Crafting Your Wedding Vow Book: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding vow books are a great way to personalise your ceremony and create a keepsake to cherish long after your wedding day. They can be made easily at home with a few simple materials and a bit of creativity. In this article, we will discuss the steps to make your own DIY wedding vow books, including choosing the right materials, designing the layout, and assembling the booklets. We will also provide tips and tricks for customising your vow books to make them extra special and meaningful. Whether you're looking for a traditional or modern style, creating your own wedding vow books can add a unique and intimate touch to your big day.

Choosing the paper

The paper you choose for your wedding vow book is important, as it will affect the overall look and feel of the finished product. Here are some things to consider when choosing the paper for your DIY wedding vow book:

Type of Paper

Decide on the type of paper you want to use for your book. Some options include cardstock, which is thick and sturdy, or handmade paper, which has a more textured and artisanal look. You can also choose linen cardstock for a luxurious feel. If you want to add a decorative touch, consider using paper with a deckled edge, which has a feathery, hand-torn look.

Color and Design

Choose a color and design that reflect your wedding theme or personal style. You can opt for plain paper or select sheets with intricate designs, floral prints, or calligraphy details. If you want to include your wedding date and names on the cover, look for paper with gold or silver foil details. For a soft and romantic look, consider using paper in neutral tones like ivory, sage, or gray.

Weight and Thickness

Consider the weight and thickness of the paper. Thicker paper, such as cardstock, will give your book a more luxurious feel, while thinner paper may be more suitable for the interior pages to make writing easier. If you plan to decorate your book with ribbons or other embellishments, ensure the paper is sturdy enough to withstand the added weight.

Quantity

Determine how many pages you will need for your vow book. This will depend on the length of your vows and any additional mementos you plan to include, such as photos or fabric swatches. As a general rule, it's better to have a few extra pages than not enough.

Printing and Writing

If you plan to print your vows or add any text to the paper, ensure the paper is compatible with your printer. Test a few sheets before committing to a large quantity. If you prefer handwriting, choose a smooth finish that will allow ink to flow smoothly across the page.

Durability

Consider the longevity of the paper. If you want your vow book to last for years to come, choose acid-free, archival-quality paper that will stand the test of time without disintegrating or fading.

Remember to choose paper that reflects your personal style and fits within your wedding theme. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a wedding vow book that is both functional and a cherished keepsake.

Using a template

Step 1: Choose a Template

First, decide on the style and design of your vow book. Pick a template that matches the aesthetic of your wedding. Consider the type of wedding you are planning and what you will be using the vow book for. If you plan to read from it at the altar, a smaller, pocket-sized book might be best. If you want a keepsake, a larger book could be a better option. You can also choose between a handwritten, journal-like book for a rustic wedding or a minimalistic design for a modern celebration.

Step 2: Download and Edit

Once you have chosen your template, download it and make any desired changes. This could include customising the colours to reflect your wedding theme or adding personal touches such as photos or pressed flowers. If you are feeling creative, you can even design your own template from scratch using a word-processing or design program.

Step 3: Print

After finalising your template, it is time to print! Use cardstock for a sturdy, high-quality look and feel. Set aside enough sheets for the cover and interior pages, keeping in mind that the paper will be folded in half. You can also play around with different colours to add a unique touch. If you don't have cardstock, regular printer paper or lined paper can also work.

Step 4: Assemble

Now it is time to assemble your book. Start by putting the pages in order, making sure the cover is in front and your vows are in the correct sequence. Then, fold the pages in half and crease them down the centre. You can use a ruler and an X-ACTO knife to mark a line along the middle of the paper to ensure a neat fold.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Finally, add any finishing touches to your book. You can trim the pages to size, add a ribbon or bow, or include mementos such as photos or keepsakes from your wedding.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful and elegant wedding vow book, ready to be used or displayed on your special day.

Folding and stapling

Now, take your cover and place it face down on the table. Place 2-3 sheets of the white paper inside. Fold down the middle like a book, with the white paper on the inside. Place 2 staples along the crease. You can then tie a ribbon around the spine of the notebook, using a dot of glue or double-sided tape to hold it in place if necessary.

Adding decorations

Ribbons and Fabric

Add a soft and romantic touch to your vow books by incorporating ribbons or fabric. You can tie a ribbon around the spine of the book, letting it drape over the edge for a whimsical effect. Opt for a colour or texture that complements your wedding theme. Alternatively, use a piece of fabric, such as linen or silk, to create a luxurious feel.

