📝 How to Write Wedding Vows: Retro Tips for Personal, Relatable, and Unforgettable Promises

Alright sugarplum, grab your fountain pen and a martini, because we’re about to chat about one of the most nerve-wracking (and oh-so-romantic) parts of your big day: writing your wedding vows.

After 20+ years in the wedding biz, I’ve seen it all — vows that make the crowd sob into their hankies, vows that send the room into belly laughs, and vows so short they could fit on a cocktail napkin. Writing your own vows is your chance to let your personality, your love story, and your future shine. And don’t worry, doll — Cherry Pop Events has your back with sass, structure, and a sprinkle of retro flair.


💋 Why Wedding Vows Matter

Darlin’, vows are more than just pretty words. They’re the heart of the ceremony, the promises that set the tone for your marriage. They show your partner — and the whole room — why you’re choosing forever. According to Psychology Today, rituals like vow exchanges reinforce commitment and strengthen bonds (2018).

writing your wedding vows in socal

✍️ Outlines to Shape Your Vows

If you’re staring at a blank page thinking, “Where do I even start?” try one of these tried-and-true outlines:

Classic Romance Outline

  1. Share how you met or fell in love.
  2. Say what you admire about your partner.
  3. Make specific promises (to love, cherish, support).
  4. End with a hopeful statement about your future together.

Storytelling Outline

  1. Tell a funny or touching anecdote.
  2. Describe what it taught you about love.
  3. Promise how you’ll carry that lesson into your marriage.
  4. Finish with a line that ties story + commitment together.

Modern Minimalist Outline

  1. Short list of vows starting with “I promise…”
  2. Mix serious with playful.
  3. End with a single heartfelt line: “And most of all, I promise to always choose you.”

Retro Flair Outline

  1. Start with a dramatic declaration: “Honey, you’re my jukebox tune for life.”
  2. Add humor or sass.
  3. Weave in sincerity.
  4. Wrap it in a playful but heartfelt mic-drop.

🎀 Making Your Vows Personal & Relatable

  • Be Specific: Instead of “I love your laugh,” try “I love the way you snort when you laugh at our inside jokes.”
  • Balance Humor & Heart: A little levity keeps guests engaged, but sincerity is what makes them misty-eyed.
  • Think Beyond Today: Talk about your commitment five, ten, fifty years down the line.
  • Use Your Voice: If you’re playful, keep it cheeky. If you’re sentimental, lean into it.
  • Keep It Short-ish: Aim for 1–2 minutes. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep Aunt Judy from yawning.

👉 Cherry Pop Tip: At Cherry Pop Events, we help couples rehearse vows so you’re confident, composed, and camera-ready.


🚨 Mistakes Couples Make with Vows

  1. Copying From Google Without Editing
    Fix: Use inspiration, but always personalize.
  2. Too Many Inside Jokes
    Fix: Balance private humor with moments everyone can appreciate.
  3. Oversharing or Embarrassing Stories
    Fix: Save the racy stuff for the honeymoon. Keep vows classy.
  4. Overwriting (Five Pages Long!)
    Fix: Time yourself. Trim fluff.
  5. Forgetting to Practice
    Fix: Rehearse aloud. Work with your planner for pacing.

💋 Final Word from Cherry Pop Events

Sugar, your vows don’t need to sound like Shakespeare — they need to sound like you. With the right structure, a sprinkle of humor, and a whole lotta heart, you’ll have everyone swooning.

For those of you who need a little reminder, grab our Tips and Tricks for Vows one pager to keep you on track and ready for your big day!

👉 Need help crafting vows, planning rehearsals, or calming those big-day jitters? Cherry Pop Events is your wedding-day bestie. Click Here to book your consultation today.


Discover more from Cherry Pop Events

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a comment

The Pin Up Planner Podcast

As Featured In:

Cherry Pop Events featured in SoCal Journal

I’m Laura

southern california cherry pop events Founder Laura kinniburgh

Well, butter my biscuit and call it fate — Laura Kinniburgh was born to plan a party, baby. With more than 20 years of experience wrangling everything from wild backyard birthdays to swoon-worthy weddings, this single mama of three and fearless founder of Cherry Pop Events has turned event chaos into cherry-topped charm one celebration at a time.

Raised on glitter, gumption, and a whole lotta “I’ve got this,” Laura’s been dazzling the Southern California event scene with her signature blend of 1950s sass, sky-high standards, and enough heart to power a vintage Cadillac. Whether she’s designing a dreamy full-service wedding or swooping in as a Day-Of Coordinator superhero, she’s got the eye, the hustle, and the humor to pull it all together without breaking a sweat (or a nail).

When she’s not knee-deep in linens, timelines, and seating charts, Laura’s wrangling her three incredible kids, walking her three rowdy pups, and proving that you can be a powerhouse planner and still make time for pancakes on Sunday.

So, whether you’re lost in the land of “where do I even start?” or just need a fairy godmother in cherry red heels — Laura’s your gal. And with Cherry Pop Events, she’s made it her mission to make wedding planning feel less like a meltdown and more like a martini. Because darling, love deserves a party — and Laura was born to throw it. 🍒💋

LOVE IS LOVE.

Let’s connect

Phone/ Text: 626 888 2479


Discover more from Cherry Pop Events

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading