Brides - Niagara Gazette January 2020 | Page 19

DELISH MAGAZINE JANUARY 2020 wedding ceremony A PUSH FOR PRIVATE VOWS W eddings are very special occasions for two people who are in love. That’s why many couples want close family and friends nearby when they tie the knot. But even the happiest couples may express some nervousness about one particular part of traditional wedding ceremonies. Wedding vows are a way for couples to profess their love for each other. However, many couples who want to write their own vows are hesitant to say them aloud in front of an audience. If couples are intimidated by a heartfelt recital of their vows in front of a crowd, then exchanging vows in private may be for them. Wedding planners and industry experts say that private vows have become very popular. While the vows do not replace the public exchange that seals the marriage from a legal standpoint, they can be words shared in a private moment before the actual ceremony itself. A quiet moment alone allows couples to shed private tears and share a special moment before they make haste for the altar. The Knot, a premier wedding planning resource, notes that there are many reasons to share private vows. • You do not like being in the spotlight or become shy in front of crowds. • There are words you would like to share with your future spouse that are deeply private, and you don’t want to express those feelings to every person at the wedding. • You do not want to censor your thoughts or words. • You desire an intimately private and personal moment together before all of the fanfare and rush of the wedding. • You’d like to recite loving words in a native language that some guests may not understand. • You desire the potential for some very great candid photos if you invite the photographer to be there at a distance. • You want to create a lasting memory that is only yours as a couple to share. The popularity of private vows exchanged before a wedding cer- emony is growing. This growing trend provides yet another way for couples to personalize their weddings. 19