For some couples, renewing wedding vows is an important symbol of your love and relationship. There are many different reasons why people opt to do this, and no matter the reason, if it’s important to you, that’s all that matters. However, if you and your significant other decide you want to renew your vows, here are five things you should think about to help the event run smoothly and make the most out of your special day.
- Choose the location.
One of the first things you must decide is where the vow renewal will take place. For some people, an intimate backyard gathering is exactly what they want. For others, a big party—basically like a second wedding—is a necessity. And for some, going to an exotic destination is the right thing to do. There are no right and wrong places to hold your vow renewal. Instead, you need to pick a place that makes sense for you.
If you do decide to renew your vows in a public place, you should be sure to check and see if there are certain permits that may be required. For instance, if you opt to do it in a park, that town may require you to have a permit to set up a tent or tables (if that’s what you opt to do). It’s always a good idea to check first to be safe. After all, the last thing you want is for someone to break up your ceremony because you’re violating some law or regulation.
- Choose the guests.
Once you know where you will have it, you should also think about your guest list. Is this something you want to do privately? Do you want to invite only close friends and family members? Would you want to invite everyone who attended your wedding? Once again, there are no right and wrong answers, so you can invite those you wish. You may want to think about your guest list before finalizing your space, or use your space to determine who to invite. For instance, if you are having a destination vow renewal, you may want to keep your guest list short, as not many people may be able to attend.
- Make it special.
There’s a reason you want to renew your vows, so be sure you make the event special. Maybe you can recreate your initial wedding day, or maybe you want to do something totally different. Maybe you want to get a custom engagement ring and re-propose to your significant other. Maybe you had a courthouse wedding and want to splurge this time. Maybe you want to get your children involved. There are plenty of ways you can make your vow renewal totally special. Take some time to talk with your significant other and discuss what you believe would be the best option. Then, figure out what you want to do and start working to get it done.
- Think of the officiant.
Renewing wedding vows is just as symbolic and important as saying your traditional vows. For this reason, it’s important to think about the officiant. Do you want to keep it traditional and use a priest or pastor from your church? Would you prefer to ordain a friend or relative and have them perform the ceremony? Once again, the choice is up to you. Just be sure you really think about what you want and what would make the event special, and then make your choice based on what you decide.
- Decide if you want a “wedding” party.
For some people, renewing their vows is just about the two of them. For others, they want to keep it like a real wedding. You and your spouse should decide if you want to renew your vows with only each other or with your important friends and family members by your side as part of your “wedding” party.
Renewing your wedding vows can be a beautiful way to show your spouse just how much they still mean to you after all these years. No matter how you decide to renew your vows, just be sure that you do it the way each of you desires.
