Crafting Your Wedding Vow Book: A Guide To Getting Started

Wedding vow books are a beautiful way to document your love for your partner and can be a special memento to cherish for years to come. These pocket-sized journals are perfect for keeping your hands busy during the ceremony and can be customised to match your wedding theme. You can make your own, or buy them ready-made, with a range of options available to suit different budgets and styles. From leather-bound books to romantic velvet covers, there are endless ways to make your vow book unique.

Choosing the right paper

When it comes to choosing the right paper for your wedding vow book, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Do you prefer a more rustic and textured look, or are you aiming for a sleek and modern aesthetic? The type of paper you choose will play a significant role in the final appearance of your vow book.

For a rustic and romantic vibe, consider using handmade paper or linen cardstock. Handmade paper tends to have a more organic and imperfect look, giving your vow book a unique and handcrafted touch. Linen cardstock, on the other hand, offers a subtle texture that adds interest without being too overpowering. It often has a soft and dreamy appearance, making it perfect for weddings. Both of these options are sturdy enough to serve as the cover of your vow book and can be printed on, allowing for customization.

If you're going for a more modern or minimalist look, smooth cardstock or plain printer paper might be a better choice. Smooth cardstock will give your vow book a polished and sophisticated appearance, while plain printer paper is perfect for the interior pages, providing an easy-to-write-on surface. This combination will result in a sleek and elegant vow book. Consider using heavier paper, such as cardstock, for the cover to give it some weight and durability.

When selecting the colour of your paper, consider your wedding theme or colour palette. You can choose shades that complement or contrast with your wedding colours to create a cohesive look. Additionally, think about the printing or writing tools you'll be using. If you plan to use calligraphy or embossing, make sure the paper can handle the ink or imprint without smudging.

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of paper weight. A heavier paper weight will give your vow book a more luxurious and durable feel. Look for paper weights between 80# and 110# for a substantial and long-lasting vow book. This is especially important if you want your creation to last for years to come, becoming a cherished keepsake of your special day.

Selecting a cover

When choosing a cover, consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding. For instance, if you're planning a rustic wedding, wooden vow booklets or book covers in earthy tones can complement the setting. On the other hand, if you're having a luxurious or romantic wedding, velvet vow books in elegant colours like ivory, ocean blue or olive green can be a perfect choice.

You can also personalise the cover with details such as your names, wedding date, or a meaningful phrase. Adding these details through embossing, engraving, or gold foil lettering can make the vow books even more special and unique to you as a couple.

Another option is to include romantic details such as silk ribbons, which can be used to tie the book closed or as a bookmark. These small touches can make the vow books more photogenic and add to the overall aesthetic of your wedding day.

Ultimately, the cover you select should reflect your personal style and taste, creating a cherished keepsake that captures the intimate moment of exchanging vows.

Adding personal touches

Choose a Meaningful Material

Select a material that speaks to you and your partner. If you're drawn to the elegance of fabric, consider luxurious options like velvet or linen. For a rustic charm, opt for handmade paper with a deckled edge. Genuine leather is perfect for a rugged aesthetic, while hardcover options offer a sleek and modern look. You could even go for wooden vow booklets if you're having a rustic wedding.

Embellish with Ribbons and Embossing

Ribbons can add a romantic touch to your vow books. Choose a soft ribbon that drapes gracefully over the edge of the book, or opt for a thicker ribbon with long trailing tails for a dramatic effect. Embossing is another way to elevate the design. Consider embossing your names, wedding date, or a meaningful phrase like "My promise to [name]."

Customize with Colours and Fonts

Personalize your vow books by playing with different fonts and colours. Choose fonts that reflect your style, whether it's fancy cursive or a minimalistic sans-serif font. You can also coordinate the colour of your vow books with your wedding theme. For a cohesive look, opt for matching or complementary colours for the covers and ribbons. Don't be afraid to mix and match to make them unique to each of you.

