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Getting married is a big deal. The flowers, the cake, the huge amount of everlasting commitment you promised to one another. So many things can bring you together, but what about celebrating those things that keep you together over the years? A wedding vow renewal might just be the answer.
But why might you want to renew your wedding vows? For some, the idea of getting married once to a person is enough, but for some couples, renewing wedding vows is the perfect way to cement their feelings and reassert the promises they made. It’s also a rather lovely way to commemorate your special day and the love that’s deepened and matured as the years have gone by.
OK, so vow renewal isn’t a second wedding, but it is a ceremonious occasion and can be performed in a church if you’d like it to be. If you didn’t quite get what you wanted the first time around, renewing your vows gives you the opportunity to go as big or as small-scale as you’d like. Though, most do tend to make it a more intimate affair with close friends and family.
So…
Simply put, a vow renewal is a lovely way of celebrating your marriage all over again. It’s the perfect opportunity to reaffirm your wedding vows; whether the originals or an updated version! There are lots of reasons why a couple might consider celebrating their marriage for a second time, each one as personal as the next.
Significant milestones, such as a major wedding anniversary, are a great time for renewing vows. There are many other too. For example, you and your partner may have had children since your wedding and want to include them in your second ceremony.
Most couples choose to hire a celebrant for their vow renewal ceremony, to make the occasion more formal. During the ceremony you could repeat the marriage vows you made to each other at your wedding, or you could opt to make new ones, it’s all up to you.
One thing vow renewal doesn’t involve is legalities, so you can celebrate the occasion however you wish. The ceremony can be religious, part-religious or not religious at all. It can be held indoors or outdoors - there is really no limitation other than your imagination!
The ceremony itself can include music, readings, poetry or the exchange of gifts or flowers. A vow renewal is often a great opportunity for the children of the couple to get involved too, as this may not have been possible the first time around. A good celebrant will be able to offer support and guidance on the drafting of vows and will provide examples if you’d like to create new ones.
There is also the re-dedication of rings. Some couples may have new engravings made on their wedding bands or get new ones for the occasion. Ceremonies can also involve a symbolic ritual known as ring-warming or ring blessing, where the rings are passed around and blessed by family and friends.
If you’re wondering who walks who down the aisle, well, there’s no strict rule. A parent can still do it or you could have your children walk you down the aisle. Or how about walking down the aisle together? There really are no hard and fast rules.
When you first get married, there’s likely to be a huge mix of random guests from both sides of the family. From distant aunts, to your partner's 3rd cousin that you’ve never met before.
The beauty of a vow renewal ceremony is that there is less pressure to invite certain people and you can stick with your nearest and dearest if that’s what you want to do. Some people don’t invite anyone!
There is no set dress code for renewing vows. The occasion is yours to personalise as you wish and this extends to the dress code for your guests as well. You could wear formal clothes, evening dresses and suits, or you could even wear the same outfit that you wore to your wedding. There’s no reason why you can’t go casual either, if that’s what you want to do.
Likewise, if you’re a guest, it’s always worth checking what the dress code is before rocking up.
While some couples might have a deep connection to their original wedding rings, renewing your wedding vows is the perfect opportunity to exchange new rings if you choose.
If you’d prefer not to exchange rings, there are other things you can exchange instead. Anything from blessings, to a flower - anything that holds significance for you and your spouse. Some may choose not to exchange anything at all, opting for a “ring warming” instead. A ring warming is where your wedding rings are passed around your loved ones who then bless the ring with their well wishes.
As we mentioned before, a wedding vow renewal isn’t really a second wedding, so you shouldn’t expect others to view it as such. With that in mind, we wouldn’t recommend having things like a gift registry, a bridal shower (the clue is in the name with that one) or stag and hen parties.
You don’t need attendants such as bridesmaids and groomsmen at a vow renewal and therefore a formal procession down the aisle isn’t really necessary either. We also wouldn’t recommend a tiered wedding cake.
We would however recommend keeping things simple and somewhat casual. The same goes for any new vows that you might wish to write, focus on the positive and keep things relaxed but heartfelt.
After the ceremony, why not treat your guests to a small reception? No gifts, just fun times, smiles and positive vibes for the future.
And if you are planning on having a vow renewal, check out our wedding section. We sell wedding cards, gifts and wedding themed gift bags.