To Love, Honor, Cherish and Obey - traditional
Wedding Vows can be Personal and Meaningful
Your Wedding Vows
Your celebrant may be reading from a time-honored script to which the bride and groom will be asked to respond to key phrases. Keeping this traditional part of the ceremony gives the service a solemn or sanctified aspect.
Even so, the couple can create original or even funny vows that are meaningful to them. They can add their own special words or even frame the entire ceremony. Their words can be poetry expressing love for each other that they write separately or a dialog that they create together. Or, you can create your own custom inscription for your wedding rings, from you vows, to forever remind you and your spouse of the commitments spoken on your wedding day.
You may be interested in a unique selection of Wedding Poetry and Vows at WeLovePoetry.com AND The Bride Wore White
Please read our related articles on the Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Ceremony Music for more information on what to expect during the Ceremony. Also Wedding Speeches and Toasts may be interesting as another part of the wedding that requires some preparation or rehearsing.
A Historical Perspective on Wedding Vows
Wedding Vows have evolved over time to be, in modern times, the showing of love and commitment between a new husband and new wife.
In the distant past the vow was a commitment between the couple and the community. Over time the vow became a commitment between the families of the bride and groom. At the time when a bride-price was paid to the new husband's family by the bride's family, there was a lot more emphasis on the "obey" than on the "cherish" part of the vow, from the perspective of the bride.
Well, these are modern times and the vow is still evolving. In fact, vow renewals are very popular for couples who remain married for a number of years. Not that they need the formality but it is a sweet way to renew your commitment to each other. Vow renewals are offered most everywhere. If you're interested in having a renewal of vows in a fun place like hawaii or las vegas, see our Romantic Travel section.