Writing your own wedding vows...?

• has anyone got any good tips, hints or websites on writing your own vows....

• Answer:

  My advice is keep it short and classy. Don't include anything especially intimate or sexual - your wedding vows are not the place for that. Don't make any negative jokes or comments in the vows, or disparage your soon to be spouse in any way, even if you think it's funny. Don't disparage yourself either. Most important, say what is in your heart and what is most important to you. This is probably one of the most meaningful opportunities you will have to say something. Do your very best to do this moment justice. Our priest had us memorize our vows. He did have a small card in his book just in case we needed prompting, but he requested every couple he married to do their best to memorize the words they were saying to each other. He said a lot of couples complained / worried about this at first, but they ended up really appreciating it. We saw exactly what he meant after our ceremony. We did the traditional vows, then added a short sentence or two of our own after them. By having to memorize what we were going to say, it actually took away some of the nervousness because we were so focused on that moment and had practiced so many times that we knew them cold. And everytime we practiced the vows, it made it more and more meaningful to us. This is an excellent article from ultimate wedding.com Most couple?s feel that their love is truly unique, a special bond between the two of them that no one else will ever experience in quite the same way. They?re right. Writing your own views can be an intensely moving and intimate way to create a ceremony that truly reflects the way you feel about each other. Before you can effectively express your feelings, you?ll need to identify them. It?s Important to talk to each other about your marriage, discussing your beliefs, dreams, and expectations. Take notes on this conversation and use it as the foundation for building your own custom made vows. Once you identify the things that are the most important to you, then you can decide how best to express them. Here are some questions to get you started ? When and where did you first meet? ? What was the state of your life before the two of you met? ? At what point did you realize you were in love? Describe the feeling. ? What inspires you about your loved one? ? What life goals and dreams do you share? ? What have you learned from each other? ? What qualities make your love unique? What qualities will keep it strong? ? How has your view of the world changed since you fell in love? ? What do you most look forward to about life with this person? ? What are some special moments in your relationship, either happy or sad, humorous or profound? IMPORTANT TIPS! The vows themselves should only take two or three minutes to say to one another. This is a public declaration of your commitment, not a private conversation between the two of you. Don?t embarrass your friends and family with details that are too intimate or lengthy. Sincerity is the key; the words should come from your heart. Decide whether or not the two of you will recite the same vows or different ones. Incorporate your wedding guests into your vows by having them responded with their blessings and support. Discuss your personal vows with your officiant beforehand. Read your vows out loud, which is a surprisingly effective way to catch errors, glitches, or awkward phrasing. Additional thoughts on your commitment to marriage may be expressed in the main body of the ceremony or through the use of special poems and prayers.