How to Write a Heartfelt Wedding-Day Love Letter: 5 Tips
Once upon a time, love letters could sustain a relationship. But now, with texting and mobile phones, it seems we’re never out of touch with our loved ones. Recently, however, the love letter is making a comeback—especially when you write it to your soon-to-be spouse on your wedding day. Don’t worry if you’re not a natural-born Shakespeare. Most people out there have never written a letter, let alone a love letter. We’ve put together some tips to help you put your feelings into words and get your bride or groom’s heart beating.
1. Plan to Exchange Your Wedding Letters
Unless you’re keeping it a surprise, make a plan for exchanging your wedding letters on the big day (or the night before). Do you want to entrust a family member, your maid of honor or best man with the task of delivering the letter at an opportune moment? If you want your wedding videographer and photographer to capture the moment so you can go back and see one another’s reactions, clue them in too.
Writing your wedding letter to your bride or groom the day of or the night before may also be the best way to make sure you don’t overthink it. Trust a writer on this: if you’re truly wrapped up in your emotions, the words will flow right out onto the page. It’s also a nice way to force yourself to slow down in the whirlwind leading up to a walk down the aisle.
2. Write Your Wedding Letter on Fancy Stationery
Beyond the emotional, the sensory experience of writing your wedding letter should be an extraordinary one. Think of this as the perfect reason to go all out on beautiful paper and a high-quality pen. And don’t worry if you’re splurging on a stationary set. You can save the remaining pieces for more love letters in the future. Whether it’s an annual letter written on anniversaries, or something written in celebration of a new home, new baby or another exciting milestone, ongoing love letters are a tradition worth considering. In the age of fleeting text messages, a lasting love note is unmatched when it comes to romance.
3. Make Your Love Letter Different From Your Wedding Vows
If you’re already planning to write your own wedding vows, writing a wedding love letter may seem redundant. There is one key difference, however, that can make your wedding letter unique: it’s your place to share absolutely everything that’s on your mind. The good and bad, your hopes and fears, silly inside jokes, and—best of all—the sexy stuff that would make your grandmother’s hair catch on fire. This is your chance to drop the filter and let it all out. After all, that’s the essence of a great love letter—unrestrained passion.
4. Tell an Untold Tale
Writer’s block? Everyone’s been there. If you’re struggling over a blank page, maybe think of some small story that you’ve never told your to-be spouse. How about the time you broke your arm when you were eight trying to skateboard down the neighbor’s driveway? What about that angsty poem you had published in the local paper? Anything that reveals insider info that’s cute, embarrassing or endearing is sure to bring a smile to your bride or groom’s face. And bring them that much closer to you.
Another idea is to retell a favorite moment between the two of you—purely from your point of view. Your first date or first, “I love you” is a great place to start but diving deeper can make an even more amazing wedding letter. Think about the moment you knew they were the One and see if that doesn’t get your pen moving.
5. Let the Real You Shine Through
Above all else, be yourself. Ditch the flowery language and write as naturally as possible. Capture what your spouse loves most about your voice and let that come through.
The best advice is not to think too much about it. Write like you would speak—in fact, read a draft of your letter or record yourself and transcribe it to keep things natural. Maybe doodle a little picture to accompany your words. Make this wedding day keepsake as unique and personal, and last as long as your wedding ring.