Wedding ceremonies where the couple says a personal vow in addition to their required legal vow adds to the meaning of their commitment as well as creating an everlasting memory.
Personal wedding vows most often include individual person-specific references such as, I promise to support your musical ambitions and accompany you to your concerts! These personal vows are reflections of their love and their relationship and can be quite funny and without a doubt will have their family and friends loving every minute of their ceremony.
If couple is not confident writing their own personal vows, I can help guide them with suggestions, then, amend or edit as they see fit.
Like this one…Name, I promise to speak to you and about you with kindness, respect and compassion. I cannot promise that I will not annoy or frustrate you, or to never be moody. I might not always agree with you, but I will always consider your opinion with an open heart and mind. I promise to love you, support you, and to stand with you and not run when the going gets tough. This is my vow to you.
Or this one…Name, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. You inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love, respect and care for you. I vow to love you as you are, and not as I want you to be. I promise to grow old by your side as your lover and best friend. This is my vow to you today and always.
Some couples write their personal vows and will share them with each other in advance so they both know that their vows are similar in length and tone. Sharing vows before the wedding also enables the couple to “take in” the meaning of the vows, without any distractions or nerves that may arise on the wedding day.
Some couples keep their vows secret and share them for the first time at their wedding. If couples choose to do this, it’s a good idea to decide on a similar word count. Otherwise how awkward would it be if one person writes two lines and the other twenty five!
An alternative and really nice as they are both active in the vow, is to say their vows line by line in an alternate fashion.
For example… Groom: I promise to always love you and take care of you
Bride: I promise to never stop working to make us even stronger
Groom: I promise to honor the commitments we make today, whether I am far from home or wrapped in your arms.
Bride: I promise that from this day forward you’ll never walk alone
Groom :I promise to give you my undivided attention, as long as there is no football on TV.
Bride: I promise to never keep score, even when I am totally winning
Groom: I promise to believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself
Bride: I cannot promise that I will always deserve you, but I promise I will try my absolute best.
Groom: I promise to grow old along with you.
Bride: I promise you, me.
There are some further ideas and good guidance on writing vows from Wedshed.com or Shutterfly.com
I am Whangarei based and would love to hear from you. Call anytime ph 0275 878 227 or email hello@lisacelebrant.co.nz
