Is your wedding going to be a very formal and traditional
affair, or are you breaking a few rules to have an event that is
uniquely your own? In either case, many brides and grooms are
writing their own vows today, with varying levels of creativity.
You can still use very traditional vows, or you can be very
nontraditional. If you decide to try writing your own vows,
there are a few things you should consider.
Traditional Vows Have Years of Meaning
There is history in traditional vows, and something moving about
reciting the same vows as generations of men and women before
you, promising a lifetime of love and commitment to each other.
Many faiths have their own distinct version of the promises a
couple makes to each other, and because they have been used for
so long, they have depth of meaning already built in. Even if
you decide to be very creative in writing your own vows, it
would be wise to study traditional vows and consider what makes
them so moving and incorporate some aspects of them into your
own vows.
A Creative Expression of Commitment
Writing your own wedding vows allows you to be creative in the
words you speak when promising your life to another. They allow
you to create very personal and individualized expressions of
marital commitment. Here are some ideas to help you put together
the perfect wedding vows.
If you have any favorite love poems, stories, or songs, write
down your favorite passages. Look through religious literature
and select passages that are appropriate for your relationship
or feelings. Consider how you really feel about this step in
your life and about your soon-to-be spouse. After you've thought
about all of this, begin writing it out on paper.
Do your best to verbalize how you feel, what you are willing to
promise, and that this commitment is for a lifetime. Practice
saying it out loud so you can make sure it's the right length
and focused, not rambling all over the place. You may decide to
write your vows together or write them separately and share them
with each other ahead of time, or just surprise each other. The
choice is yours, so do whatever makes you feel the most
comfortable.
Whether you choose to use traditional vows, write your own, or
use some combination, your wedding vows are the central purpose
of the wedding. They deserve the time and attention it takes to
make them a true expression of your hearts.
About the author:
Christi Vega is the founder of http://www.CorpusChri
stiWeddings.com, the most complete online resource for
planning a wedding in Corpus Christi, Texas. Includes
information on local wedding professionals, articles &
checklists, planning calendars, links to wedding music, books,
and more. You are free to reprint this article as long as the
resource box is included.
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