How To Write Your Own Wedding Ceremony Vows

It really is a daunting feeling when you sit down and need to think of those promises and words you want to mean so much. That blank page stares at you while you can’t seem to shake more traditional vows from your mind. So what did we do? Turn to trusty google of course.

We  searched out basic ideas and the order of the ceremony itself. Whether you have an officiant or not, I wanted to assist in this tricky but oh so important task today. Here goes.

The Intro

Here you will want to welcome your guests and the couple too of course. You could script this for your officiant or they may like to come up with a surprise introduction for you.

You could talk about the setting, the couple’s back story, the wedding party and the plans for the day ahead.

Readings & Music

You can opt in or out of having readings or music. I do think it’s lovely to include meaningful music and words if that resonates with you. You could hand the responsibility over to a friend or loved one too. You can see some wedding reading ideas and wedding songs I put together which may inspire you.

The Vows

Here’s where you say your promises to one another. You could ask for prompts from your officiant, learn them off by heart of write them down. Here were ours:

After 10 true, whole and loving years, I chose you, my best friend to be my (husband/wife).

I promise come rain or shine to always find the rainbow, to laugh until I cry and to enjoy the simple moments with you.

As we grow old together lets have adventures and raise our children to be happy souls.

May my heart be your home.

 

Exchange of Rings

(Name), with this ring I give you my heart.

Never ending, always beginning.

I give you all I am today and all I am to become.

May this ring show you strength, joy and love, Knowing I am always there with you.

We took vows and promises we had seen online and customised them to mean something to us. We wanted to focus on the meaning of our rings and what we wanted to feel when we felt and saw our rings on our fingers.

Symbolic Act

You could think about including a ritual to symbolise your union. These are so many established ideas or you could come up with your own. Popular choices include a hand fasting, lighting a candle, pouring sand together, ring warming by guests, jumping the broom, drinking from one cup and a dove release. The choices are endless and it can be a lovely way to include guests in your ceremony.

The Declaration

It’s time to announce your marriage and your new status or name. Ask your officiant to address you as you wish and seal with a kiss, hug, air punch, throwing the bouquet or big fat grins. It’s time to celebrate. Arm your guests with confetti and as you walk back down your aisle prepare to be festooned.

Now it’s time to celebrate. Wohoo.

I feel that the key to the perfect ceremony is making it personal to you both. Work with your celebrant, registrar or church to ensure your promises are relevant and meaningful. We had the freedom to say or include whatever we wanted but there are laws in place to adhere to in legal ceremonies which is important to consider too. We only included the vows and ring exchange in our ceremony so you can really personalise or include those moments important to you.

I’d love it if you wrote your own vows if you could leave them in the comment box below to help inspire other couples looking to write theirs too.