Write 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 medieval 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 person 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 .
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 .
SOUTH � FEBRUARY ’ 25 � 9