Your Top Googled Wedding Vows FAQS, Answered by an Expert

Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Project Party

If you’re a bride-to-be, there’s a good chance you’ve been googling wedding vows recently. After all, they are an important part of your wedding day! But if you have any questions about what exactly constitutes wedding vows, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about wedding vows that are searched online. So if you’re curious about things like length, content, and more, read on for answers from an expert!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Vows

Here are the most common questions that brides and grooms ask about wedding vows, along with our recommendations on how to handle each situation.

What are wedding vows?

Wedding vows are an important part of every marriage ceremony. They are the public declaration of your love and commitment to one another, and they serve as a reminder of the promises you have made to each other.

When writing your own wedding vows, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, your vows should be personal and unique to your relationship. You can include stories, inside jokes, or anything else that will make them special to you and your spouse. Second, your vows should be realistic. Make promises that you know you can keep and don’t make any grandiose declarations that you can’t possibly fulfil. Third, your vows should be heartfelt and sincere. This is not the time for jokes or irony; your vows should be a reflection of your deepest emotions. By following these guidelines, you can write wedding vows that are truly meaningful and memorable.

A wedding couple holding hands
Wedding vows are a sacred and emotional promise shared between two individuals during their marriage ceremony.

What are basic wedding vows?

There is no such thing as a “basic” wedding vow because every couple’s relationship is different. That being said, there are some elements that are legal requirements that both parties have to say in order for the vows to be binding. For example, in Australia, the officiant or celebrant is legally required to state certain requirements and in turn, the bride and groom are required to state in return certain elements such as, “I ask the persons here present to witness that I, (name), take you, (name), to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.”

However, there are some elements that are commonly included in wedding vows but not legally required. For example, most couples will vow to love and cherish each other, to be faithful to one another, and to support each other through good times and bad. You can also include promises to communicate openly, to respect each other’s autonomy, or to never go to bed angry.

What vows do you say at a wedding?

There is no one answer to this question because every couple writes their own vows. However, as we mentioned above, there are some elements that are commonly included in wedding vows. You might make promises to each other or even think about your future together.

A brides written vows
The exchange of wedding vows and promises signifies the start of a new journey for the couple, representing the beginning of their lives together as one.

Can you just say I do for wedding vows?

In Australia, there is a bit more to getting married than simply saying “I do.” Couples must first obtain a marriage license, and then they must have their ceremony officiated by a qualified celebrant. The celebrant will guide the couple through the ceremony, ensuring that they say the legally required vows. These vows are quite simple, and they can be recited without any personally written vows if the couple so chooses. However, many couples choose to add personal touches to their ceremony by including their own personal vows. Whether you opt for the traditional route or you spice things up with something unique, getting married in Australia is a relatively easy process. So long as you follow the necessary legal steps, you’ll be able to tie the knot with ease.

How do I start my wedding vows?

There is no one correct way to start your wedding vows. Many couples choose to begin with a simple statement of love, such as “I love you” or “I have never loved anyone as much as I love you.” Others opt for a more dramatic opening, such as reciting a poem or quoting a song lyric that captures the essence of their relationship. Still, others choose to start with a story about how they met or fell in love. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to start your vows, as long as they are sincere and reflect your relationship.

Who goes first in wedding vows?

Traditionally, the bride goes first in the wedding vows. However, it’s up to you, and some couples choose to have the groom go first, or even say their vows at the same time. Ultimately, you can decide what feels right for your relationship. If you’re not sure who should go first, you can always ask your officiant for guidance or maybe even scissors, paper, or rock.

Google results wedding vows bride
It is often helpful to have someone hold the bride’s bouquet during the exchange of vows, allowing her to fully focus on the moment without any distractions.

How long should wedding vows be?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some couples choose to keep their vows short and sweet, while others opt for a more long-winded approach. As a guide, a paragraph each is usually a perfect amount.

What does to have and to hold mean?

The phrase “to have and to hold” is often included in wedding vows. It essentially means that the couple promises to remain together and hold each other through good times and bad. This phrase is usually followed by a promise to love and cherish each other.

What are some good wedding vows?

Some popular inclusions during wedding vows include:

  • promises
  • quotes and lyrics
  • ring ceremony
  • rituals like hand binding or candle lighting or sand ceremonies
  • giving away including with parents and guests
  • vows to children
  • pets in the ceremony, or
  • writing your own vows.
A couple exchanging rings
The act of exchanging wedding vows and placing the rings on each other’s finger is a beautiful and significant moment during the wedding ceremony, representing the love and commitment shared between the couple.

Some popular wedding vows examples are:

  • “I promise to love you, cherish you, and honour you, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”
  • “I vow to always be here for you, to always listen to you, and to always support you – no matter what happens.”
  • “I promise to be honest with you, loyal to you, and to always have your back – no matter what.”
  • “I vow to laugh with you in the good times, and to comfort you in the bad times.”
  • “I promise to always be patient with you, to never go to bed angry with you, and to always cherish your friendship and love.”

These are good starting points for your wedding vows, but ultimately it is up to you to personalize your vows to reflect your unique relationship. However, if you’re feeling stuck or have more questions, remember that there are plenty of resources out there (including websites, books, and articles) that can give you further guidance on writing your own vows or help you find a Celebrant for your special day.

Tips and Ideas for Personalized Wedding Vows: Making Your Ceremony Unforgettable

But, if you’re finding it hard to come up with something on your own, here are some tips:

  • Choose something that is significant to you as a couple: Whether it’s a shared love for travel, coffee, or books, try to find an element of your relationship that you can incorporate into your vows. This will make your vows more personal and unique to you as a couple.
  • Keep it simple: Your wedding vows don’t have to be long or complicated. In fact, some of the most beautiful and impactful vows are short and sweet. Keep in mind that your vows are a reflection of your relationship, so don’t feel like you need to overcomplicate things.
  • Keep it a secret until the day or Write them together: Writing your vows together can be a fun and bonding experience for you as a couple. Plus, it takes some of the pressure off of having to come up with something on your own.

Whatever route you decide to go, just make sure it feels right for you and your partner!