Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows

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Whether you're writing your own wedding vows or you're finding wedding vows you love on the world wide web, there's really no one vow fits all when it comes to weddings. Every couple is different. We all have different beliefs, different views on life, different words that move us, likes and dislikes and we all have one-of-a-kind marriages.

And your wedding vows should reflect that.

Back in 2013 when we were in the final stages of our wedding prep, it came time to write our wedding vows and there was no way I was going to write my own vows and read them out loud. No way you'd ever find me doing that...at least back then. We were young and had only been to one other wedding so really, had no idea where we were even supposed to start when it came to writing our wedding vows and so, we started Googling.

We found vows we loved, words we found romantic and together, we took bits and pieces of vows we had read, added in our own personal beliefs about love, marriage and faith and created the most beautiful wedding vows for us.

Key word: US

Yes, we got wedding inspiration and ideas and words from other vows out there, but used that to create vows that fit us perfectly. Together we created vows that we both loved.

If you need some wedding vow ideas and inspiration, click here for 12 traditional wedding vows from Wedding Forward to inspire you and to get those creative vow juices flowing.

Today on The Bridal Boutique // His and Her Rustic Wedding Vow Books by Scrappy Seahorse

Can I just say that I LOVE this bridal boutique feature?? Most brides and grooms pull out a piece of paper, a small note card, or (more often than not) a cell phone with their wedding vows typed on them. But to me, I prefer something a bit more polished. And that is why these His and Hers wedding vow books from Scrappy Seahorse are just perfect for your wedding ceremony!

They're compact and will look great up there as you say "I Do" so if I have a vote, I would say to choose these. And if you want an added bonus, they make a great keepsake :) Head on over to their shop to see this design!

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My $1,090 Wedding

As many of you know, my one year wedding anniversary was on June 1st. And with that special day coming around, I knew I wanted to do something wonderful for my husband. Just a week and a half before our anniversary with no gift decided on, I had a thought. Why not renew the beautiful vows we made one year before!

My family made the long drive down from Northern California and his family drove in too! The day turned out beautiful and it ended up being a complete surprise for him! And it was all more perfect than I ever could have imagined!

And I did it all on a very tight budget.

And while I just love showing off the amazing photos that Bleudog Fotography took of our renewal, that is not the reason for today's article. I want you to learn some great lessons from this...and maybe even get some great ideas for your own one year anniversary ;)

Planning On A Budget

I definitely didn't want to spend our life savings on this and my dad sure wasn't going to pay for another wedding for us, but regardless of how much I had as my budget, the day turned out beautiful! So from this, just understand that no matter what your budget may be, your wedding day can be and WILL be absolutely amazing for the two of you :)

- Minister: $250 + $25 travel fee - Pastor Dave Page
- Photographer (and edits!): $700 - Bleudog Fotography
- Bouquet: $50 - Bluebelle Floral
- Dress: I already had it but it cost $65
- Venue: $0
- Venue: $0 (no chairs and no altar so beach permit was needed!)
- Music: $0(the sound of the waves crashing behind us was beautiful!)
- Hair & Makeup: $0 (I did it myself...although not recommended!)
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TOTAL: $1,090

A Short Timeline

I planned our renewal in just a short week and a half and although it was small, I promise it is doable for your wedding too! So don't stress out because your date is nearing, just relax and have fun with it! You will get everything done, I promise!

It's the marriage that matters!

I know I say it time and time again but really, it is the marriage the matters. Whether there are 300 guests, just your immediate family, or just the two of you and your minister, your day will be absolutely stunning and just perfect. Because you will be married to the love of your life.

Whether or not you have to cut down your guest list or have to eliminate some floral that you saw and liked, none of that matters and none of that will make a difference in the end. Keep that in mind always.

So whether you want to tie the knot and can't afford a large wedding and reception at this time, need to plan a beautiful day on a short timeline,  or you just don't want to start your marriage in debt, I just wanted to take a moment to show you that your day can be absolutely perfect, filled with friends and family, and the very special person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with!

I did it on $1,090 and a week and a half of planning, and so can you :)

A special thank you to all of the vendors who made this day happen and more importantly, made it so special for the two of us!