Renewing your wedding vows

zainab quadri

May 25, 2015 10:18 AM

It may be that you had a simple wedding first time round and you now want to hold a more elaborate celebration or perhaps you eloped and you now wish your mum was there. It could be that you didn't have a religious ceremony originally and that you now wish to be wed in holy matrimony or it may be an emotional renewal such as a special anniversary.

Renewing your wedding vows are becoming more popular, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West celebrated their one year wedding anniversary by renewing their vows in France. You can renew your vows too, it may be that you had a simple wedding first time round and you now want to hold a more elaborate celebration or perhaps you eloped and you now wish your mum was there. It could be that you didn't have a religious ceremony originally and that you now wish to be wed in holy matrimony or it may be an emotional renewal such as a special anniversary.

Renewing or reaffirming your wedding vows can be officiated by anyone you choose as it is not a legally binding ceremony - your may even wish just to exchange vows yourselves with no officiant. If you are choosing to renew your vows because you have realised after 7 years that you weren't in fact legally married then you will have to have a recognised officiant remarry you.

For a really touching renewal ceremony replicate your original day as much as possible. Hold the renewal ceremony at the original ceremony venue with the same officiant and have your original bridesmaids and groomsmen standing with you again (although don't ask them to get into the original bridesmaid dress - not only will the dresses be lucky if they got over the hips they may look like they are going to a bad 80's party) A religious vow renewal will take place during the regular services in the couple’s house of worship.

Etiquette of renewing your vows

Gifts are out of the question, and make it clear to your guests that this is the case. You are renewing your vows for emotional reasons not to get a new juicer. Use word of mouth or a simple addition to the inviitation. "No presents please just your presence"

People may feel strange attending a renewal of vows too soon after the wedding; there are no rules however a good time to consider the renewal is at around 15 years, unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

It may not be you that organises the renewal of vows, it may be your children or perhaps other family members (such as your mum because you eloped the first time!).

Invitations

Invitations should be issued by the host. A typical renewal invitation may read something like the following:

Formal:

The pleasure of your companyis requested at the reaffirmationof the wedding vows ofMr and Mrs Isaac Folorunsho

Friendly:

Celebrate with us our twenty yearsof happiness together and renew our promisesfor eternity…

Poetic:Friends and family missed that day when first you were my wife.But join us now and save the dayTo renew our wedded life

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