1. Do mention your partner’s name in the vows as they are a covenant made from you to him or her. 2. Discuss what you expect from each other and the relationship. This will help you focus on what you want to express to each other. 3. Do your research. Seek inspiration from poetry, love stories and spiritual and religious proverbs. 4. Keep it short. The heart of a committed vow is more important than the length. 5. Practise memorising your vows so that the words feel natural when you finally say them to your partner on your wedding day. This article is from The Sunday Times August 2, 2009.