Crafting Wedding Vows: A Card Guide For Couples

Wedding vow cards are a great way to personalise your wedding and make it even more memorable. They can be used to express your love and commitment to your partner in front of your family and friends, and also serve as a cherished memento of your special day. You can choose from a variety of options available online, including customisable cards, booklets, and even framed prints or acrylic boards. These cards can be personalised with the couple's names and wedding date, and some providers also offer to print your vows inside the cards.

Choosing the right card stock and envelope colour

When choosing the card stock and envelope colour for your wedding vows card, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as the durability and quality of the materials. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Card Stock:

• Thickness and Weight: Look for card stock that is thick enough to feel sturdy and luxurious. The weight of card stock is typically measured in grams per square metre (gsm). For wedding vow cards, consider choosing a card stock with a weight of 300gsm or more, as this will give a nice, heavyweight feel to your cards.
• Texture: The texture of the card stock can add a subtle touch of elegance to your wedding vows card. Consider options like cotton, linen, or silk finishes, which offer a luxurious and tactile experience.
• Colour: Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme or colour palette. Classic options include white, ivory, or cream, but you can also opt for coloured card stock in shades like blush pink, navy, or even something more vibrant if it suits your style.

Envelope Colour:

• Matching or Coordinating: Decide if you want your envelopes to match your card stock exactly or if you prefer a coordinating colour. Matching envelopes create a cohesive look, while coordinating envelopes can add a subtle contrast.
• Colour Options: The most common envelope colours are white, kraft brown, and various shades of grey, pink, and blue. However, if you're looking for something more unique, consider exploring speciality paper stores or online vendors that offer custom colours.
• Lining: You might also want to consider envelopes with a coloured lining or a patterned liner, such as floral or geometric designs. This adds a surprise element of elegance when the envelope is opened.

Remember to order a few extra envelopes in case of addressing mistakes, and always double-check the size of your envelopes to ensure they fit your cards perfectly.

Adding a personal touch with wax seals

Wax seals are a great way to elevate your wedding vows card and make them feel like bespoke works of art. They can be used to secure the card closed or as a decorative accent, adding a regal, Old-World aesthetic to your stationery. Here are some tips for adding a personal touch with wax seals:

• Custom Designs: You can create custom wax seals with your monogram, wedding date, or any other design that reflects your wedding aesthetic. Work with a professional stationer to create a unique stamp that you can use to impress your design into the wax.
• Wax Seal Methods: There are a few different ways to create wax seals. The traditional method involves melting wax over a flame and using a special spoon to drip it onto your surface before pressing the seal into it. This can be messy and time-consuming, but it allows for more control in creating unique shapes and designs. Another option is to use a low-heat glue gun with specially shaped wax sticks, which is less messy and easier for beginners.
• Wax Types and Colors: When choosing your wax, opt for high-quality wax to ensure the best results. You can find wax in a variety of colors, including traditional metallic gold and silver, or create your own marbled wax by mixing different colors.
• Drying and Storage: Make sure you have a designated drying space for your wax seals, such as a drying rack or parchment paper. Keep your metal seal cool by placing it on an ice pack between uses, and be sure to keep it dry with paper towels to prevent water droplets from getting into the seal.
• Mailing: If you're mailing your wedding vows cards with wax seals, be aware that you may need to add a "non-machinable surcharge" to your postage. This is because the bump created by the wax seal can't go through the machines at the post office. Consider using outer envelopes to protect your seals or ask your local post office about hand-sorting, which may incur additional postage and time.
• Creative Uses: Don't be afraid to get creative with your wax seals! You can use them on more than just envelopes—try sealing ribbon, string, or even non-paper items like champagne flutes or wine bottles. You can also experiment with different wax colours and seal shapes to create a unique look.