Include Sentimental Details

Make your vow books even more meaningful by incorporating sentimental details. You can include introductory pages with your names and wedding date, or add romantic touches like "His Vows" and "Her Vows" in gold lettering. If you're feeling creative, write a personal phrase or include a secret quote that only the two of you understand.

Transform Them into Keepsakes

Your vow books can become cherished mementos of your special day. After the wedding, tuck in your favourite photos, a bloom from your bouquet, a swatch of fabric from your dress, love notes, or any other memories you want to preserve. These personal touches will make your vow books unique and filled with precious memories.

Binding the book

Now that you have your book pages and covers ready, it's time to bind them together. Here are a few methods you can use:

Stapling:

This is a simple and quick method to bind your book. Place the cover face down on a table and lay 2-3 sheets of white paper inside. Fold it in half like a book, with the white paper inside. Then, use a stapler to secure the pages in place by stapling along the crease. You can also add a ribbon around the spine of the notebook and use a dot of glue or double-sided tape to hold it in place.

Sewing:

For a more durable and traditional binding method, you can sew the pages together. Start by folding the cover and interior pages in half and pressing the folds with a bone folder. Then, thread a needle with white embroidery thread and knot one end. Open the pages to the centre and start sewing by pushing the needle through the bottom of the fold, going through all the pages and the outside cover. Repeat this process a few times, going in and out of the spine, and finally knot the thread at the top of the spine and trim any excess.

Glue Binding:

Another option is to use glue to bind your book. For this method, you will need a strong adhesive, such as a glue stick or a liquid glue. Spread the glue along the spine of the folded pages and press them firmly into the cover. You can also glue a piece of ribbon or fabric along the spine to add extra support and a decorative touch.

Ribbon Binding:

A romantic and elegant way to bind your wedding vow book is to use a ribbon. Measure out a length of ribbon, preferably a soft and delicate material, and place it along the spine of the folded pages. Secure the ribbon by sewing it in place or using a strong adhesive. You can also wrap the ribbon around the entire book and tie a bow to keep the pages together.

Once you have bound your book, you can add extra decorations or embellishments to the cover, such as a small charm, a dried flower, or a wax seal. Remember to write your names and wedding date on the cover, and your vows on the inside pages. Your wedding vow book is now ready to be exchanged and cherished forever!

Embellishments

Ribbons and Bows

Add a romantic and elegant touch to your wedding vow books with ribbons or bows. You can choose a soft, flowing ribbon that drapes over the edge of the book, or opt for a thicker ribbon to create a statement bow. The ribbon can be used to tie the book shut or simply as a decorative element. Consider using luxurious materials such as silk or velvet for an extra special touch.

Calligraphy and Font

The font and calligraphy you choose for your wedding vow books can elevate the overall design. Consider using fancy cursive or handwritten fonts for a romantic and elegant look. If you're going for a more modern or minimalistic style, opt for a clean sans-serif font. You can also mix and match fonts to create a unique and personalized look.

Embossing and Engraving

Embossing or engraving your wedding vow books with your names, wedding date, or a special phrase is a great way to add a touch of luxury. This can be done on a variety of materials, including leather, linen, or cardstock. You can even emboss velvet for a truly unique and elegant look.

Color and Material

The color and material of your wedding vow books can be customized to match your wedding theme or personal style. Consider luxurious materials such as leather, velvet, or linen. For a pop of color, choose from a variety of shades, including ocean blue and olive green, or a classic ivory. You can also opt for a minimalist approach with a sleek, modern design and a neutral color palette.

Personalized Phrases

In addition to your names and wedding date, consider adding a personal phrase or quote that is meaningful to you and your partner. This could be a romantic phrase such as "To my beloved" or something more lighthearted and fun. Include a nickname or an inside joke to make it truly unique.

If you're looking for more unique and personalized embellishments, Etsy sellers offer a wide range of options. Some ideas include gold foil lettering, deckled edges, silk ribbons, and custom embossing. You can also find matching sets of his and hers vow books, as well as luxurious velvet or leather covers.

Frequently asked questions