The truth is, when a bride first begins envisioning her wedding, her attention naturally shifts to thinking about how beautiful the tablescape will be, whether or not she will fall going down the aisle (which NEVER happens by the way!), and how amazing it will be to finally marry her sweetie. It’s usually a bit further down the road that they begin contemplating their vows, which is ironic, since it’s the moment they truly become husband and wife. Not unlike the décor or the food, the vows are an opportunity to truly represent the couple is at their core. There are two ways to go about your vows; the first is to simply go the traditional, pre-written route. While some people might be hesitant about this, if you’re really nervous about writing or reading your vows, these vows are classics for a reason. From now until eternity, their beauty will always ring true. And in some situations, like a church ceremony, the traditional route is by far the most appropriate. And for those who want to write their own, it’s a beautiful way to cap off your ceremony. Keep a couple of things in mind if you do decide to write your vows on your own:
First, vows are meant to be vows; they are the promises you’re making to one another, the rules that will guide your marriage, no matter where life takes you. Make sure you touch upon the love, support and respect you will always have for the other and the dedication you’ll have to your marriage.
Second, if you are taking the time to write your own vows, make them personal! For example, does your husband tend to compromise to make you happy? Promise to try to meet him in the middle as best you can and when you can’t, let him know you’ll always love him for being the one who can.
Third, keep in mind that you’ll be thinking back on these words thirty years down the road. Although you want them to be personal, and maybe even a bit playful, you might look back and regret if all you spoke about was your promise to support their favorite football team and share the remote when you want to watch American Idol and he wants to watch Sports Center.
Most importantly, whether you’re creating new vows or using the classics, remember that the moment you read them, no matter how nervous you are, or what you’re saying, you’re promising to love someone for the rest of your life, and in the end, that’s all that matters.
Article written by: Sarah Tolboe & Marla Weintraub of Park & Grove Event Studio | Graphic: Stephanie Shertz | Photograph for Graphic: Tec Petaja
