How to Write a Love Note on Your Wedding Day

We love the tradition of couples exchanging sweet letters on the day of their wedding. Whether the letters are funny, emotional, or a combination of the two, it’s a great way to “communicate” if you haven’t seen each other since the day before, and the reactions are often priceless. Even if you’re not an avid writer, you can still create a letter that your spouse will treasure—check out our tips to help rid you of that pesky writers’ block!

Have a plan in place If you would like to exchange letters the morning of your wedding, discuss it with your partner in advance. Your future spouse may not be aware of this tradition, so while pre-planning removes the element of surprise, it will ensure that you’ll each write and receive a note on the big day.

Brainstorm in advance Start thinking about your love letter a few weeks before your wedding, considering details and anecdotes you might like to include. Keep a running list of ideas on your phone or in a notebook so you won’t forget anything.

Find a quiet writing spot While you can write your letter days (or weeks!) before the big day, we think it’s a nice tradition to actually write it the night before or the morning of your wedding. Your emotion will be at its peak, and the feeling is sure to come through in your writing. We understand that things may be a bit crazy the morning of your wedding, but it’s important for you to have some private time to both collect yourself and to write your letter. Our recommendation—write the letter shortly after you wake up the morning of your wedding, taking advantage of your last few moments of “alone time.”

Use nice stationery You’ll be extra-excited to write your love note if you’re using beautiful stationery and a new pen. It seems minor, but will make the experience feel that much more enjoyable. You can either buy a card with a message that sums up your feelings (though you should still include a handwritten note) or write your own letter on plain stationery.

Share your feelings Start off your letter by sharing how you’re feeling at that moment, emphasizing the excitement you’re probably feeling about becoming your beloved’s husband or wife in just a few short hours. Are you feeling overjoyed? Emotional? Even if you’re not the type of person to wear your emotions on your sleeve, now is the time to spill.

Related: Your Go-To Wedding Toast Template »

Praise your partner Take a few moments to talk about what you love about your future spouse. Is it their kindness and sense of humor? Their loyalty to family and friends? Feel free to use personal anecdotes to make your point. For example, “I love how you always protect me—even if it’s from a spider while I’m in the shower!” or “You’ve been my rock during difficult times and I am so grateful to you for that.”

Tell a story If you’re feeling stumped, think of a single story that really sums up your future spouse’s best qualities. Was it the time he drove three hours to help you dig your car out of the snow? Or the time she sat by your sick grandmother’s bedside and read to her for an afternoon? Think about the moments that really defined you as a couple—and take this opportunity to show your appreciation.

Talk about the future Your wedding day is not only about celebrating your past, but also about looking forward to an incredible future together. Talk about the things you’re looking forward to in both the short term (your wedding and honeymoon!) and the long term (buying a house, starting a family, traveling together, etc.).

Don’t be afraid to be cheesy You’re talking about the love of your life here, so this is the time to use a bit of flowery language and lots of lovey-dovey words, even if it’s not usually your style. You can end the note with a sweet “I can’t wait to start our life together” or “See you at the end of the aisle!”—a little sappy, but certainly meaningful and sweet.

It’s a letter, not a school paper Don’t worry too much about spelling and grammar. If you make a mistake, don’t feel like you have to start the whole thing over again—just cross it out and keep writing. Your almost-spouse will love your note the same way he/she loves you—flaws and all.

Keep it short and sweet Try to keep your letter to about a page, if possible. Time will be of the essence on your wedding day, and you don’t want to spend hours writing and reading notes.

Find a trusted “letter carrier” Seal your letter in an envelope and give to a trusted friend or family member to deliver to your partner. This letter is super-personal, and you don’t want your nosy little cousin reading it before the intended recipient does!