Is your wedding going to be a very formal and traditional affair, or are you breaking a few rules to have an event that is uniquely your own? In either case, many brides and grooms are writing their own vows today, with varying levels of creativity. You can still use very traditional vows, or you can be very nontraditional. If you decide to try writing your own vows, there are a few things you should consider.

Traditional Vows Have Years of Meaning

There is history in traditional vows, and something moving about reciting the same vows as generations of men and women before you, promising a lifetime of love and commitment to each other. Many faiths have their own distinct version of the promises a couple makes to each other, and because they have been used for so long, they have depth of meaning already built in. Even if you decide to be very creative in writing your own vows, it would be wise to study traditional vows and consider what makes them so moving and incorporate some aspects of them into your own vows.

A Creative Expression of Commitment

Writing your own wedding vows allows you to be creative in the words you speak when promising your life to another. They allow you to create very personal and individualized expressions of marital commitment. Here are some ideas to help you put together the perfect wedding vows.

If you have any favorite love poems, stories, or songs, write down your favorite passages. Look through religious literature and select passages that are appropriate for your relationship or feelings. Consider how you really feel about this step in your life and about your soon-to-be spouse. After you've thought about all of this, begin writing it out on paper.

Do your best to verbalize how you feel, what you are willing to promise, and that this commitment is for a lifetime. Practice saying it out loud so you can make sure it's the right length and focused, not rambling all over the place. You may decide to write your vows together or write them separately and share them with each other ahead of time, or just surprise each other. The choice is yours, so do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Whether you choose to use traditional vows, write your own, or use some combination, your wedding vows are the central purpose of the wedding. They deserve the time and attention it takes to make them a true expression of your hearts.