Most of us have heard of the concept of renewing wedding vows. But, unless you know someone who’s done it, or you’ve been to a renewal ceremony, the details can be a bit foreign. So, if you’ve been thinking that the idea appeals to you, or even if you’re just curious about the concept, here are a few basic tips and answers to common questions about vow renewal.
Why Renew Vows?
Really, there are any number of different reasons to renew marriage vows. Some couples do it to celebrate a milestone anniversary – after 25, 30, or however many years together, it can be a nice idea to repeat your marriage vows as a symbol of renewed and continued commitment. Other couples do it following a rough patch, either in the relationship specifically, or for one partner (a serious illness for example). In this case, a vow renewal can serve to get the marriage back on track. Finally, some couples also renew vows as part of a whole new marriage celebration, often because they couldn’t afford an extravagant wedding when they were younger.
What’s The Event Like?
Again, this depends completely on your own preferences and situation. Some couples renew vows privately, as a very intimate and personal ceremony. Others invite close friends and family (and most particularly, their children, if children are in the picture). And, as mentioned, some couples make a whole new wedding ceremony out of it! These are all perfectly popular options – when the time comes, you’ll know which fits your situation.
Are Rings Exchanged?
This is something you’ll probably want to agree upon with your spouse in advance. Many believe that with new vows, new wedding rings are perfectly appropriate. Others head to jewellers to look for tasteful and symbolic alternatives to traditional wedding bands. One great example of an alternative is an eternity ring – a simple band with small diamonds set all the way around its surface, creating a ring symbolizing connection and continuity – or, “eternity.” There are plenty of options , but generally speaking some manner of jewelry or meaningful gift exchange is appropriate.
Is There A Reception?
Unless you opt for a particularly private and intimate vow renewal, of course! It may not be a full on wedding, but a renewal of marriage vows should be a joyous occasion, and is certainly one that should be celebrated. You may want to skip gift registries, expensive catering companies and massive venues – but do yourself the honor of having some manner of reception. This is a wonderful time to mingle with the family and friends who are closest to you, and celebrate the fact that after all these years you’re as committed as ever before.
My husband always asks to do this but I think he just wants an excuse to party!
We haven’t really ever talked about doing this but I think it’s lovely for couples who are either recommitting (after a tumultuous time) or for those marking things like the 30-50 year anniversaries.
We thought about doing this for a milestone anniversary. Though we may just use it as an excuse for a getaway!
I’m sure I want to do this maybe for our 50th!!
We’re getting married next year, but I will definitely go back to this post when we renew our vows.
My wife and I did this several years ago. We mainly did it because we were not married in a church originally and wanted to change that. It was a great day and we didn’t have a party, instead we just took family and friends out to a nice dinner!
I have never known anyone that’s done a vow renewal. It sounds romantic to do it for a certain number anniversary!
As a wedding officiant in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg specifically, I absolutely love performing vow renewals. The romantic aspect of it is priceless.
My husband has tasked me with coming up with an alternative format to renew our vows. He doesn’t want to do it just yet but in a few years but am struggling to think how we could do it!