If you’ve ever been to a wedding or seen one on TV, you’ve likely heard a wedding cliche. These overused (and sometimes offensive) phrases pop up in wedding vows and ceremonies all the time.
And frankly, we’re getting a little bored of them!
It’s not that cliches are always bad – they’re just overdone and impersonal. Which is not the impression you want to leave on your guests or your partner on your wedding day.
Keep reading to discover 16 cliches and common wedding phrases you need to remove from your vows immediately, plus creative alternatives you can use to replace them!
What are wedding cliches? Why are they bad?
Wedding cliches are terms that we’ve all heard before at every wedding we’ve ever been to or seen in a movie/TV show. Sometimes these cliches are bad – maybe they’re offensive, dated or just don’t make sense for you and your relationship.
But a lot of times, wedding cliches aren’t inherently bad, they’re just overdone. Because we’ve all heard them so many times, these common wedding phrases have become meaningless. Your guests – and your partner – just tune them out.
And that’s exactly what we don’t want for your vows! You want every word you share to be full of meaning and personal to you. So get rid of the wedding cliches because your guests, your partner and your love story deserve better.
And while our list below mostly pertains to the overused wedding phrases we hear in vows, our advice also applies to wedding speeches, wedding signs, wedding websites, etc.
If you’re seeing these overused phrases pop up in other places around your wedding, cut them!
What can I say instead?
Well, check out our examples below! We’ve listed a bunch of alternatives so you can “say this, not that” and skip the wedding cliches.
The best way to beat wedding cliches is to make your words personal to you. You don’t have to try and come up with something super romantic, overcomplicated or poetic.
Simply ask yourself: What does this phrase mean to me? For example, what does it mean to you to unconditionally love your partner? How would you describe that feeling in your own words?
If you can’t come up with a good synonym, use specific examples. Rather than describing your unconditional love, think of examples of that love in your life. How do you show that love? What does that love look like?
And check out our vow course or free vow writing guide to learn how to write vows that are personal to you – no cliches needed!
Without further ado, let’s get to the 16 wedding cliches you need to STOP saying in your wedding vows!
1. Marrying my best friend
This common wedding phrase is one that can make people’s eyes roll (especially when it’s said over cheesy music on a TikTok video). Of course your spouse-to-be is your best friend, that’s why you’re marrying them!
Instead, think of other phrases to describe your partner. You can go for a synonym or make things even more personal with an example of how this person shows up in your life.
Creative alternatives to “marrying my best friend”:
Today, I’m marrying…
- My first and last crush
- The person who makes me swoon every time they get home from work
- The guy who still gives me butterflies 15 years later
- The woman who rocked my world and cracked my heart open
- My favourite person to watch bad TV shows next to
- The one who I know will always be there
- My partner in absolutely everything
2. For better or for worse
You likely know the phrase “for better or for worse” from the traditional wedding vows where partners promise to love each other in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, etc.
And while the sentiment is lovely – of course we all want our partners to continue to love us in the good times and the bad – because it’s such a common wedding cliche, it has essentially lost its meaning. We don’t really think about what “for better or for worse” means, we just say it on auto-pilot.
Synonyms for “for better or for worse”:
I promise to love you…
- In the times I want to scream at you and the times I want to wrap you in a bear hug
- No matter what crazy adventure life has in store for us
- When our love is easy and when it is a burden
- When you have a full head of hair and when you start to bald
- For every triumph we celebrate and every challenge we overcome
- For the best parts of yourself and the worst
- When it’s simple and when we need to fight for it
3. Love at first sight
We all grew up watching rom-coms where the lead characters fall in love at first sight. The music swells and everything turns to slow motion as they make eyes across a crowded cafeteria/mall/Christmas tree farm.
Except real life is rarely like that. Most of us don’t fall in love at first sight. So much so that even the opposite phrase, “it wasn’t exactly love at first sight,” has also become a cliche!
But if you really did fall for your partner right away, try out one of these alternatives instead.
Instead of “love at first sight” say:
- The day I met you, I was so distracted that I’m pretty sure I agreed to stay late after school all week and chaperone detention. But it was worth it!
- I know it sounds cheesy, but I swear I really did hear a rom-com soundtrack start to play when you walked into the bar.
- As soon as we started talking, I was so enchanted by your eyes and never wanted to look anywhere else.
- It might not have been love, but something definitely happened the moment I met you. I had a feeling like I needed you in my life.
- Who knows if it was love, chemistry or that third tequila shot, but the night we met is one I will never forget.
4. Unconditional love
We often hear in vows that someone promises to love their partner unconditionally or that they appreciate the unconditional love they receive from their partner. But what does that really mean?
You can choose one of our alternative phrases below or go ahead and describe that love. When you say you love your partner unconditionally, what does that mean to you? How do you act, how do you show up and how do you demonstrate that kind of love?
Rather than just saying you’ll love them unconditionally, give them some examples. This is the gist of your vows! What are you promising to do and to be in order to show that unconditional love?
