Wedding Vows: Here Comes the Bride and Groom
Given this, if you can have a little input and have the opportunity to be creative why not? The two of you can create something beautiful and inspirational, a piece of memorabilia that you can one day share with other family members. Quite possibly writing ones’ own wedding vows is more meaningful because of the time and thought that is put into the process. Have people begun to take the traditional wedding vows for granted? Are they considered blasÃ?©? Do they seem rote? Or do couples have a problem with the verbiage of said covenant?
Everyone is different with unique tastes, principles and indoctrinations. We have all been raised a certain way and this is what help create our belief system. No one really wants to step on another’s’ toes but it is after all your wedding. Family is going to be involved in other aspects of the wedding planning. This particular segment of the planning is intimate and is something you should be allowed to do it your way. Your meaning the couple to be wed. The bride and groom can take the time to brainstorm and to decide jointly whether or not they will go with traditional vows or a different version in a more alternative form.
Either way it is a decision to be made by both. What better agreement than to agree on how to join two lives as one? If the two of you have come this far and you are standing at the altar before the clergy, then whether you go with traditional or alternative wedding vows, it matters not. Clearly you have decided this is an important step in life that you have chosen to take together. It is the true undertaking of a lifetime irrespective of the type of vows you have chosen. Do what makes you happy and will make your special day memorable.
Vows don’t just apply to newlyweds. There is the unique but very frequent situation of couples renewing their vows. This is certainly an excellent time for one to get creative. After all, both people are in a different season in their life as opposed to when they first got married. I find it refreshing to attend a service where a couple is renewing vows and they have written something very special to affirm their love, commitment and respect toward their life partner.
Times have changed for certain as have views on wedding vows. The interpretation of wedding vows by the Post World War II generation and Baby Boomers is definitely going to be different than Generation X and Generation Y. So there are going to be some differences in perspectives in terms of embracing the words that are a part of traditional wedding vows. The other contributing factor is cultural differences. I have been to some incredible ceremonies where two cultures were involved and they wrote their own vows based on their feelings and love for each other then also said the traditional vows based on their religious beliefs. It was a beautiful ceremony but a little lengthy.
I attended one ceremony where the couple wrote their own vows, and had miniature versions in little sterling silver frames for each guest at the dinner table to take home as a keepsake. Whatever your choice, make it memorable. Make it sincere and make it authentic to whom you are as a couple. It is your special day. Others’ opinions might matter out of courtesy, but ultimately it is your wedding and you should do things the way you agree to as a couple so there are no regrets later. Be certain to clear all issues regarding deviations from traditional vows with the clergy who will be presiding over the wedding. If there is more than one clergy member that will be presiding, it is definitely of the utmost importance that everyone be notified.
There will probably be some coordinating that needs to be accomplished with all involved. Your day is going to be long enough so by being prepared, you are more in charge of your time management. Whatever your choice, do it, and do it in a memorable manner that you will never forget. Your wedding day is after all the first day of the rest of your lives together. So say it beautifully with the right words.
