Photo Credit: Ian Grant Photography

Your wedding vows are the most sacred and meaningful words you’ll ever speak. Some couples opt to use traditional vows, capped off with that memorable "I do," while others prefer to be wed in their own words. My fiancé Corey and I have decided to include both versions at our nuptials. Although we won't be sharing our personal vows with anyone until the day of our wedding (we don't want to give away the surprise!), here are some ways we're making them meaningful to us.

Plus, check out 30+ examples of wedding vows.

1. DO make it personal. The reason why many couples choose to write their own vows is because they want to convey their love for one another in a unique way that is specific to their relationship as a couple. Describe why you care about your partner and how much you value the fact that they've chosen to spend the rest of their life with you.

2. DON'T make it too personal. Remember, you have an audience… and that might include Grandma and Grandpa! Reference personal aspects of your relationship, but avoid mentioning how sexy you think your future husband/wife is or anything else that can be misconstrued as borderline inappropriate. It's probably best to tell them these things in private.

When we spotted this photo of a bride and groom holding up their shoes and having a blast, we had to get the story behind the photo:

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

In the picture, photographer Rebekah Hoyt and her husband, Matt, are playing “The Shoe Game."

Never heard of it? Here’s how it works: During your reception, after you’ve enjoyed some dinner, dancing, and drinks, place two chairs back-to-back on the dance floor for the bride and groom. Remove both of your shoes, then trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you’re holding one of each. Then, have a designated person ask a series of questions about the two of you and your relationship (i.e.. “Who will be doing most of the cooking?” "Who said 'I love you' first?"). After each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography 

Rebekah describes how to game played out at her wedding:

Hello, my loves. You are all just going to die (in a Zoe way) over these brand new destination wedding packages by Sandals. For years, the luxury-included brand has partnered with big-name planners to bring you cool Big Day options. However, the packages themselves weren’t always as customizable as you savvy brides would have liked.

Enter stage left: The Your Wedding. Your Style. program that launched with loads of fanfare at NYC’s gorgeous Grand Central last week.

In addition to hobnobbing with Randy Fenoli (yes, girls, that Randy of Say Yes fame), I got a sneak peek at the totally customizable program. It’s so simple, so pretty, and so perfect for every bride, I’m afraid none of you will get your work done at the office. See, the program is streamlined online, so you can literally plan and re-plan your wedding all day long by choosing which Sandals property, what colors, flowers, décor option and even a DJ!

Personally, I prefer the Emerald Bay outpost, which has one of the Caribbean’s most challenging and gorgeous golf courses. I also like the idea of having bright pink flowers, or maybe peach or white and letting my guests boogie all night poolside. Or maybe they’d prefer being on one of the manicured lawns… See what I mean? Go to sandals.com and start customizing your wedding today.