Should You Renew Your Wedding Vows?

Weddings are common during the spring and summer months, and each year more and more couples will decide to wed. And even though the divorce rate is ridiculously high these days, all of these young (and young at heart) couples are expecting a future of happiness and marital bliss. The couples who will actually manage to stay together through life’s ups and downs are the fortunate ones, and in celebration of their achievement and continuing love for each other, many will decide to renew their wedding vows at some point, and celebrate their marriage all over again.

One common misconception is that couples usually re-marry because one of the partners broke their marriage vows. While this may happen occasionally, it is not usually the case at all. Most married couples who seek to renew their wedding vows do so because they still have a strong and passionate love for each other, and they simply want to express this among their closest friends and family.

A marriage renewal ceremony is very similar to a first wedding. Often though, renewal ceremonies are not as elaborate or expensive as first ceremonies. They do still require a great deal of preparation though, and there are actually many details associated with a successful renewal ceremony. In preparation for the renewal ceremony, the guest list must be decide on and confirmed. Begin by estimating the number of guests you expect to make the planning process smoother as you get underway.

The location of the ceremony will usually be your second greatest consideration, and deciding on a location that has significance for both partners is important. Many couples will renew their vows in a place that has held some special significance in their relationship. The number of guests will also need to be taken into consideration when choosing a location. Many renewing couples choose to re-take their vows in the church, but other locations like parks, homes or even baseball stadiums are also possibilities. When it comes to the location, the “rules” or guidelines are whatever you say they are. It’s your (second) wedding, so make it mean something special to you.

After settling on a location, the ceremony itself and the renewal vows must be agreed upon. Some couples prefer that their renewal ceremony and vows are as much as possible like their first wedding. But you may also want to try something different and new.

When it comes to the vows themselves, these days most couples prefer to write their own. This is so popular lately that there are even books to help you write your own vows, in case you find yourself getting stuck.

Once the vows are arranged, the reception needs to be organized. Some couples choose a low key reception after renewing their marriage vows, but there’s no reason not to go as elaborate as you desire. Usually, marriage gifts are not given at a marriage renewal ceremony, so the reception is used as a celebration of friends, family, and of course, the happy couple.

Renewing wedding vows is a re-affirmation of a couple enduring love, and it doesn’t matter how elaborate or simple the ceremony may be. After all, all that matters is the love and commitment between the happy couple.