Writing Your Vows
By Sally Manglicmot

Writing your wedding vows is one way to express your individuality. Is the Groom ready (and willing) to write his vows? Are you really up for the challenge? The Officiant will be prepared with the vows required by law and/or faith.

Here are some guidelines to help you.

1) Decide if you want your vows to be secret from your sweetie until read out loud at the ceremony. If yes, then both of you should ask a close friend to critique it. Give a copy to your Officiant so he/she can review it and accept it.

2) Decide if you want to recite your vows during the ceremony, or privately after the ceremony.

3) Decide on how long the vows should be - two minutes is acceptable—don’t bore your guests. Rehearse the vows, but don't memorize them (it’s okay to bring cards to read from).

4) Stay away from any anecdote or inside joke that has the slight possibility of embarrassing the other or alienating your guests.

5) There are many resources for you to read other couple's personal vows-but why spoil your creativity?

6) Stay away from any "specifics" though such as, "I look forward to a household of five children", when clearly you haven't talked about the number of children you plan on having.

Mostly, have fun. If you find it too stressful, then you can always fall back on the traditional vows.