When we got married back in 1999, we weren't sure what to do for our ceremony. We asked a dear friend & mentor to officite our ceremony and spent a weekend at her house writing the ceremony. We found some really good sources (services from gay-friendly churches, like the Unitarian Church) and adapted the elements we liked.
The process of writing the ceremony was challenging but really great. In the end, we designed a ceremony which really felt like "us" and was a clear statement of intent as we affirmed our vows to one another.
We decided to write our own brief vows, followed by more traditional vows led by our minister. He had some great ideas about the ceremony itself. I love his "Charge to the Couple" which he writes by first getting to know the couple and the important people in their lives, and then using funny stories and touching on the personalities of each bride/groom to create a very personal "charge". My other favorite thing he suggested was a Community Vow. We're going to be standing up there in front of our nearest-and-dearest for a reason, right? So he asks the whole audience to vow to be a strong community around the couple, supporting them in their marriage, as time goes on. Speaking of vows, I've only got 3 weeks left- better get on it!
Posts: 39 | Location: Western Massachusetts | Registered: 23 January 2006
A great site for inspiration is www.myweddingvows.com One of my clients actually sent it to me, and it has ring vows, poetry and all kinds of words. It is very helpful.
I would certainly agree about the above mentioned website for vows. I too reccommend it and find it extremely helpful. I will be adding a lot of new material to my new website www.marriagesondemand.com shortly and I am surely including that link.
Thanks, REV BILL
Posts: 4 | Location: South Jersey | Registered: 25 June 2007
Congratulations on your happy news! When we got married in 2001, I hunted high and low for vows. My husband is Christian Scientist and I am Jewish, and it was difficult, so the happy news is that n ow I write them for other people here at www.Poemstogo.tv
