| There are so many elements to plan for a wedding. | | | | getting dressed to go to the church. Allowing yourself |
| The bridal gown, the music, the cake - these are all | | | | ample time will help your creative juices to flow. |
| very exciting to choose. The most important part of a | | | | Inspiration for your vows can come from anywhere, |
| wedding, though, is one that is often given very little | | | | but they should be in keeping with the overall spirit of |
| thought - your wedding vows. After all, without the | | | | your wedding. For example, if you are standing |
| exchange of vows, there would be no marriage, just a | | | | barefoot at the beach wearing a simple dress and |
| big party. | | | | earthy handmade wedding jewelry, you could draw on |
| Take the time to really consider how you would like to | | | | nature or the ocean as a metaphor. A black tie event |
| exchange your vows. If you are having a Catholic | | | | with a bride in an opulent gown and ornate handmade |
| Mass or a Jewish Orthodox ceremony, you may have | | | | wedding jewelry would call for a different tone. The |
| very little to decide, because the vows will largely be | | | | vows should be more formal; perhaps you could |
| dictated by the customs of your religion. However, | | | | include a quote from Shakespeare or another favorite |
| even in a traditional religious service, you may have | | | | poet. |
| some options. Do you prefer to be pronounced man | | | | The most important thing about custom wedding vows |
| and wife or husband and wife? Are you comfortable | | | | is that they reflect who you are as a couple. The |
| including the word "obey" in your vows, or can it be | | | | whole point of using your own words is that they will |
| omitted? (Or maybe just the groom could pledge to be | | | | be meaningful to your spouse. Inject little tidbits about |
| obedient!) | | | | your life together, such as how you met or a passion |
| Often couples have the option of writing their own | | | | that you share, to make your vows personal. Humor is |
| vows, even within the context of a religious ceremony. | | | | always great, as long as it is done in good taste. Your |
| The idea of facing your beloved at the altar and | | | | guests will enjoy hearing funny anecdotes about your |
| speaking words of love written especially for him is | | | | life together, and your vows will be completely original. |
| incredibly romantic. The reality, however, is that writing | | | | Writing your own vows only works if the bride and the |
| your own vows can be very difficult. You want them | | | | groom both want to do it. If either of you feel |
| to be personal - but not so personal that you make | | | | uncomfortable with the process, by all means use the |
| the guests blush, romantic but not sappy, and | | | | traditional vows. They have been in use for a long time |
| contemporary yet timeless. That is a tall order! | | | | with good reason. Whichever you choose, the best |
| If you remain sold on writing your own vows, it is smart | | | | part is that once you exchange your vows, you will be |
| to start early. Don't be one of those brides writing her | | | | married to the one you love. |
| vows during the eleventh hour, like while you are | | | | |