Vows are one of the most important parts of the wedding ceremony and for good reason: your wedding vows are the promises you make from your wedding day to eternity. You make them publicly, which makes them 100x sweeter (and possibly nerve-wrecking for shy public speakers). And, you don’t want to mess them up. That’s why we’ve put together a list of eight most important wedding vow mistakes to avoid so yours go off without a hitch. We’re covering some things you’ve never thought of before, along with some tricks you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

Wedding Vow Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1 – Winging it.

Don’t wing it. Winging it is totally fun for toasts at dinners with friends or karaoke night at your Bachelorette party. Winging it on your vows is not something you want to do. Even if you’re the world’s best public speaker, you’ll be more nervous since it’s your wedding and you won’t want to trip up. Memorizing your vows is also recommended, as you’ll be able to look directly at your significant other while reciting your vows.

Mistake #2 – Copying it.

Don’t copy someone else’s vows (i.e. don’t search for wedding vows online written for someone else from their significant other and claim as your own). The vows will not feel authentic and you run the risk of someone else thinking, “Wait a minute… I read that somewhere…” Write from the heart! Your words = all he / she wants to hear. On the other hand, if you need some help writing them, looking at examples doesn’t hurt (but the words should come from the heart).

Mistake #3 – Forgetting to bring a copy with you.

If you do memorize your vows, it helps to have a copy just in case. You can keep them in a vow book like these by PaperBoundLove:

by paperboundlove

Or, have your best man take the rings AND the vows at the same time (or have the Maid of Honor handle the vows) so you don’t forget either of them. You have a lot on your mind. It’s only a good idea to delegate some tasks to your most trusted wedding party attendants.

Mistake #4: Guests can’t hear the vows.

If you’re getting married outdoors, you’ll want a great sound system with a microphone in place. If the wedding is held indoors and space is very small (as in, a microphone would be sort of unnecessary), make sure you speak clearly and loudly. Guests want to hear ’em.

Mistake #5: Not getting a photo taken of the moment.

Be sure to put ‘reciting of vows’ on your must-have wedding photos list. It’s a moment you’ll want captured on film.

Mistake #6: Not making them personal enough.

If you are writing your own vows, make them personal. Your vows can be any style as long as they reflect your personality, whether that means short and sweet, sentimental, or hilarious and witty. There’s no right or wrong way, as long as you own it. Also, if you’re opting for funny, steer clear of anything that might cross the line or offend anyone (or saying something that might make the bride uncomfortable). Some things you can include in your vows are how you met, when you knew you were in love with him/her, what makes them special to you, why you can’t wait to spend forever together, etc.

Mistake #7: Being so serious.

Hey, if something goes awry, IT’S OKAY! Laugh it off and learn not to take it too seriously. Weddings with little hiccups make them more memorable anyway, right? :)

Hey, at least the couple was able to laugh it off! No harm done.

Mistake #8: Forgetting to turn written vows into a lasting keepsake.

Make sure you turn those written vows into a lasting keepsake to read, re-read, and remember forever. We’ve teamed up with Carryn of Golden Silhouette to do exactly that! Here is an example: