Bridal Club Magazine

Writing Your Own Wedding Vows

No matter how traditional and formal, or unique and unconventional a wedding may be, many brides and grooms have started writing their own vows, with varying levels of creativity. There are a lot of things that should be considered when deciding between traditional vows or unique vows of your own.

There is a history in traditional vows, and something very moving about reciting the same vows as generations of men and women before you, promising love and commitment to one another for a lifetime. Many faiths have their own versions of the promises a couple makes to one another, and because they've been used for such a long time, they have depth and meaning already built in. If you're planning to write your own vows, you should study traditional vows and consider what makes them so moving. Incorporating some of the aspects from traditional vows into your own is a very good idea.

Writing your own vows allows you to be as creative as you want to in the words you speak when promising your life to someone. They allow you to create very personal expressions of love and commitment. If you have a favorite love poem, story, or song, you should write down your favorite passages. Look though religious literature and select passages that are appropriate to your relationship and your feelings. Consider how you really feel about this step in your life and about the person you're pledging to spend the rest of your life with. Once you've really considered it, it's time to put it on paper.

You should do your best to verbalize exactly how you feel, what it is that you're willing to promise to your loved one, and how your commitment to them is for a lifetime. Practice saying your vows out loud so that you can be sure it's the right length, and focused, not just rambling all over. You may decide to write your vows together, or write them separately. You may decide to share your vows ahead of time, or just surprise one another. This choice is yors, so do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Whether you decide to use traditional vows, write your own vows, or use any combination of the two, your wedding vows are the central purpose of the wedding. They deserve serious consideration, time, and attention in order to make them a true expression of your love.