During the wedding planning process, it can be easy to get swept up in the decorative details like your flowers, theme, and dress. However, you can’t forget one of the most important aspects of your special day: your vows.
Wedding vows are a sentimental staple of every wedding. Despite their essential role in the wedding, many people have lots of questions about their wedding vows: Why do couples recite them during the ceremony? Can you write your own vows? How long should wedding vows be? We’ve created a brief guide outlining everything you need to know about wedding vows.
What Are Wedding Vows?
In their purest sense, wedding vows are promises made between two partners to each other. These promises can vary depending on a couple’s religion and personal preferences. The tone of your vows can be romantic and sentimental, or it can be light and humorous. However, almost all wedding vows share one detail in common: they’re a declaration of your lifelong commitment to your partner.
Most commonly, vows are exchanged after spiritual or religious readings. You can swap vows in two ways. If you write your own vows, you will speak them directly to your partner. Alternatively, you can repeat the vows after your officiant, which causes less anxiety for some. After a couple shares their vows, they exchange rings with the pronouncement of marriage and a kiss to follow.
Most religious ceremonies have a rigid structure and typically involve the couple reciting their vows after their officiant. However, writing your own vows is a great way to personalize your wedding ceremony and is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Your vows are one of the most intimate moments of your wedding, so you should choose the structure that best reflects your personal preferences.
Can I Read My Wedding Vows?
If you plan to write your own vows, it’s preferable to memorize them. However, it’s a good idea to have a paper copy of your vows handy in case you get nervous and want to read them off instead. Unless you’re used to public speaking, it’s likely you’ll be pretty nervous before reading your vows. Being prepared with a printed copy will soothe your nerves and serve as a backup plan.
How Long Should My Wedding Vows Be?
When read out loud, your wedding vows should be between one and two minutes long. If you’re writing your vows, this means that they should be approximately 100 to 200 words. It’s always a good idea to practice reading your vows aloud before the ceremony. This way, if they are too short or long, you can adjust the length accordingly or practice relaxing your pace.
Plan Your Beautiful Outdoor Tent Wedding Today
At Windows on the Water, we recognize that your outdoor wedding location will be the focal point for one of the most important days of your life. Through the planning process, we help couples plan a day they’ll remember forever. Our expert wedding planning staff has years of experience crafting memorable experiences.
Come visit Windows on the Water and see what makes it one of the most popular outdoor tent wedding venues in Central Jersey. As you tour the breathtaking grounds, you’ll see why so many couples choose us as the backdrop of their declaration of love.
Do you have your perfect wedding in mind and need help planning all the details? Call us today at (609) 208-9475 or complete our online contact form to learn about the amenities and services we have available.