Etiquette on renewal of wedding vows

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

After a major life event or after some time has passed since the wedding, many couples wish to renew their wedding vows to show their significant other the importance of their union. The ultimate goal of a vow renewal is for the couple to reconfirm their marriage commitment through loving gestures and sincere words.

1. Wording the Vow Renewal

   • If there is a strong reason that lead you to reaffirm your vows, state the reason to bring clarity to your motivations. The words in your renewal vows should acknowledge your partner's contributions and reflect your gratitude for how your marriage is strengthened because of them. Proclaim in your vows your appreciation for the marriage, your continued commitment to the marriage and your love for this special someone. You may thank your significant other for keeping the promise he made in the original vows. If there are additional promises you wish to add to the original vows, this is the time to do so.

   Legal Concerns

   • Vow renewal is given for symbolic reasons. As the ceremony is not legally binding, it is not a replacement for a second wedding. If you have divorced the same marriage partner previously, you need to re-marry this person and obtain another marriage license in the state where you would perform your ceremony.

   Gifts and the Registrar

   • There is no one to give away for the renewal ceremony as the couple has already been married. Many couples choose to stand on different wings of the room and walk towards each other at the ceremony. Given the couple has already received ceremonial gifts at the wedding, guests should consider giving more practical gifts for the renewal ceremony. If gifts can be given without a registry, it is recommend to skip the registrar as this is not a typical gift-giving ceremony. Bachelor or bachelorette parties and bridal showers are also atypical for vow renewals.

   Invitations

   • Decide who will host your vow renewal ceremony. You may have a pastor from your church or a judge to officiate, but the presence of an officiant is not required for a vow renewal. Invitations could be written as follows:

     Please join ___________(partner) and _________(partner) as they reaffirm their wedding vows and celebrate _____(number of years) years together on _________(date) at ___________(venue name)_________________(location).

   Vow Renewal Ceremony

   • Depending on the reasons for renewing your wedding vows, the actual ceremony could be brief and dignified or highly elaborate and extravagant. The ultimate goal should remain on the focus of your vows to your significant others and not centered on the extravagance. Most vow renewal ceremonies are intimate celebrations with close friends and family members. Similar to a wedding, set a date, choose a venue and spend according to your budget guidelines.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding vows, renewal ceremony, your vows, couple already, Etiquette renewal