Paper and Cardstock

The choice of paper or cardstock for your vow book can also add a decorative element. Consider using textured or linen cardstock for a tactile and visual appeal. You can also experiment with different colours, such as ivory, sage, or dark green, to create a subtle yet elegant backdrop for your vows.

Calligraphy and Fonts

Enhance the aesthetic of your vow books by paying attention to the calligraphy or fonts used. Consider downloading a calligraphy font or using a script font, such as Times New Roman or Georgia, for a classic and elegant look. You can also play around with font sizes to create a visually appealing layout.

Embellishments

Take your vow books to the next level by adding embellishments such as gold foil, embroidery, or silk chiffon. Monograms or initials can be added in gold or silver foil for a touch of luxury. Alternatively, consider embroidering your initials or a meaningful design on the cover.

Nature-Inspired Elements

Incorporate elements from nature into your vow book decorations. For a rustic or outdoor wedding, consider using handmade paper for the cover, or adding dried flowers, leaves, or twigs as embellishments. You can also use twine or jute rope instead of ribbon for a more natural look.

Personalised Touches

Add a unique and meaningful touch to your vow books by including personalised decorations. This could include your wedding date, a meaningful quote, or even a small illustration or painting that holds a special significance for you and your partner. These personalised touches will make your vow books truly one-of-a-kind.

Writing the vows

Writing your wedding vows can be both exciting and daunting. The key is not to overthink it. Here are some tips and steps to help you craft heartfelt and meaningful wedding vows.

Brainstorming and Preparation:

Start by collecting your thoughts, intentions, and ideas. Give yourself the freedom to brainstorm without censoring yourself. You can make a list of qualities you admire about your partner, inside jokes or shared experiences that are significant to you both, or specific ways you would like to show your love and support. It can also be helpful to surround yourself with messages, photos, or videos from your partner to get you in the right headspace.

Structure and Content:

Once you have a good collection of ideas, you can begin to structure your vows. Here is a suggested outline to guide you:

• Introduction: Begin with a warm greeting or nickname. Briefly describe the impact your partner has had on your life and what they mean to you.
• Reflection: Think back on how your relationship began and what it meant to you. You can share the moment you realized you loved this person or when you knew you wanted to marry them.
• Appreciation: Express what it is about your partner that you truly admire, appreciate, and love. Mention the ways in which you connect deeply and complement each other.
• Together: Share a story or an example of how you fit together and motivate each other. This could be a time when your partner helped you through a difficult period or how you work together as a team.
• Promises: Make specific pledges of what you will do for your partner and your relationship. These can be lighthearted, such as always making their favourite snack, or more serious, such as promising to support their dreams and goals.
• Future: Share your hopes and dreams for your partner's future and your future together. What do you want to accomplish together? What are you looking forward to in the years to come?
• Closing: End with a heartfelt statement of love. You can include an inside joke, a favourite line from a movie or book, or a traditional phrase such as, "As long as we both shall live."

Writing and Editing:

Now that you have a structure and content, it's time to put your vows together. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start early: Don't leave your vow writing until the last minute. Give yourself time to practice, refine, and re-evaluate.
• Discuss expectations: Talk to your partner about the length, tone, and content of your vows. It's important to be on the same page to ensure your vows complement each other and fit within the timing of the ceremony.
• Write several drafts: Writing multiple drafts will help you refine your vows, but be careful not to overthink it. Take breaks between edits to gain clarity and perspective.
• Include important details: Choose meaningful details and stories to include. Focus on the most important moments, such as when you first met or said "I love you."
• Avoid absolute words: When making promises, avoid using words like "always" and "never." Instead, make pledges that feel achievable and realistic.
• Be sentimental: Don't worry about sounding cheesy. If the words are heartfelt, they will be meaningful to your partner and your guests.
• Include humour: Adding a touch of humour will make your vows more relatable, personal, and enjoyable.
• Seek inspiration: Movies, books, songs, and poems can be great sources of inspiration. You can quote or adapt a passage that captures your feelings.
• Keep them safe: Store your vows in a safe place, away from your partner's eyes. Hearing your vows for the first time during the ceremony will make the moment more impactful and emotional.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing wedding vows. Make them personal, authentic, and reflective of your unique bond.

Frequently asked questions