Weddings are one of the most personal and sentimental days of your life. So many emotions from so many people.

But most importantly you and your soon-to-be-spouse!

You’ve put some much time, energy and money into this big event, why not make it even more personal by writing your own vows?

Sure you may lose it and cry like Kim Kardashian, but its ok. This is about you. Forget about the people in the chairs watching.

Here are some tips on how to write your own vows:

Make sure you say “I love you”. While it may seem like a no brainer, you would be shocked to know just how many couples forget to put those 3 little words in their vows!

Share a personal story. For example the moment you knew they were “the one” or something that they do to show you that they love you. I used a story about how I knew my husband loved me from how he always refuses to start the car without seeing I have my seatbelt on.

Actually make promises you intend to keep. Make them personal beyond “When you are sick I will be there”. I had one couple where he said “I promise to not take a bite of my food until you’ve taken a picture of it for your instagram!”. Super cute, funny and personal to them!

Do NOT (and I cannot stress this enough) wait until the last minute. I know there is a lot of planning that goes into a wedding day, but take the time to focus on these words.

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Be heartfelt. Tell them WHY you love them.

How long should your vows be? About 90 seconds to 3 minutes.

Make sure you type them up or write them out nicely so you can save them.

Try to keep them a secret from your spouse until the ceremony.

Remember you dont have to say or share everything.

How should your structure them?

• Begin with a memory, anecdote, or story of a moment in time when you realized that your partner was “The One.”
• Flowing from that memory, tell your partner what you appreciate, treasure, and value about them.
• Next, express your gratitude for the gifts and memories they have given you.
• State what you vow to do, and to be, for your partner.
• Somewhere within those promises, be sure to say “I take you as my husband/wife”—that phrase is what turns your words of love into a vow.

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If you think you will be too emotional to read your own vows during your ceremony, you can always put them in a letter and have it given to your future spouse the morning of the wedding. Or you can read them to one another at the first look. Or even standing around the corner from one another.