Another word for “unconditional love”:
- Selfless love
- Love with my whole heart
- Pure devotion
- Give-up-the-remote-during-the-Superbowl kind of love
- The kind of love that tethers me to life
- Love without end
5. Partner in crime
Here’s another eye-roller. Is your fiance really your partner in crime? Really? The two of you actually team up and rob banks together?
Yeah, we didn’t think so. While this wedding phrase is cute, it’s very overdone. You can do better than this! There are still sweet ways to describe your partnership without resorting to this tired cliche.
Creative alternatives to “partner in crime”:
- Accomplice in mischief
- Ally in the slightly dangerous, but never illegal
- Co-conspirator in life’s crazy adventures
- The fall guy (sorry!)
- Someone who is down for my wacky plans
- A partner who will always agree to get takeout when we’re too tired to cook
- Fellow rebel against traditional adulthood
6. Happy wife, happy life
If you survey married couples, odds are a few husbands will tell you the secret to their success is the old philosophy: happy wife, happy life. Like many other wedding cliches, this one sounds sweet at first. Isn’t it great that your wife’s happiness is so important to you?
But once again, we have a phrase that’s been overused and has now taken on a new meaning. When people say this phrase, they often say it tongue-in-cheek. The meaning behind it is something like, “All a husband has to do is shut up and make his wife happy and then everything is great!”
Not only does this make it sound like a husband’s happiness isn’t important, but it also completely ignores everything wives do to contribute to their own lives and marriages. Not to mention, it’s pretty sexist (and often used with another terrible phrase “the old ball and chain”)!
So let’s all agree to stop saying this one, shall we? If you really want to talk about your partner’s happiness, try one of our alternatives below.
Instead of “happy wife, happy life” you can say:
- The greatest happiness I’ve ever known was the moment you said yes to marrying me.
- Everything in my life gets 10 times better when I do it next to you.
- Your smile is my favourite thing.
- I can’t imagine a happier existence than this one that I get to share with you.
- I will work hard every day to make your life just a little bit more joyful.
- Let’s make happiness and fulfillment the goal of our marriage.
7. Bride’s day
In the wedding world, we often hear about how a wedding is the bride’s day. It’s her special day and everyone else – including her partner – is just an accessory or an afterthought.
At Young Hip & Married, we work hard to ensure that our content, services and products are inclusive and address both members of a partnership. Your wedding day is about the two of you coming together and starting your married life – it’s not just about the bride!
Plus, what happens in weddings where there are two brides or no brides? Then whose day is it?
If you agree that a wedding is a day for both of you, opt for one of these creative alternatives.
Stop saying a wedding is the bride’s day, instead say:
- Today is a day for both of us.
- Today we celebrate where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
- Today is a celebration of our future.
- Our love has brought us both here today.
- Today is about bringing together our friends, our families and our love.
- Today is the beginning of all of our tomorrows.
8. Husband/wife
Before you start panicking and thinking that you can’t say “husband” or “wife” in your vows, let us assure you that is not what we’re saying. We’re just saying you don’t only have to say husband or wife.
Many couples get caught up in these new terms and end up using them over and over in their vows. And while the role of husband or wife is exciting and new, it’s a good idea to mix it up every now and then!
Synonyms for husband/wife:
- [their name]
- Partner
- Spouse
- Lover
- Loved one
- Sweetheart
- Darling
- Beloved
- Greatest human I’ve ever met
- Man with the best smile
- Woman with the biggest heart
- Person I want to spend my life with
PS: We’re also starting to see the terms “my person” and “the one” become a little overdone in wedding vows. So think of something more creative or descriptive to use instead.
9. You look beautiful
Don’t take this one the wrong way; you should still compliment your partner on your wedding day! And we bet they really do look beautiful! So why are we suggesting you switch out this wedding cliche?
Because it’s a bit tired. As sweet as this common wedding phrase is, it’s not very creative or unique. Almost everyone is going to tell their partner how beautiful or handsome they look on their wedding day.
And while that’s nice to hear, it’s almost so common that people don’t really hear it. Instead, try to describe exactly how you’re feeling about seeing your partner on your special day.
Creative alternatives to “you look beautiful” for your vows:
- I couldn’t wait to see you today but damn, were you worth the wait!
- Everything about you has fully enchanted me and I can’t look away.
- Beautiful isn’t a strong enough word for how incredible you look today.
- I pictured what you might look like on our wedding day but I could have never imagined the picture looking this perfect.
- I will never forget seeing you for the first time on our wedding day. That memory will stay with me forever.
- You know I’m not one to be at a loss for words, but I was truly speechless when I saw you this morning.
- I am stunned by your beauty and so lucky to be on the receiving end of your smile.
10. From the moment I met you…
There’s nothing wrong with this wedding cliche, it’s just something we hear a lot at wedding ceremonies. As wedding officiants, we’ve seen guests’ eyes start to glaze over when yet another couple starts telling their wedding story with, “From the moment I met you…”
We’re not saying you can’t tell the story of how you met, but let’s think outside the box! Is there another way to phrase this that’s more unique?
