Tip #1.  Check with your officiator.  Some officiate will not perform a ceremony where the standard vows are not used.  You need to check with the officiator you plan to use and make sure this is not going to be a problem.  If it is going to be a problem you may either need to decide to use the standard vows, or choose an alternate officiator if you are determined to have personalized vows.  Either way you choose is acceptable as long as you are happy with the end result, but it is best to find out potential problems early and in advance so that it can be quickly resolved. 

Tip #2.  Some religious ceremonies require at least one traditional scripture for the ceremony to fit within their guidelines.  If you are doing a religious ceremony, you should carefully check this out, and then see which scripture passage fits into your vows that you think will be appropriate.  You should not work your vows around the scripture, but rather your scripture around your vows.  You should seek out a passage that will flow smoothly and work well with what your heart wants to say; otherwise, you are putting a crimp on your creative and romantic style. 

Tip #3.  Think of the reasons why you want to marry your partner.  Once you have those reasons in mind, start thinking of which you would like to express in your vows.  These are sometimes the most meaningful things you can say, that will touch you the most.  Perhaps you like their honesty, or perhaps their willingness to help others.  Whatever the reason, incorporate this into your vows. 

Tip #4.  Favorite Poems are also a great source of inspiration.  Choose a favorite line, or couple of lines, however do not take the whole poem word for word.  Your personal vows should be just that, personal and the writer of the poem is not you, and you should put your own personal touches on your vows.

Tip #5.  Practice, practice and practice some more.  You want to be as calm, collected and relaxed as possible.  Recite your vows over and over again until they flow from you easily and without forgetting anything.  Public speaking is something that makes many people turn into a pile of mush, the best way to overcome this problem is by standing tall and practicing your lines over and over again.  Talk to the mirror, practice with your mother, your sister, or even your best friend.  The more times you say it, the more comfortable you will start to be, and the less likely you are to get upset at your wedding. 

Each year more couples choose to create and write their own vows, as you can see it is possible to join this sweeping trend without losing your sanity.  Something as stressful and daunting can be made simpler and much easier for the bride and groom to handle, with grace and sophistication.