Wedding Ceremony: Vows

This is part 5 of a series. Click to see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

You all know what this part is. The wedding vows and the ring vows are usually said at this time. Regular vows are what usually change the most from ceremony to ceremony. They can be written and read or off-the-cuff; general or personal; you can even repeat after me, the Officiant.

The ring vows are a bit simpler. Traditional said in the repeat after me format. Once your ring bearer or Maid of Honor and Best Man hand over the rings. Each partner will put the ring on the others left ring finger while saying the ring vows. Usually couples want something short and sweet for this section because not only are you talking while putting the ring on but you’ve also already said your vows. “With this ring, I thee wed.” is the traditional saying.

So what alternatives can we come up with here? Well sometimes couples parents. combine their vows and declaration of intent making for a shorter ceremony. Sometimes they leave one or the other out altogether. It can seem redundant to some.

Another section you can add here is a unity ceremony. Unity ceremonies symbolize the new union that has just taken place between the couple. They can often include other family members especially any children, siblings and parents. There are all kinds of unity ceremonies and you can choose one that corresponded with your wedding theme or decor if you so choose. Some examples are sand, water, candle, glass and wine unity ceremonies. They each consist of the couple and any family usually pouring various colors or types of these symbols together to form a new whole. The finished container is often then displayed in the couple’s home afterwards.

What do you think, will you write your own vows? Have a ring bearer in mind? And what about a unity ceremony, is that something you are interested in? Let me know in the comments.