COVID-19 has made wedding planning even more stressful than it already inherently is for couples. And trust me when I say, I truly know how you feel. I’m a wedding vow writer who is also a bride during these challenging and unprecedented times.
While wedding planning during the Coronavirus is hard, there are silver linings, and finding new inspiration for your wedding vows is one of them.
During this pandemic, you will face experiences as a couple that can inspire new material for your vows. Here are tips on how to find that inspiration during this challenging time.
You Have More Time to Reflect and Write
COVID-19 has changed many of our schedules. Whether you’re not working right now or if your social calendar is simply lighter than usual, use this time to think about your relationship and start your vows.
Keep a journal and make daily entries. Don’t feel like you have to write only about your relationship. Write about whatever is on your mind.
Not only will this be a therapeutic exercise but loving observations about your partner will come up. When those notes do make their way to your page, underline these sentences. You may want to revisit them when it’s time to turn your thoughts into vows.
It’s a Big Growth Opportunity for You as a Couple
No matter how much you love and adore your partner, being quarantined together can be hard.
Use these writing prompts to jot down notes. Then reference these ideas later when you write your vows.
What disagreements have you had during this time?
How did you work through those fights?
How are you managing to share a space with new variables to consider like working from home?
What have you learned about your partner and your relationship during this quarantine?
Moments of growth are windows into who you two are as a couple and who you plan to become together.
This is a very important concept to consider as you enter into a marriage which is why it makes for wonderful material for your wedding vows.
Know What’s Most Important
Managing life through COVID-19 can remind us of the things that matter most. Make a list of what you have found to be most important your life.
What do you miss about how things were before the pandemic?
What do you value more now than you did before?
These questions will spark ideas and will allow you to center your vows around themes that carry the most significance to you.
Write Promises that Stand the Test of Time
I recommend including three to six specific promises within your vows.
While it’s fun to include one or two playful and more humorous promises, I encourage couples to write promises that focus on ideas that will be applicable and meaningful throughout their entire marriage.
Experiencing such a difficult time in our lives can help us to realize what promises will mean the most.
For example, maybe this experience in quarantine with your partner has shown you how they are always there for you, especially when you feel alone, overwhelmed, and sad.
Reflect on how your partner has supported you during COVID-19. Next, consider how you can turn these themes into promises for how you’d like to mirror those actions for them.
For example, if they have supported you by listening to your worries, you might write a promise like this: I promise to listen to you always…your dreams, your fears, your worries, or just your unspoken tears.
In Sickness and In Health Has New Meaning
Some of the couples I’ve worked with lately have shared stories with me about how they and their partner have tested positive for the Coronavirus.
If you or your partner have experienced this, you likely have a newfound perspective on what it means to be there for each other when you’re sick.
How can your experience and this new perspective shape your vows?
Don’t Mention COVID-19 in Your Vows
Of course, this is your personal preference and you should ultimately do whatever feels right to you. However, when I work with couples, I recommend leaving out any language that references the virus or the quarantine.
For many couples, it feels like the Coronavirus has completely overshadowed their big day and their entire engagement. This virus has caused stress, sadness, and pain.
While it may feel timely to include a reference to the virus, ask yourself: Will I feel a connection to this anecdote in twenty years?
Remember, your vows should stand the test of time throughout your marriage. Plus, your partner likely won’t want to hear anything as it relates to COVID-19 when your wedding day can finally take place.
Schedule a Vow Writing Date Night
Date nights are difficult to make happen when you’re in quarantine. Turn this wedding task into a romantic night in and get your vows written at the same time.
Schedule the night, plan to have your favorite meal and drinks ready, and play some romantic music.
Spend dinner talking about your relationship and what you admire about each other.
Then afterward, start writing.
Your mind will be fresh with ideas from your conversation. And you’ll have made a wedding planning task feel a bit more romantic during a time when so much of the planning has felt extra stressful and hard.
Consider Your Quality Time Together
Being quarantined with your fiance means much more time together.
Reflect on the ways you’ve been enjoying each other’s company during this time. Are you going on daily evening walks? Do you have a new cooking routine? Have you taken up a new hobby together?
Next, think about how these activities and moments of quality time have brought you closer together. What do you value about this time? What have you learned through it?
Use these reflections as material to inspire your vows.
Need Help Writing Your Vows?
If you’re struggling to write your vows or simply can’t handle one more wedding plan task amongst everything else, get in touch.
I work with engaged couples to learn their unique love story and to write beautifully custom wedding vows.
Let’s write yours.