To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...
Vows are the most touching and emotional part of the wedding. Even if it’s just the both of you repeating the traditional vows or professing your love and faithfulness from your hearts – It’s the part where you pour out your soul to your spouse-to-be, in front of your friends and family. It’s a pretty vulnerable time. So, why not do it in style and make it memorable.
The concept of vows is something that sparks a lot of curiosity – in us anyway. So we took our time to decipher and share with you, the history of the term. Vows.
The concept of vows is something that sparks a lot of curiosity – in us anyway. So we took our time to decipher and share with you, the history of the term. Vows.
In this post, you will get ideas on:
History On Vows
Originating from the Roman Empire – who had free common-law marriages – vows were mere expressions of mutual consent of the bride and the groom, although the rich signed actual documents... However, the earliest recording of vows came from the Sarum rite of Medieval England (the liturgy of the Salisbury Cathedral), which was later used to base the marriage service part of the first Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England that was published in 1549... Vows are not a universal emblem of marriage and not necessary in most legal jurisdictions. They are not even universal within Christian marriage, as Eastern Christians do not have marriage vows in their traditional wedding ceremonies. ( Wikipedia )
...Megan walking down the aisle on her own;
gave a speech before the ceremony
thanking her guests for attending,...
That’s why you need to do it your way. Your guests will not see this coming. You will be the first to do something different. Wouldn’t you want to be like Megan and Harry who did things differently at their wedding? Harry wearing a wedding band (never done in the royal history); Megan walking down the aisle on her own; gave a speech before the ceremony thanking her guests for attending, adding words to their scripted vows…and so on.
You don’t have to follow the customary ‘in front of your guests’ rule. Now, hear us out. We’re not saying the customary way doesn’t work anymore – no siree. We’re just suggesting that you don’t have to stick to it. We’re asking if there’s a right or wrong way to say your vows.
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There are other ways you can say your vows, which we know now are optional. The issue is deciphering which will best suit what you want for your wedding ceremony. After all, a human came up with the traditional exchange of vows, so you can be the first to try something new.
And even if you don’t want to stray from the path of centuries past, there’s no harm in adding a little spin on ye olde tradition. Come on! Shatter those stodgy wedding rules.
If you aren’t sure what vow alternative you’d want for your ceremony? We’ve got a few of ideas we know will spark a lot of interest for you. So, hang on and remember to check back for curious posts like this.
3 WAYS TO SWITCH UP YOUR VOW GAME -
1. Before the Ceremony PRIVATE VOW EXCHANGE or [whispers]
Private Vow Exchange: Imagine you both, in a romantic place of your choice, or just somewhere you’re both comfortable, expressing yourself. It might even be minutes before the actual wedding.
There’s no pressure. No obligation to say the ‘right’ words. No children wailing in the background. No crowd listening to or studying your every sentence; just you and your partner, saying how much you love each other. This way can calm both your jittery nerves without having the added pressure.
You might say, “But someone should know how much my spouse-to-be means to me.”
Of course, there could be an officiant, and if you want, you could invite a few of your closest family members or friends to bear witness to your special moment. You can also put the moment in a video, so it’ll live forever in your hearts and on tape.
There’s no pressure. No obligation to say the ‘right’ words. No children wailing in the background. No crowd listening to or studying your every sentence; just you and your partner, saying how much you love each other. This way can calm both your jittery nerves without having the added pressure.
You might say, “But someone should know how much my spouse-to-be means to me.”
Of course, there could be an officiant, and if you want, you could invite a few of your closest family members or friends to bear witness to your special moment. You can also put the moment in a video, so it’ll live forever in your hearts and on tape.
Whispered Vows: Here's an extra layer of intimacy – the Vow Whisper. Before the officiant guides you through the public exchange, take a moment to whisper your private vows to each other. A secret shared only between the two of you, a clandestine promise that adds an extra layer of sentimentality to the ceremony.
In this hushed exchange, your words are only for each other's ears, creating a beautifully intimate bond that transcends the public vows. It's a precious secret, a shared whisper that adds a touch of exclusivity to your commitment. So, as you stand on the verge of matrimony, let your hearts speak softly, ensuring your love story begins with the most intimate of whispers.
That brings us to the next two ideas
2. During the Ceremony A SHOW OF VOWS
A picture is worth a thousand words.
So how about skipping the whole vows bit during the ceremony and playing a video of you guys and your crazy-in-love pictures? This can be done within the ceremony or projected on a screen at your reception.
Maybe add some splendiferous music, a nice voiceover of you guys saying how the thoughts of being with this person for all time make you feel giddy. You can do it any way you want – your wedding, your rules.
PS: your video could be animated too, like a Disney fairytale… just putting it out there.
Instead of vows, how about serenading your spouse with a song that embodies all they mean to you and more.
Make it an original piece or pick the perfect song for your perfect somebody. Let the music do the talking.
Updated: May 30, 2024
So how about skipping the whole vows bit during the ceremony and playing a video of you guys and your crazy-in-love pictures? This can be done within the ceremony or projected on a screen at your reception.
Maybe add some splendiferous music, a nice voiceover of you guys saying how the thoughts of being with this person for all time make you feel giddy. You can do it any way you want – your wedding, your rules.
PS: your video could be animated too, like a Disney fairytale… just putting it out there.
3. LET THE MUSIC DO THE TALKING
Sometimes, you may become dumbfounded and lack the words to properly explain your love for your partner. You don’t have to say anything… let the music do that for you. Instead of vows, how about serenading your spouse with a song that embodies all they mean to you and more.
Make it an original piece or pick the perfect song for your perfect somebody. Let the music do the talking.
Replace The Old Way Of Saying Your Vows For One Of These Unique Ideas
Final thoughts
Final thoughts
Remember (this is thinking outside the box), these are just what we think can work. It’s up to you to, or create a totally different experience! Like we said earlier, the fact that you’re the first to try something else doesn’t make it wrong.
Know any other ways to exchange vows? Please share it with us. And if you’ve got any questions for us – not limited to this topic – or any wedding planner issues, contact us. We got you!
Know any other ways to exchange vows? Please share it with us. And if you’ve got any questions for us – not limited to this topic – or any wedding planner issues, contact us. We got you!
About the author: Keren Michele, CEP, leads the planning team at K’Mich Event Planning & Consulting. With a flair for creativity in organizing one-of-a-kind weddings and events, she is passionate about providing valuable ideas for couples as they plan their special day.
Updated: May 30, 2024
