I’m frequently asked why couples decide to renew their wedding vows and there are lots of reasons! Here are some that I have come across – either as a guest or Celebrant. Maybe you’ve considered it and are unsure about your reason. There are now laws stating why, when or where, however, there are some poignant reasons as to why you would want to, here are just seven of my favourites.
- Maybe you got married young or years ago and couldn’t afford the wedding you wanted? Your family has now grown and your children can be part of your renewal ceremony, what beautiful expression of your love for each other and your family.
- End of life is often seen as a sad point in a relationship. However, it is a wonderful way to make a lasting memory and recognise the strength your union gives you. Given the circumstances of the ceremony, a standard vow renewal script which looks to the future is inappropriate and a script which keeps things light but recognises the strength of your love and has the structure of a classic vow renewal is perfect for the occasion. For couples facing a terminal illness a vow renewal is a beautiful way of making lasting memories.
- Some couples arrange a vow renewal to mark a milestone anniversary to truly celebrate the strength of their love and their ongoing relationship – no matter how long or short their marriage so far. Making a marriage work is full of compromises, love, madness, individual challenges and a whole lot more. You’ve stayed together for all of that time and wish to celebrate with your family and friends you journey. Renewing you vows at a milestone anniversary is a meaningful way to reaffirm your commitment to each other.
- A significant birthday is a popular milestone to renew your vows too. You may have married young and had a ‘make do’ wedding because that was all your budget allowed at the time. Let’s say you married at 18 and it’s now your 50th birthday, you have so many more life experiences, possibly established careers, children and grandchildren and you would like a celebration of your marriage to include your family as a thank you for giving you a happy marriage and long-lasting memories.
- Maybe you had a very limited budget for your original wedding and regret that as you couldn’t afford it and you were not able to have the wedding ceremony you wanted. Many couples feel that their wedding ceremony did not reflect who they were as a couple. If you married quite young parents may have considered you too young to have much say in their wedding day. Or you may have been encouraged to have a church wedding when you are not at all religious. On the other hand, others feel their registry office wedding was prescriptive and impersonal.
Renewing your vows gives you the opportunity to re-live your wedding day, where you want it, how you want it, the vows you wish to make, or do you want to call them vows?
- Maybe things have happened in your marriage which were not good but you still love each other and want very much to save your marriage. A vow renewal is a lovely personal way to reaffirm that commitment to each other, and move forward.
Vow renewal ceremonies often act as reminder of why you chose to get married in the first place. More importantly, it enables you to relive the emotions and the important event you once felt and experience during their wedding and marriage.
- Isn’t the best and most important reason of all for a vow renewal, to celebrate your love for each other
Use your vow renewal to remember the promises you made to each other on your wedding day and maybe hold you vow renewal on your anniversary. Your vows were important to you all those years ago and show your family and friends that they are just as important to you now. Renewing them enables you to re-affirm your love for each other as you venture into the next stage of married life together.
Your vow renewal ceremony is more than a celebration of your love for each other. It is also a celebration of family and friends who have been with you throughout your anniversaries, marriage, and life. It’s a fabulous way of saying thank you to them.
Every couple has many different reasons for choosing to renew their vows. Choosing a celebrant to make your ceremony unique, personal, and memorable is by far the best way your ceremony will reflect your journey together to this point. One that reaffirms their commitment to their future life together. I love vow renewals, researching a couple’s relationship together brings up some fabulous stories, stories of romance, funny moments, and supportive situations. Click Discovery Chat to find out how I can help and more importantly, to see if we are a good fit.
