There are many reasons why couples choose to renew their wedding vows. Marriage isn’t always easy, it takes work and commitment and some wish to celebrate that fact and reaffirm their love for each other publicly. Here are some reasons couples decide to renew their vows:
- Perhaps a special anniversary is approaching, such as 5th, 10th, 25th or 50th for example.
- A couple may want to get the family together and involved as a way to thanks or simply for a good old knees up!
- Perhaps some family members or friends were unable to attend the wedding due to distance or illness and a couple wants to share that moment again with those special people.
- It could be that a couple could only afford a small, simple wedding that wasn’t of their choice and now they are in a position to have the wedding the dreamed of.
- If the original wedding was a civil ceremony, the couple may now wish to have a religious one as well and vice versa.
- A desire to start afresh.
Some Information About Renewing Vows:
A renewal of vows is not a legal ceremony but remains purely symbolic and romantic. Such a ceremony requires no license or paper work, however a venue or officiant might wish to see the original marriage certificate.
Many Registry Offices in the UK offer the chance for couples to renew their vows in public places, which could be fun and imaginative! They may also supply a souvenir certificate of your renewal.
Some Do’s and Don’ts
Remember that a public renewal of vows is not a second wedding. Here are some recommendations for choosing a public ceremony:
Do:
- Keep the vows simple, heart-felt and relaxed
- Try not to draw attention to bad things of the past but focus on the future
- Approach each other from opposite sides of the room but probably not a centre aisle procession
- Have existing rings blessed, don’t feel you must buy new wedding rings
- Have a floral bouquet but it’s not to be tossed afterwards
- Make a toast to your guests and have a ‘no-gift’ reception
- Hire a photographer if you want to. Family moments like these should be captured beautifully. For a trusted Bournemouth Wedding Photographer, Nick Rutter is a professional Wedding Photographer in Bournemouth
Don’t:
- Have a gift list like you did at your wedding, it’s not appropriate
- Have a stag night or hen party
- There is no need for a best man or bridesmaids
- Don’t have a procession down an aisle
- Don’t have a tiered cake
On the day:
There are no formal traditions to stick to as with a wedding, so think of it as more of a casual celebration with close friends and family. However, there are still a few decisions to be made such as what kind of ceremony you want and where to hold the reception. You’ll need to set a budget, create a guest list, set a date and find a venue.
There is no formal need for an officiant, but some couples like to have a more formal approach to the ceremony. Couples can, however, conduct their own vows or have a friend officiate for them.
