Professional writers sometimes have a difficult time doing their jobs well, so it's no wonder that people who hate to write often avoid the task. When it comes to your wedding vows, however, you just may be willing to give it a shot, because, after all, they're only words. How hard could it be to put a few of them together and come out smelling like roses?

You can definitely do this. This section will point out a couple of common pitfalls and how to avoid them when you get down to work.

Don't Be a Chatty

Cathy Although it's nice — and necessary — to throw some details into your vows, you don't need to talk on and on and on about every date you and your fiancé have ever gone on, all of the pet names you have for one another, and your special technique for working the kinks out of his neck. Get to the point: You love him, and you want to spend eternity with him.

But why do you love him so? Give him three good, solid reasons, and call it a night (or an afternoon). Do you see what this limit does? It forces you to choose only the very best of his stellar attributes.

You may be thinking, “But this is our wedding! This is absolutely the time to list every single one of his amazing points!” No, it's not. Three good points. Four if you must. Any more than five, and you're really going to start to sound insincere, as in, “Everything you do is just perfect!” You may feel that way, but your vows will lose their intended effect if you go way overboard here.

And remember, you still have the entire reception to speak freely about what a great guy he is. You can also write your feelings about him in a journal and present it to him as a wedding gift; that way, he'll know that you truly do appreciate every little thing about him.

Cool It on the Comedy

If you and your fiancé crack jokes, you want some of that levity to come through in your vows, but you also want to honor the sanctity of this occasion. Even though it may feel unnatural, make sure to tone down your vows at some point to reflect the magnitude of this moment.

At the very least, wrap up your vows with a sincere sentiment, such as, “I know I am so lucky to have found the perfect man for me to share my life with. I love you more than I can say.” Easy, sincere, to the point — and a salve to your laughter-free guests.