Wedding vows can be recited in one of three ways. You and your spouse will be communicating directly to one other if you compose your own vows. Another option is to repeat the vows after your officiant, which can take some of the strain off of saying vows. Officiant, for example: "Please repeat after me. I (state your name) take (name of bride or groom) to be my wife/husband. I promise to love her/him forever." The third option is to say nothing new but simply reaffirm what is already stated in the marriage license. For example, if it says "marriage by immersion," then you would just say "by immersion." Vows can be written out as a couplet or poem. These poems are often based on experiences or feelings that the writer wants to convey to their spouse-to-be. Sometimes writers may even create entire stories around specific ideas or concepts such as "sugar" or "water." Wedding planners often recommend that you write your own vows because it gives the ceremony more meaning and isn't forced. In addition to writing your own vows, you can also choose to use prewritten phrases. There are many websites that offer premade vows that you can modify slightly or add your own words to. For example, one site offers dozens of different prewritten wedding vows that you can select from. Your minister can also offer suggestions for creating meaningful vows that speak to the nature of your relationship.