Private Wedding Vows—Is This Trend For You?
A recent Wedding Trend is for a couples to say their Wedding Vows privately. This can be done either before or after their Wedding Ceremony at a location of their choice. After all, while a Wedding typically has couples exchanging vows in front of family and friends, not everyone is comfortable sharing an intimate and heartfelt speech in a large group setting.
Composing private vows and sharing them alone definitely has some perks. Instead of speaking into a microphone in front of a large group, you can be alone together face to face in an intimate setting. This can be especially nice if you do not like public speaking or fear you will “ugly cry.” Below are some frequently asked questions about Private Wedding Vows.
When and Where Can You Exchange Your Private Vows?
The beauty of this new option is you can do this any time and any place. A popular option is after a First Look before your Wedding Ceremony. You could exchange your Private Wedding Vows after your Rehearsal Dinner. Or perhaps you would like to do it immediately following your Ceremony after you sign the Marriage License. Another great option could be on your honeymoon. The important part is not where you are doing it, but what you are saying. The choice of where you do that is entirely yours.
Can We Still Do Traditional Vows In Front Of Guests?
Yes! Private Vows do not need to replace a Traditional Ceremony. You can still do traditional vows and exchange Wedding Rings for the guests (and parents). Like any other aspect of your Wedding Day, you can totally customize when and where you choose to speak to each other privately. Your Officiant can simply tell the guests that you have chosen to share your private vows and intentions without an audience.
What Can We Include In Our Private Vows?
The beauty of Private Vows is… they are PRIVATE. You can choose to share whatever you like. This can be liberating in a way. You won’t really need to self-censor what you are saying in front of an audience if you choose to say your vows privately. You might have a few inside jokes or intimate memories that are very special, but you would not feel comfortable sharing in a group setting. You have the freedom to say what you think is most appropriate. Maybe consider Private Vows to be more of an intimate love letter to your partner than a formal exchange. They don’t need to be perfect–they need to express your feelings.
When Should We Start Writing Our Vows?
It might be a good idea to begin writing your vows a couple of months prior to your Wedding. After all, Private Vows are not a task you want to rush through or procrasitnate about. Writing your vows ahead of time will give you time to reflect on what makes your relationship special and what is most meaningful to you. You could possibly schedule a “date night” together to talk through some ideas. Doing so could possibly give you an opportunity to deepen your relationship. When you are finished crafting your vows, you might want to consider copying them into a little book so you have a pretty keepsake after the Wedding.
Some Final Thoughts On Private Vows
Think of Private Vows as one of the most intimate conversations you will be sharing as a couple. There is no right or wrong here. Just be authentic and real. And above all, enjoy the process!
Did you enjoy this article on Private Wedding Vows? You might also enjoy this post on Romantic Proposal Ideas.
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