www.weddingforward.

com
Wedding or marriage vows originated back in the time of the Roman Empire, and since
then they have been evolving and deviating by religions, traditions, location, etc. Despite
all the changes, there is something essential in the wedding promises that did last out –
they are special words uniting the couples and representing their mutual commitment.
That is why finding a perfect word for your marriage is extremely important. So, take your
time and go through these 12 traditional wedding vows inspirations we’ve prepared for
you!
This starts with asking the right question:
“What wedding vow style is right for
me?”
Many couples are choosing to write their own vows more frequently these days.
However, the vast majority of husbands and wives prefer the guidelines of religious
tradition. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with writing your own vows. But, you
have to admit that religion is greatly responsible for formalizing wedding ceremonies.
You’ll want to use tradition as a framework for your vows even if you don’t want to
follow tradition verbatim.
If you’re not familiar, traditional wedding
vows are far from boring. They’re chock full
of engaging nuances and entertaining
intricacies. Although some religious
ceremonies greatly differ from others, all of
them share a common thread.
As we’ll see later, there are many variations of wedding vows. Hence, the first thing to
consider is planning the delivery. Regardless of how big your audience is, you’ll want to
speak these words prominently, passionately, and confidently. As you read the following
pages, picture yourself saying these things out loud.
What type of voice will you use?
Will it be soft and sweet, or firm and resolute?
So you don’t have to be nervous about your voice wavering, this is a very passionate moment
and it’s normal - even sweet - to choke up a little. But you should make preparations to avoid
being too quiet. Thus, work it into your wedding timeline to practice your vows a little bit
here and there. Getting used to the words and annunciation will make you familiar and more
comfortable for the big day.
What makes a wedding vow traditional without specifying a religion is the overall structure,
and this is the second component to plan for. In general, it goes a little something like this.
 Examples
“I make this irrevocable promise to love you and share life’s adventures with you and only
you until the day I die. I promise to be your friend, to raise a family with you, and to ensure
that you are happy, healthy, and strong for the rest of our lives.”
It’s that simple.
Many traditions elaborate on this with descriptive words, specific examples, metaphors, and
choreographed steps and movements. Your voice is prepared and your vow structure is in
the heart. So now you can proceed with time-tested steps that symbolize the connection with
God that traditional wedding vows carry.
Protestantism follows many of the Orthodox and Catholic church beliefs and
practices. However, it differs by rejecting the authority of the church and pope.
It holds god and his word - the bible - above all else. Altogether these subtle
differences can be found by comparing Protestant with traditional Christian
wedding vows.
 "In the presence of God and before our family and friends,
I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [wife/husband].
All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you.
Whatever the future holds, I will love you and stand by you, as long as we
both shall live.
This is my solemn vow."
If your preference is to slightly customize traditional wedding vows, this may be
the best blueprint to start. And you’ll find that there’s a little bit more poetic in
nature, and lends itself well to elaborate anecdotes, true love quotes, or any
other words of love and devotion that sums up your commitment and how you
feel.
Many Jews choose to fast before the wedding ceremony. This enhances the spirituality of
the day and marks it as a day of change in the couple’s lives.
The ceremony itself starts with the bride and groom’s respective parents walk them to the
chuppah. Then the groom escorts the bride inside. The Rabbi then offers words of
welcome and thanksgiving often from Psalm 118:26 and Psalm 100.
 “Blessed are you who come in the name of Adonai”
“May the One who is mighty and blessed above all bless the groom and the bride”.
The next common part of the ceremony involves 7 circles. There are 7 days to the week.
There are 7 aliyot on Shabbat. “When the man takes the wife” appears in the bible 7 times.
The Torahs are carried around the synagogue 7 times on Simchat Torah. So, it’s only
natural that the bride enters the 7 spheres of her husband’s innermost being by circling
him 7 times.
This is the ceremony that we all recognize through
movies. Traditional Catholic weddings showcase
the Introductory Rites, Liturgy Of The Word, Rite
Of Marriage, Exchange Of Rings, and Mass.
What this means in plain English is an opening
prayer and asking for God’s blessing on the
couple’s wedding day. Biblical passage readings
are followed by a sermon from the priest about the
sacrament. Then, in front of a standing audience,
the couple recites their vows:
 "I, (name), take you, (name), to be my
husband/wife. I promise to be true to you in
good times and in bad, in sickness and in
health. I will love and honor you all the days
of my life."
After the big “I Do” the wedding bands are
handed to the priest for blessing who hands them
back to the couple. As they place thing rings on
each other's fingers they speak “I take this ring as
a sign of my love and faithfulness in the name of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
For Eastern Orthodox, like many other religions, marriage is an essential
Sacrament. The variation that stands out here is the placement of crowns on
the bride and groom’s heads. During the crowning the following prayer is
recited 3 times:
 "The servant of God, (groom’s name), is crowned to the handmaid of
God, (bride’s name), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit"
This proclaims them as the king and queen of their family and demonstrates
truly equal responsibility and privilege. This is slightly out of the ordinary,
but what’s even more unique is whose authority the marriage is sealed. In
most other cases, it’s the state or the authority vested in the Officiary that
renders the marriage official. With Eastern Orthodox, it’s God himself that
finalizes the contract.

