Wedding ring vows are the statement you make while presenting your ring to your other half. The best wedding ring vows are short and meaningful, but if you need a bit of help personalising or writing them, I've found some top tips on how to craft a heartfelt ring exchange vow for your big day.
What Is a Ring Exchange?
A ring exchange is a symbol of the commitment two people make to each other on their wedding day. Couples can exchange rings as part of their wedding vows, in which case, no ring vows are needed, or they may have a separate wedding ring exchange following the wedding vows.
From ancient times to the not-so-distant past, if a ring presentation was part of a wedding ceremony, there was only one ring and the groom gave it to the bride. Today it’s common to have an exchange of two rings between the couple, often called a double-ring ceremony. A religious ceremony performed by a priest or minister may not allow for any changes to the script used in the sacrament or rite of marriage. But, if you are having a non-denominational or a civil ceremony, in most instances, you may write your wedding ring vows if you wish.
Here's how to write your ring exchange vows along with a few tips and questions to help you get started.
Answer These Questions to Get Started
Getting started is often the hardest part. Here are some thought-provoking questions to ask yourself:
What does your wedding ring mean to you?
When did you realize your partner was the one?
How will you show your commitment throughout your marriage?
What promises do you want to make to your partner?
Ring Exchange Vow Template
Start by Expressing Your Joy
You just made your commitment, so consider including what your ring symbolises to you.
Look to a Quote or a Poem
There is lots of leeway with regards to style for these vows, and they don't have to be original. Inspiring quotes from your favourite figures could offer inspiration as well.
Ask Your Officiant to Offer a Few Words
You may also have a blessing of the rings before the exchange if you wish. Many Christians like to have their rings blessed on a Bible. If the officiant is blessing your wedding bands as part of the ceremony, you may also have your engagement ring blessed at the same time. Both the engagement ring and wedding ring will be placed on the hand together during the ring exchange.
Tell Your Partner You Love Them
On your wedding day, the words "I love you" can never be said enough.
Ring Exchange Vow Tips
Consider the Length
The vows should be one to three sentences in length. You've already said your wedding vows, so ring vows are just the icing on the cake, the exclamation point, the symbolic seal to your wedding vows. The classic, “With this ring, I thee wed," says it all.
Practice Beforehand
Unless you memorize your vows, you'll be repeating them after the minister. Your hands will be busy putting a ring on your cherished one’s finger so you can’t hold a piece of paper with your vows on it. That's why it's important to practice and memorize them.
Don't Worry About What Your Partner Will Say
Your ring vow doesn’t have to be the same as your partner’s. The beauty is that you each express your feelings for one another in your own words.
Engrave Them As a Keepsake
A phrase from your ring vows may be engraved inside your rings to preserve the moment you exchanged your wedding ring vows, forever.
It’s adorable to have a child or your fur baby walk down the aisle with your ring pillow—it’s just not a great idea to have them hold your rings. Tie two ornamental rings to the ring pillow and have your best man or other adult be responsible for the real wedding bands.
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