STORIES BY MANYAVAR & MOHEY

Lifestyle
The Importance of the 7 Marriage Vows in Modern Weddings: A Deep Dive into Their Meaning
Date 11 March 2025 Reading time: 7-10 mins
Shaadi ka season is here and we bet your social calendar is chock-full of wedding invites! Amidst the band, baaja and baarat, have you ever stopped to think about the deeper significance of all those rituals? Like the saat phere - the seven sacred rounds the bride and groom take around the holy fire. Ever wondered what those 7 marriage vows truly signify?
As a generation that questions 'why' before 'what', understanding the meaning behind these age-old customs can make them so much more meaningful. So, let's delve into the beautiful symbolism of the 7 marriage vows and see how they are still oh-so-relevant for modern couples tying the knot!
Understanding the 7 Marriage Vows
The 7 marriage vows or the saptapadi are the heart of the Hindu wedding ceremony. As the couple circles the sacred fire, they exchange seven promises, each round representing a specific wedding vow. These aren't just random rituals - each vow holds a deep, timeless meaning:
- Nourishment and Well-being: In the first phera, the couple promises to nourish and take care of each other's overall well-being.
- Strength and Prosperity: The second vow is about standing by each other and growing together in strength and prosperity.
- Trust and Faithfulness: With the third step, the bride and groom vow to be loyal, faithful and trust each other completely.
- Respect and Happiness: The fourth round signifies a promise to respect each other and foster happiness and harmony.
- Family and Progeny: In the fifth vow, the couple prays for a happy family life and healthy children.
- Health and Longevity: The sixth phera represents a wish for a long, healthy life together filled with joy.
- Friendship and Harmony: The final vow is a promise of eternal friendship, love and togetherness.
While the exact wording may vary across regions and communities, the core essence of these vows remains the same. It's a beautiful reminder that marriage is so much more than just a fancy celebration - it's a lifelong commitment built on the pillars of love, trust, respect and companionship.
The Significance of the 7 Marriage Vows in Modern Weddings
In an age where 'happily ever after' often feels like a distant dream, these seven timeless vows can act as guiding stars for couples embarking on their marital journey. It's how well you truly understand and uphold the promises you make to each other that really counts.
How the 7 Marriage Vows are Incorporated in Modern Weddings
So how can modern couples make these traditional vows a part of their 21st-century romance? Here are some ideas:
- Include a simplified explanation of the seven vows in your wedding invite or programme. It's a great way to educate your guests about the significance of the ceremony.
- Work with your wedding officiant to create personalised vows inspired by the saptapadi. Use contemporary language that resonates with your relationship. These modern wedding vows can be both heartfelt and meaningful, reflecting the unique bond you share.
- Create a unique ritual that represents the seven vows in a way that's meaningful to you. For instance, you could light seven lamps or tie seven knots to symbolise each promise. These symbolic acts can be incorporated into your modern wedding vows to make them even more special.
- Pick seven special moments, milestones or anecdotes from your relationship that embody the spirit of these vows and share them during your ceremony. You can weave these stories into your modern wedding vows, creating a personal and memorable experience for you and your guests.
Remember, it's not about following the rituals to the tee, but embracing the timeless wisdom behind them in a way that feels authentic and relevant to your love story. Modern wedding vows offer the perfect opportunity to bring fresh meaning to these ancient promises, ensuring they resonate with your journey ahead.
Role of Wedding Attire in Emphasising the 7 Marriage Vows
While the seven vows are primarily about the intangible aspects of a marriage, your wedding ensemble can be a beautiful way to pay homage to these sacred promises. After all, what you wear on your big day is so much more than just a style statement - it's a reflection of your love, commitment and the the vows you make to each other.
Men's Sherwani Collection: A Symbol of Commitment
For the groom, nothing says 'I do' quite like a regal sherwani. And Manyavar's exquisite sherwani collection is the perfect way to honour your commitment to your bride. Crafted with the finest fabrics and intricate embroideries, these sherwanis are a testament to the timeless elegance and unbreakable bond of marriage.
Wedding Collection for Men: Reflecting the 7 Vows
The beauty of Manyavar's wedding collection for men is how it seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary style, much like how the seven pheras adapt to modern relationships. From classic kurtas to dapper Nehru jackets, each ensemble is a reflection of the values and vows.
When choosing an attire for men, it's important to consider how it embodies the wedding vows for him, serving as a physical representation of the promises made. Whether it's the elegance of a sherwani or the refinement of a tailored suit, a wedding ensemble is a reflection of commitment, much like the wedding vows for him that outline the depth of love, trust, and devotion.
Accessories for Men: Enhancing the Wedding Vows
It's not just about the clothes - the right accessories can elevate the wedding look and add deeper meaning to the attire. A regal safa or turban can symbolise strength and protection while an elegant brooch or pocket square can represent the flourish of love and happiness into the marriage.
These accessories not only complete your wedding day ensemble but also hold symbolic value, much like the wedding vows for him that signify protection, loyalty, and support. The thoughtfulness behind each accessory can serve as a reminder of the promises you make, paralleling the commitment reflected in your wedding vows for him.
Wedding Collection for Women: Embodying the 7 Vows
For the bride, choosing a wedding lehenga or saree is so much more than just picking a pretty outfit. It's about embracing your new role as a wife and the sacred vows that come with it. The rich reds, resplendent golds, and intricate craftsmanship of Mohey's wedding collection are a stunning representation of the depth and beauty of the saptapadi.
When selecting your bridal ensemble, consider how it aligns with the wedding vows, as these vows will serve as the foundation of your new life. The elegance of these garments echoes the timeless promises made in your wedding vows, signifying commitment, love, and respect.
Accessories for Women: Complementing the 7 Marriage Vows
Bridal accessories like kaleeras, maang tikkas, and hathphools are more than just ornaments; each carries a symbolic meaning tied to the seven vows. For example, kaleeras are believed to ward off evil and ensure a happy marriage, echoing the vow to protect and nurture the relationship.
When you choose accessories, remember that they serve as visual representations of the promises made, much like your wedding vows that encapsulate love, faith, and unity. These beautiful pieces not only enhance the bridal look but also serve as meaningful reminders of the promises you make to each other, reflecting the essence of wedding vows for her in every detail.
Embracing the Timeless Beauty of the Seven Pheras
So, there you have it - a deeper dive into the beautiful world of the seven pheras. As you gear up for your own shaadi or get ready to witness your loved ones' nuptials, take a moment to reflect on these timeless wedding vows and how you can make them a part of your happily ever after.
And of course, don't forget to check out Manyavar and Mohey's stunning wedding collections to find the perfect ensemble that captures the essence of your love and the sacred vows you'll be exchanging.
Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter and keeping the spark of the 7 marriage vows alive!