Untraditional weddings are likely to be attracted to the balance of power that

this traditional ceremony brings. Modern families know that marriages are
partnerships and not - like history would have you believe - the transfer of
property.
Westerners who aren’t very familiar with outside cultures will
absolutely adore Hindu traditions. Possibly the oldest religion still
practiced today (3000 B.C.) Hinduism celebrates weddings as one of
the most sacred rites.
Unlike Western weddings focusing on the union of man and woman,
Hindu weddings celebrate the formal coming together of 2 families.
As a matter of fact, this can take several days to complete.
Many ceremonies begin with the invocation of Lord Ganesh in order
to remove any obstacles from the wedding. With the coast clear, the
groom and his party arrive to the warm welcome of the bride’s
friends and family. He receives a procession of rice, ceremonial dot on
the forehead (tilak), a ceremonial lit lamp, and a garland. Following
this, blessings are received from each of the 9 planets. After, the bride
is escorted to the mandap (wedding canopy) by a brother or uncle. the
bride’s parents wash the couple's feet with water and milk. Then
water is poured over the bride’s father’s hands and allowed to trickle
down onto the hands of both the bride and groom.
The couple then sits in front of a Holy fire where mantras from the Holy Scriptures are
recited. They circle the fire 4 times (traditionally in Sanskrit) and the couple recites seven
vows which seal the marriage forever.
With the first step, we will provide for and
support each other.
With the second step, we will develop mental,
physical, and spiritual strength.
With the third step, we will share the worldly
possessions.
With the fourth step, we will acquire
knowledge, happiness, and peace.
With the fifth step, we will raise strong and
virtuous children.
With the sixth step, we will enjoy the fruits of
all seasons.
With the seventh step, we will always remain
friends and cherish each other

The fire pit plays a very significant role here. This holy symbol represents purification and
sustaining of life. Family members are encouraged to make offerings into the fire as the
couple exchanges their vows of duty, love, fidelity, and respect.
 Presbyterian practices are difficult to write about. There’s a lot of confusion
surrounding their exact belief systems due to split between traditional and
reform. In fact, the most documentation does not elaborate on the particular
beliefs and practices. Rather, they clarify the difference between the 2 models.

When it comes to marriage, Traditional Presbyterian beliefs are that marriage is

strictly a Sacrament between man and woman. For the most part, there are very
few acceptable reasons for divorce and remarriage. Conversely, Reformers are a
little bit more flexible with these matters.
Examples
Both iterations follow the same wedding vow structure.
"I, __, take you, __, to be my wedded wife/husband, and I do
promise and covenant, before God and these witnesses, to be your
loving and faithful husband/wife, in plenty and want, in joy and in
sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."

The Presbyterian Church (USA) was amongst the first to welcome same-sex
marriages. Moreover, they have amended their verbiage to not only include but
encourage same-sex couples to adopt the teachings of God.
For same-sex couples who also enjoy a healthy relationship with God, this may be
your best bet to get the best of both worlds.
Non-religious wedding vows can still be traditional. You can have tons of fun
creating your own using the examples mentioned on previous pages. Couple
these with the best quotes from romantic movies and poetry, readings from the
Bible or other Holy books, and an expression of how you genuinely feel on the
most special of days.
Remember, as you are writing and reciting your vows, keep the critical structure
in mind.
Introduction of everyone involved, and the intention of the day.
State your vows. The core of it includes committing to each other for the rest of
your lives.
Include a ceremony, something meaningful that symbolizes how deep-seeded
these vows are and what it means to you as a person.

Read more in our blog:

https://www.weddingforward.com/tradi
tional-wedding-vows/
 To get the ideas flowing, we’ve scoured the internet for the best secular vows,
and this is our favorite;
"__, I promise to be faithful, supportive, and loyal and
to give you my companionship and love throughout all
the changes of our life. I vow to bring you happiness,
and I will treasure you as my companion. I will
celebrate the joys of life with you. I promise to support
your dreams and walk beside you offering courage and
strength through all endeavors. From this day forward,
I will be proud to be your wife/husband and your best
friend."
The ceremony part can be as simple as using two smaller candles to set flame to
a larger candle. This would symbolize your two spirits becoming one. Or, it can
be as elaborate as a week-long celebration developed by ancient cultures.
The entire process of marriage is exceptionally beautiful. The venues, the gowns,
the accessories, the meals; all of these are well worth the fuss. The vows are at the
very center of the ceremony and the entire reason that everything else is so
important. Practice your vows, get comfortable saying them, and truly feel it in
your heart.