Your wedding vows and speeches are some of the most meaningful words spoken on your big day. They’re heartfelt, personal, and often unforgettable. But after the cake is cut and the last dance ends, what happens to those beautiful words? Too often, they’re scribbled on notes, saved in digital files, or worse—forgotten altogether.
One of the best ways to preserve them for generations is by including them in a dedicated keepsake book. If you’re unsure how to begin or what that even looks like, don’t worry. This guide will walk you through how to turn your vows and speeches into a timeless part of your wedding memories.
Why Include Wedding Vows and Speeches in a Keepsake Book?
Weddings fly by, but a keepsake book helps you slow down and relive the moments that matter. Your vows are the promises you make to each other—they deserve more than a passing memory. The same goes for the heartfelt speeches from family and friends. Capturing them in a wedding book:
- Preserves your personal love story
- Provides a tangible way to revisit your day
- Offers something to pass down to future generations
- Balances the visual memories (photos) with emotional ones (words)
A wedding album often showcases the visuals—this approach brings in the narrative side, grounding your wedding in the actual language and emotion of the day.
Start by Collecting the Vows and Speeches
If you’re already married, you may need to do a little digging. If your wedding is coming up, it’s easier—but you’ll want to be intentional. Here’s how to go about it either way.
For Vows
First, find the final written version of what you and your partner recited. These may be:
- Typed notes on your phone or computer
- Handwritten drafts you saved
- Backup emails or messages you sent for feedback
If one or both of you made changes last minute—which happens often—try to recall what versions you actually used. Ask your videographer or photographer if they can provide the audio or transcribe from video.
For Speeches
Track down the written text or request it from the people who delivered them. This might include:
- The best man or maid of honor
- Parents or grandparents
- Siblings or close friends
Even if they spoke from the heart, many write down bullet points or drafts. A simple message asking them to share what they remember usually does the trick. If someone spoke without notes, ask if they’d be willing to write a short version to go in your book—it’s often a meaningful gesture they’re happy to make.
Designing Your Wedding Keepsake Book with Words and Photos
Once you have all the written pieces, it’s time to combine them with your favorite photos into something polished and cohesive. This is where the magic starts.
Plan the Layout Around the Narrative
Instead of only focusing on the photo arrangement, think of your book as a story. You might:
- Open the book with a short letter from the two of you, welcoming readers into your wedding day
- Follow the ceremony photos with a page featuring both vows
- Include speech quotes alongside reception shots
- End with well wishes from guests or your own final thoughts looking back
This creates a flowing, readable experience. It’s not just a book—it’s your wedding story told in your voices.
Use Engaging Typography and Whitespace
Typography matters more than you think. The way your vows are displayed should reflect their emotion and rhythm. Use:
- Clean, readable fonts that complement your style
- Italics or bolding to gently emphasize key lines (but only sparingly)
- Enough whitespace to let each word breathe
Resist overloading pages. A beautifully displayed vow or speech excerpt can carry emotional weight even without a photo.
Tips to Make the Keepsake Feel Personal
It’s easy to slip into a generic, scrapbook-style layout—but remember, this is your story. A few thoughtful choices can elevate your book from nice to unforgettable.
Add Annotations or Reflections
Consider writing a few notes in the margins or as sidebars:
- What made you choose certain words in your vows?
- How did it feel to hear a particular speech?
- Were there parts that made you laugh—or cry?
These small, after-the-fact reflections add depth and context. You’re not only preserving the moment, but also how it felt.
Let It Represent Your Dynamic
Not all couples are serious. Some are sarcastic, some are poetic, some are quirky. Let your book reflect your personality.
- Have fun with the layout if you’re lively and casual
- Keep it sleek and formal if your wedding had a traditional tone
- Include inside jokes or shared phrases from your vows or speeches
There’s no one correct version of a wedding album. Make this one yours.
When to Add the Keepsake Book to Your Life
After the dust settles post-wedding, there’s a moment of strange quiet. That’s the perfect time to focus on compiling your keepsake book. Often, couples wait until they’re in a new home together or celebrating their one-year anniversary. That’s why these books pair well with other memory-preserving efforts, like creating new home photo albums as you begin your shared life.
Integrating vows and speeches into your wedding book now means you’ll have something richer to revisit on future anniversaries—and something special to show your children someday.
Your Keepsake, Your Legacy
Creating a vow-filled wedding book isn’t just about preserving your ceremony—it’s about preserving your relationship’s foundation. Every couple navigates stress around wedding planning and whether these little touches are worth it.
But years from now, flipping open a page and rereading your partner’s vows or a parent’s heartfelt speech will bring you right back. It won’t just remind you what your wedding looked like. It’ll remind you why you did it in the first place.
Whether you’re just back from your honeymoon or searching for a thoughtful anniversary project, now is the right time to start crafting a keepsake that speaks volumes.
So go on—dig out those vows, reach out to your speech-givers, and put the words where they belong: in a beautifully designed book that’s truly, deeply yours.