Vow renewals. Some love the idea of them, some don’t. Some see it as a testament of their love and commitment, and some see it as a waste of time. This year, hubby and I will celebrate ten years of marriage. I’ve always imagined celebrating or reaffirming our love and commitment to each other with a vow renewal. I’ve been to ones that were elaborate, and I’ve known of some that happened very privately.
Nothing could ever replace the moment and the day that we stood before family and friends and took our marriage vows in 2005. But there’s just something sentimental and exciting about being able to say them again, especially with our children here to witness it. Every year for our anniversary, we watch our wedding videos and the children love to watch it. They’re still trying to understand where they were when all that fun was going on. I don’t view a vow renewal as having a second wedding, although I wouldn’t be against putting on my wedding dress again.
The other day, a friend of mine posted a picture of an elaborately decorated reception hall, and noted that she told her husband they should renew their vows. His response was, “I didn’t know they expired.” Funny enough, that was my husband’s initial response as well. And while we all know they don’t expire, I see more good than harm from reaffirming your love. There’s just something magical and sentimental, especially because more than likely, you’re not the same people you were when you first got married.
Here are some things to consider when planning for a vow renewal:
1. Large or intimate?
Maybe you didn’t have a big wedding when you first got married, and now you want to celebrate in style – in a big way. Or maybe you want to commemorate with just immediate family and close friends.
2. Formal or casual?
Do you want to go for more of a fancy affair or will a casual celebration be the name of the game?
3. Traditional vows or write your own?
Maybe you went the traditional route when you first got married and now you want to incorporate your own personal touch, or vice versa.
4. The venue
Is there a place that holds sentimental value for you and your spouse? Maybe it’s your favorite vacation spot or somewhere you’ve been wanting to go.
5. Deciding on a budget
This should actually be the first step. But once you figure out what type of celebration you want to have, now you can figure out how to fit it within your budget.
6. Decide on a timeframe
Only you and your spouse know when the time is right to renew your vows. While often times, it’s to celebrate a milestone (5, 10, 25 years, etc.), there’s no right or wrong.
The jury is still out about how we will celebrate our ten year anniversary. And although our original marriage vows will never expire, reaffirming those vows will most likely be in our near future.
BMWK: Have you and your spouse considered renewing your vows? What are your thoughts on vow renewals – waste of time or sentimental?