For most engaged couples, the business of the wedding planning can take up a lot of head space and the writing of vows and knowing how to do the exchange of rings might get left on the back burner until last minute. Fortunately, our team of wedding experts have put together some fantastic information that will help you during this exciting time.
Why are the Vows and the Exchange of Rings Important?
For thousands of years, men and women have written wedding vows and exchanged rings or other types of items to signify the marriage between two people. During the past several hundred years, men and women have exchanged not only vows at the alter, but wedding rings as well. In fact, both actions are incredibly symbolic in nature and represent the giving of lives and love together and making promises of love, commitment and a future. The vows are a verbal expression of these promises and the exchange of rings is a physical expression of commitment during the wedding ceremony.
The words in the vows will be unique as the couple’s love or utilize the time-honored words from various wedding ceremonies. These days, it is really up to the couple to determine how they want to exchange both the vows and the wedding rings. These two symbolic gestures can be done during the actual wedding ceremony, or in a separate private ceremony after the wedding. Some may reflect deep religious sentiment, while others may be generic or non-denominational.
Examples of Non-Denominational Wedding Vows and Exchange of Rings
- With this ring I symbolize my love, devotion and commitment. As I take this ring and place it on your finger, I offer full love for all time and hope that you will wear this ring to remind you of the beautiful vows we made together today.
- This ring is a symbol of my undying love to you and our marriage, with all of my heart and with all of my being. I will always wear my ring as a true symbol of our love and commitment to each other in our marriage.
- I gladly give you this ring to show my love and devotion to our marriage. I endeavor to honor you by wearing it for all of my days.
- With this ring I give you my heart and my all. Let this ring be always on your finger as a reminder of my love to you and that I will always be with you, near or far.
- With this ring I thee wed and promise to always love, serve and honor you.
Examples of Religious Wedding Vows and Exchange of Rings
Protestant
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love; and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Episcopalian
(Name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Jewish
Harey at mekuddeshet li b’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe v’Israel (Behold, thou art consecrated unto me with this ring according to the law of Moses and of Israel).
Presbyterian
This ring I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.
Roman Catholic
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, take and wear this ring as sign of my love and faithfulness.
Unitarian
With this ring, I wed you, and pledge you my love, now and forever.
Lutheran
I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness. Receive this ring as a token of wedded love and faith.
Methodist
I give you this ring as a sign of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have; I honor you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Baptist
With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, till death do us part.
When Should You Write Your Vows? Before the Exchange of Rings, Of Course!
In several Hollywood movies, there are instances where the man or woman get caught up in the moment and forget to write their vows. Usually, this happens in the last scene where they are about to do the exchange of rings and it makes for a dramatic end of a movie. The music is sweeping, the timing is dramatic and the words they use are raw, heartfelt and full of intensity. While everyone dreams of a romantic Hollywood ending to their perfect day, it does pay to write your vows a month in advance as to not miss out on all of the beautiful things you want to say. Because you only get one shot at this, it is important to take time to reflect on your unique love for one another. These words will need to come straight from the heart and evoke memories to last a lifetime. The wedding vows don’t need to be overly long and flowery. Some of the best ones are the most simple ones. Take time to memorize the words and have a “cheat sheet” with you if you get nervous and forget your lines. You could also have a maid of honor or best man have the vows ready in case you need a little encouragement.
All in all, the writing of vows and exchange of rings is one of the most delightful parts of a wedding ceremony for a bride and groom. Take some time to soak in the moment and record it for future generations. You’ll be glad you did!
