The Knot Guide to Wedding Vows and Traditions: Readings, Rituals, Music, Dances, and Toasts

Loved this book -- it was very helpful, especially to couples who are writing their own vows. There were many suggested passages that are inspirational, and the book is loaded with interesting ceremony ideas.

I ordered this book as a supplement to bridge the gap between my fiance's very Baptist family, my Catholic father, my reformed (yet "just" protestant)mother, and my Christian beliefs. In addition to the fact that my fiance and I are not members of a church, we are getting married in an Emmanuel Reformed church--- and they believe what??? I love this book! Being in three weddings in the last month, I have experienced numerous different readings, and music, plus heard about a lot of traditions. Not only did this book give me ideas, but it explained traditions to me... Like the something old, something new, etc. I now have to choose from ten different readings, four quotes for my program, and whether I want to borrow vows from the book or use their ideas as spinoff for my own. If you want some variety, guidance, and ideas definitely buy this book. It leaves no religion or culture untouched. And the suggestions are wonderful. They even touch on multi-faith and non-denominational... Good luck!

This is one of the best vow books I used for creating a memorable exchange on my wedding day. I highly recommend it! I also highly recommend the book that's helping us KEEP our vows: "Loving Vows: Inspiring Promises For Building and Renewing Your Marriage" by Eklof. It takes our wedding vow's to the next level--the day-to-day reality of marriage! I've learned that it's one thing to express marital promises ceremonially, and a whole different ballgame when we try to keep them. Both books help couples win at enduring love!

My fiance and I wanted to write our own vows, pick somewhat original music, have some good toasts, get some good quotes, etc. We stood in the bookstore one day PLOWING through book after book on toasts, another stack of books on vows, another stack of books on quotes, yet another stack of books on music recommendations...And then I ordered this book- Thank goodness, because it is covers the gamut. I had bought several love poetry books in search of the right words, but this is really the best collection for weddings specifically (many of those love books had "lost love" themes like that "Lost Lenore" poem by E.A. Poe- a little depressing for a wedding.) The quotes are fantastic, the toasts are short and sweet and the vows range from religious, to romantic, to personal. And if you don't like anything that's in the book, they tell you how to write your own toasts, construct your own vows, and find your own quotes.The book has the feel of a workbook that accompanies a text book in college, with places for notes throughout, and a price that wouldn't make you uncomfortable to scrawl in the book or fold some corners to mark pages. I highly recommend STARTING with this book. If it doesn't completely fill your needs, you may want to get another one, but at least you won't screw up and spend all kinds of money on all kinds of books first. This books will fill many of your needs off the bat.

Are you planning a big wedding but don't know what to do or what to expect? Are you aware that there are different vows for different religions or that there is more to a reception than toasting and dancing? Well let me...excuse me... let Carley Roney from Knot.com tell you about the vows, the rings, the readings, giving thanks, unifying rituals, the symbolic rituals, the programming notes with quotes, the music, the dancing, the speeches, and the toasts. It's all in this larger size paperback. Weddings are a wonderful experience and getting them right is soooo important, because a couple can't go back and do it again. Even if they retake their vows, it will not be the same as the first. Carley Roney tells everyone how to get it right the first time. She also lets us in on the different religions and what is traditional in their weddings. It's beautifully written with a few pictures. I don't think it's a women only book. It's very practical for those who perform or put together weddings as well.