Vow writing for the terrified

Are you filled with terror about writing your wedding vows? It might be a long time since you left school/college/university and you are out of practice with writing, so it is a huge undertaking because you are trying to sum up everything you feel about your partner, your hopes and dreams and all of this in front of your friends and family ! Here are a few top tips for terrified writers who really want to write their vows but just don't know where to begin. It is definitely worth putting in the time to do this as it is an opportunity to tell your story, give your guests an insight into your relationship and also raise a few emotional tears in the audience (and probably you and your partner!)

• Remember that all writers have several drafts before they achieve their finished product. Take your time writing your vows, make at least three drafts and come back to each draft after about a week, so that your thoughts have had time to settle.

• If you find that you are sitting in front of your computer with writers block - try speaking your thoughts into your voice recorder and then you can edit it later. If that still doesn't work it might help you to think of a starting point for example the day you met or some of the things you love about your partner.

• Keep it simple and honest and remember that your vows should say 'I love you' and that you will be there no matter what and to share your promises. The most touching vows are those that are sincere and from the heart.

• You can include a short personal story as this makes it interesting for the guests - eg the moment you realised that you wanted to share your life with your partner.

• Use humour and use details from your own life - maybe part of your vows will be to always bring your partner a cup of tea in the morning or promising to remind them of your wedding anniversary at least a few days beforehand. You might promise to love your partner as much as you love your dog...

• Get inspiration from other sources, for example your partner might love a specific book or film, and so you could include quotes and ideas from there. Or you could search online for wedding vows that others have made and adapt them

Remember not to share your vows with your partner until your wedding day - and if you are going to speak them aloud to each other,and this also fills your boots with terror, then I can offer you a package of coaching where we can work through your vows adding pauses, moments for laughter, as well as voice projection and intonation.