Deciding on the card size

• Purpose and Content: Firstly, consider the purpose of your vows card. Will it be used solely for writing and remembering your vows during the ceremony, or do you want it to serve as a keepsake item as well? If you plan to use it as a keepsake, you may want to opt for a slightly larger size that can accommodate not only your vows but also additional decorations, such as ribbons or silk covers.
• Text Amount: The amount of text you plan to include will also influence the card size. If you and your partner have lengthy vows, you'll need a larger card to ensure the text is legible and not cramped. On the other hand, if you have shorter, more concise vows, a smaller card size may be more appropriate.
• Readability: Ensure that the font size and line spacing are comfortable to read. You don't want your vows to be crammed onto the card, making it difficult to read during your ceremony. A good rule of thumb is to leave ample space around the text to enhance readability and create a visually appealing layout.
• Proportion: The size of the card should be proportional to the length of your vows. If you have a lot of text, a smaller card may make the vows appear overwhelming. Similarly, if you have shorter vows, a large card with too much empty space may look unbalanced. Strive for a harmonious balance between the amount of text and the size of the card.
• Standard Sizes: While you can customise your card size, it's worth considering standard card sizes, such as A6 (4.1 x 5.8 inches or 105 x 148 mm) or 7 x 5 inches (177.8 x 127 mm). These sizes are convenient as they can easily fit into standard envelopes and are familiar to your guests.
• Envelope Size: If you plan to use envelopes for your vows cards, make sure to select an envelope size that accommodates your chosen card size comfortably. You don't want your cards to fit too snugly, nor do you want them swimming inside the envelopes. A good fit will ensure your cards are protected and presented elegantly.

Remember, the size of your wedding vows card contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your special day. Choose a size that aligns with your personal preferences, the style of your wedding, and the amount of text you plan to include.

Including ribbons or other decorations

Ribbons are a great way to add a decorative touch to your wedding vow cards. You can choose from a variety of ribbon types, such as satin, chiffon, or silk, and select a colour that complements your wedding theme. Here are some ideas for including ribbons or other decorations in your wedding vow cards:

Ribbon Bow:

A classic and elegant design is to tie a bow with your ribbon. For a simple look, you can use a thin satin ribbon. If you want to create a luxury look, consider a giant bow decorated with a fake diamond.

Wax Seal with Ribbon:

Combining a wax seal with a ribbon belly band is a trendy choice that adds a unique touch to your vow cards. This combination can be adapted to suit modern or traditional wedding themes.

Combine Ribbon with Other Materials:

You can create a vintage look by combining ribbon with other materials such as glitter paper. For a modern and glamorous look, try pairing a ribbon with a paper band.

Experiment with Ribbon Placement:

The position of the ribbon on your vow card can also make a statement. Play around with different placements to see what works best.

Choose Different Types of Ribbons:

The type of ribbon you select can enhance the overall effect. For example, a shimmer satin ribbon suits classic invitations, while light chiffon ribbons complement a romantic and vintage theme.

Add Extra Decorations:

In addition to ribbons, you can include other decorative elements such as silk flowers, lace, or pearls. These embellishments will make your vow cards even more special and memorable.

Remember, your wedding vow cards are a reflection of your personal style and can be customised to match your wedding theme. Whether you choose to include ribbons, wax seals, or other decorations, these cards will be cherished keepsakes for years to come.

Using a template or a personalised service

Using a Template

If you're looking for a more DIY approach, you can find many free vow templates online. These templates provide a basic structure that you can personalise with your own words and sentiments. They typically include sections for introducing your partner, sharing memories, expressing your love and admiration, making promises, and stating your excitement for the future.

Some templates are more detailed, providing a list of questions or writing prompts to guide you in crafting your vows. These might include questions like:

• What is the tone you want your vows to have?
• What did you think when you first met?
• When did you realise you were in love?
• How has your partner inspired you?
• Why are you choosing to marry your partner?
• How do you envision your future together?
• What promises do you want to make?

Hiring a Personalised Service

If you want a more unique and tailored approach, you can hire a professional vow writer or use an online service that offers custom vow writing. These services will work with you to understand your relationship, values, and vision for the future. They will then craft personalised vows that reflect your voice and personality.

Some companies also offer vow books or cards, which can be a beautiful keepsake of your special day. You can find these on websites like Etsy, or you can create your own with online templates and your choice of paper and decorations.

Whether you use a template or hire a professional, the key to writing meaningful wedding vows is to be authentic and heartfelt. Speak from the heart, and don't be afraid to inject some humour or inside jokes to make your vows truly yours.

Frequently asked questions