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Most couples see their vows as the most important part of their wedding day, which is why making them personal is very crucial.

Unfortunately, getting married in a church offers you less freedom to write your own vows than if you're getting married in a civil ceremony. For Anglican or Catholic weddings, you are required to perform a large part of the standard ceremony vows. Usually, the only part you're allowed to change is the 'obey' aspect and to opt for 'respect' rather than 'honour'. This will be at the discretion of your minister, who may help you re-write certain parts of the vows in line with the religious tradition in which you're marrying.

To personalize the meaning of the ceremony further, most couples marrying in a church like to choose special hymns or readings, or write their own prayers, devoting themselves to each other and asking for God's blessing.

However, in civil ceremonies and many other faiths, you have more freedom to write your own vows, you simply get the legal part of the ceremony out of the way and then, with the minister's approval, you can add or subtract lines from the service.

Celebrity Style

Be inspired by celebrity couples, who often change their vows slightly to reflect their personal style. For example, when Mia Farrow married Frank Sinatra, they adapted the standard vows to read:

"I, Mia Farrow, take thee, Frank Sinatra, to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish, to have and to hold, in all experiences of life, and I promise, forsaking all others, to be faithful for as long as we both shall live."

Or, when Cindy Crawford married Richard Gere, the pair changed the vows to:

"I, Cindy Crawford, pledge to you, Richard Gere, as my friend, my love and my companion, to love, honour and cherish as long as we both shall live."

Modern Style

Many couples like to follow the standard vows, simply updating the words with language that is more contemporary. For example:

"I, xxx, take you, xxx, to be my husband, my one true partner for life, from this moment forward. For good times and bad, in times of prosperity and poverty, in times of good health, sickness and grief, while we're young and as we grow old, to love, support and respect you, to encourage you for the rest of my life. With God's help, this is my promise to you."

Bring in your Passion!