Also, if you don’t have the best meet-cute, why not talk about a different part of your relationship? There’s no rule saying you have to tell this story in your vows. Instead, share a story from your first date, when you knew you wanted to marry them, a memorable trip you took, etc.
Alternatives to “from the moment I met you…”:
- From the moment you captivated me…
- When I first got butterflies…
- As soon as you introduced yourself…
- When you walked in the door…
- I heard your voice and it was all over for me.
- After that, I couldn’t stop thinking about you.
11. 1 Corinthians 13
We’ve talked before about how the bible verse 1 Corinthians 13, while lovely, is extremely overused at weddings. Almost everyone has heard the passage that starts off with, “Love is patient. Love is kind…”
It is a beautiful verse but it is used at so many ceremonies. There are other more unique bible verses you can choose that won’t cause your guests to start to drift off in boredom.
Alternatives to 1 Corinthians 13? We wrote a whole blog post about it!
Or, you can choose a non-biblical or non-religious reading. Check out some of our favourite ceremony readings here.
12. Best day ever
A wedding day is often described as the best day ever. But you know what? We actually don’t think your wedding should be your best day ever. Because that means everything that comes after – including your marriage – is all downhill!
While your wedding day should be (and will be) awesome, it shouldn’t be the pinnacle of your life. You should have so many more wonderful days in your marriage with the hope that your best day is always ahead of you.
Plus, platitudes like “best” have started to lose their meaning. So let’s switch it up!
Instead of saying your wedding day is the best day ever, say:
- While today is incredible, I know it’s not our best day. Because tomorrow I get to wake up next to you as my spouse, and what could be better than doing that every single day?
- Today is going to be a celebration of love that I will never forget.
- The feelings I have today as I marry you will stay with me forever.
- I didn’t think a day could be so full of joy, love and meaning.
- I’ve been looking forward to our wedding day for so long and I can’t believe the day I get to marry you is finally here.
13. I vow… I vow… I vow…
We talk a lot about how your vows are the promises you are making to your spouse for your lifetime marriage ahead. It’s not just a nice story about how you met and how much you love them.
But rather than start every sentence with “I vow…”, let’s mix things up! There are other ways to share your important vows with your partner.
Synonyms for “I vow…”:
- I promise…
- I will…
- I guarantee…
- I swear…
- I pledge…
- I commit…
- I affirm…
- You have my word…
14. I love… I love… I love…
Similar to “I vow…”, the phrase, “I love…” can also get quite repetitive in wedding vows. Imagine vows like this: “I love your kind heart. I love your big eyes. I love how you make me feel. I love how passionate you are.”
Nice sentiments, right? But kind of boring. So, let’s mix it up! Instead of constantly saying “I love,” try one of our alternatives instead.
Synonyms for “I love…”:
- I adore…
- I admire…
- I cherish…
- I appreciate…
- I fall in love when you…
- I am bowled over with emotion…
- I delight in…
- I couldn’t be happier…
15. Best version of myself
A lot of couples like to mention in their vows how their partner has made them the best version of themselves or their partner has made them a better person. And how sweet is that?
It’s very sweet! But once again, it’s a little overplayed. We hear this a lot in vows but it doesn’t really mean anything.
Rather than just saying this common wedding phrase, share with your partner exactly what you mean. How have they made you a better person? In what ways are you the best version of yourself? Provide some examples.
Instead of saying “you made me the best version of myself” or “you made me a better person”, try:
- You taught me how to slow down and appreciate the little details that make life so great.
- You have inspired me to see the world through a different perspective.
- You motivate me to go after dreams I would never have dared to dream alone.
- You encourage me to always see the best in people, because you do it every single day.
- Because of you, I’ve learned how to value myself and recognize my self-worth.
- Because of you, I know it’s not a bad thing to care deeply about what’s important.
- Because of you, I am a more attentive and engaged parent and partner.
16. Until death do us part/as long as we both shall live
Let’s end our list of wedding cliches with a line we often hear at the end of vows. Many couples will cap off their vows by saying that they promise all of these things “until death do us part” or “as long as we both shall live.”
Of course, it’s very romantic to tell your partner that you want to promise them all of these great things until the end of your life. But because these phrases are so overused in wedding ceremonies, they’ve lost their meaning. Some couples also find references to death in their vows to be quite morbid, and may prefer saying something else.
So instead, choose an alternative that has some meaning behind it with language that works for you.
Alternatives to “until death do us part” and “as long as we both shall live”:
- Until my final breath
- With no expiry date
- Until we both walk out of this world
- Today, tomorrow and always
- Now and forever
- For as long as we are
- In this lifetime and the next
- For so long as love shall last
The best way to avoid wedding cliches? Personal wedding vows!
Wedding cliches become wedding cliches because couples keep using the same phrases and terms they’ve heard at hundreds of ceremonies before. The best way to avoid all of those cliches is by writing your own personal wedding vows that are unique to you two.
Not only will these vows be cliche-free, but they’ll also be much more meaningful to you and your partner. Your guests will also appreciate these personal words and insight into your life.
Get started with our FREE Wedding Vow Cheat Sheet or sign up for our vow writing video course!
