days in any love story: the day you meet the girl of your dreams and the day you marry her." -Ted Mosby
“None of us can vow to be perfect. In the end, all we can do is promise to love each other with everything we've got. Because love is the best thing we do." -Ted Mosby
Or, check out these How I Met Your Mother vows I wrote for Ted and the mother’s character to inspire your own vows.
New Girl Examples:
"I look forward to a lifetime of joy, growth, and constant mispronunciation of common words" -Cece
"It's you and me. It's always been you and me." -Jess
"For the first time, I see what the rest of my life looks like." -Schmidt
"Girl, you are under arrest for taking my breath away." -Winston
"I've never been more sure of anything." -Aly
FRIENDS Examples:
“I thought that it mattered what I said or where I said it, then I realized the only thing that matters is that you make me happier than I ever thought I could be. And if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way.” -Chandler
“For so long I wondered if I would ever find my prince, my soul mate. And now, here we are with our future before us, and I only want to spend it with you, my prince, my soul mate, my friend.” -Monica
Or reference this FRIENDS-Inspired Wedding Reading.
THE ONE WHERE YOU GOT MARRIED BY KATELYN PETERSON
May you remember to Pivot when times are tough.
And consider a cow’s opinion—it’s Moo—so don’t sweat the small stuff.
Be sure to ask, “How you doin” after a hard day.
And have Unagi so that, together, danger will not come your way.
Share everything, especially the Cheesecake.
And remember, from this day forward, you will never be “On a Break.”
May you feel enough true love to Get Off the Plane.
And do not keep score, not even when it’s in a silly Pacman Game.
They'll be there for you, that you can always concur.
And through every season of your happy marriage, you’ll have your lobster!