Ideas for writing gay wedding vows

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

For many people, the wedding vows are one of the easier parts of the planning of a wedding. This is especially true in religious ceremonies where the vows are often written for the couple. However, for gay weddings, getting the vows right can be tricky. Couples may choose to write their own vows or to take inspiration from other areas.

1. "I Do" or "Repeat After Me"

   • One of the first things couples must decide when choosing or writing vows for their gay wedding is whether to opt for "I do" style vows, "Repeat After Me" style or self-read vows. Although the meaning is the same, speaking aloud is nerve racking for some people. They may prefer to have their vows read to them by the officiator and to make their vows simply by saying "I do." Other couples may feel it important to say their vows themselves and may choose to repeat them after the registrar or to read them aloud themselves. This depends entirely on personal preference.

   Traditional Vows

   • Couples may opt for a secular take on a traditional wedding vow. This is one that almost all the wedding guests will be familiar with and can relate to. An example of a traditional vow might be, "I, (Name), take you, (Name), for my (husband/wife), to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

   Religious Vows

   • Many religions, even if they do not allow same-sex marriages, will offer a ceremony to bless the legal union of a same-sex couple. In these instances, a religious element could be included in the vows. Speak with the celebrant of the blessing who may be able to provide examples of religious vows for gay weddings.

   Personalized Vows

   • Couples may also choose to write their own personal vows or to include a piece of poetry in the ceremony. This creates a personal touch and offers individuals the opportunity to express their love openly, in their own words to their partners. The two partners may write vows together or separately. Personalized vows can reference personal problems the couple has overcome or is working to overcome as well as mentioning ways they promise to demonstrate love and support for each other in the future.

   Legalities and Religious Concerns

   • Check with the celebrant of the wedding or union regarding the legalities or religious implications of the gay wedding. In some countries and states, gay partners cannot marry. In others, they can only be united in a civil union rather than legal marriage. In the United Kingdom, for example, same-sex partners have a civil ceremony rather than a marriage and become civil partners rather than husbands or wives. In the U.K., civil ceremonies, whether gay or straight, may not legally feature any religious elements.

Source: www.ehow.com

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