Vow Renewals

Renewing your wedding vows  can be a great opportunity to show your children, grandchildren, friends and family how much you and your spouse still love and care for one another.  A vow renewal ceremony is also a great excuse to escape to some dream destination that you've always wanted to visit, but never had the time to see.  But like your wedding,  a vow renewal ceremony  can take a little bit of preparation time--from actually writing your new vows to making travel  accommodations and music  selections--you should set aside some time to make this moment truly magical.

When To Renew

Obviously, there is no right or wrong time to renew your vows. There are, however, common times where people choose to do so:

• On lengthy anniversaries,  like 10, 25 or even 50 years.
• After a particularly rough patch, such as an illness or estrangement.
• After retirement, when you have a lot of free time to spare.

The Ceremony and Reception

It's time to throw tradition to the wind and get as creative as you want.  Here are a few fun ideas for your renewal ceremony and reception:

• Walk down the aisle to "your song."
• Play your wedding video at the reception. 
• Let your children or grandchildren hand-draw your invitations. 
• Let the children participate in a unity candle  lighting ceremony.
• Buy new wedding bands  and have them engraved for the occasion.
• Hold the event at your honeymoon destination, in the same hotel!
• Display your first wedding photos  and give copies as favours. 
• Since there are no official/legal documents involved, consider having a good friend or family member preside over the ceremony.

The Vows

Some things to think about to get those creative juices flowing:

• Why have you decided to renew your vows in the first place?
• How has your husband or wife made you a better person?
• What do you plan to do for him and her in the future?
• What are the first words that pop in your head to describe your marriage?
• What have you learned from your spouse?
• What wonderful things about your spouse have remain unchanged since your first wedding?

Also, consider consulting poetry, your favourite films, novels and songs for inspiration.

Related Guides

Wedding Vows	Wedding Toasts	Ceremony Readings	Wedding Gifts for a Second Marriage	Second Weddings

External Links

• IDoTakeTwo.com:  Vow samples and renewal tips.