Write wedding vows with relative ease
The exchange of vows is an integral part of many wedding ceremonies. Vows are promises made to one another that serve as the basis of the marriage commitment. Historians say some of the oldest traditional wedding vows can be traced back to manuals of the me- dieval church in England. There are no formal wedding vows in the Christian Bible, but those who profess this faith typically incorporate the teachings of Jesus Christ into their vows.
Many modern couples prefer to exchange their own vows rather than share standard verses. This is particularly true for couples who will be having ceremonies customized to their own beliefs and relationship histories. Writing vows enables the soon-to-be betrothed to be creative, personal and speak from the heart. However, when faced with writing sentiments that will be expressed in front of others, nerves can set in. These tips can help couples draft vows more easily.
Identify who this per son is to you; put a label on your relationship. Is he or she a friend, partner in crime, confidante, or all of the above?
Be sure to say, 'I love you' in the vows. Many couples get so hung up on language that they may forget these most basic words at the heart of the wedding.
Gush about all of the reasons for that love. Offer personal stories, anecdotes or something that will illustrate to the crowd why you want to spend your life with this person.
Look to the future. Think about how you want to spend the years ahead.
Paint a picture of what you envision your lives will look like, whether that includes children, traveling the globe, or other ideas.
Make promises to one another. Vows are essentially promises, so come up with some you agree to abide by. These can include similar sentiments to ones that are shared in traditional weddings, or clever and humorous promises, such as to always do the dishes, or pick up clothes from the bedroom floor.
Include stories that point out your collective strengths and weaknesses.
Don't forget to mention instances when things were tough and how you overcame them, and how you can use these lessons in your future as a married couple.
Couples who are writing their own vows should realize they do not have to rival the words of the most profound authors or learned scholars. They should be honest and simple and express the sentiments that mean the most to them as they embark on this new journey.
