If you have many cherished wedding memories from your big day and would love to relive the happy occasion all over again, then why not consider renewing your vows? If you and your partner are in love with the idea of a second ceremony but aren’t quite sure what it entails, then you’ve come to the right place.
With the help of two professional celebrants, we’ve compiled a guide which has everything you need to know about renewing vows.
Why Should I Renew My Wedding Vows?
There are lots of reasons why a couple might consider celebrating their marriage for a second time, but simply put, a vow renewal is a lovely way of celebrating your marriage all over again.
Significant milestones, such as a wedding anniversary, are a great time for renewing vows. There are also many other personal reasons too. For example, you and your partner may have had children since your wedding and want to include them in your second ceremony.
We spoke to Michael Gordon, a professional wedding celebrant from Vows that Wow, who has carried out many vow renewal ceremonies.
“A ceremony is all about re-affirming your marriage vows – either your original ones or an updated version,” explains Michael. “There are so many reasons why a couple may want to renew their vows. Perhaps you’ve managed five, ten, fifteen or twenty (you get the picture!) years together – now that’s a real achievement! It would be lovely to acknowledge that in company with your friends and relatives.
There are some who may be cynical about the necessity of a vow renewal ceremony, but don’t let this put you off.
How Soon Can You Renew Your Wedding Vows?
A vow renewal can take place anytime after your actual wedding—from the next day to 50 years later!
Some couples don’t want to do it too quickly, while other couples will renew their vows every year on their anniversary… yes, seriously!
How Much Does it Cost to Renew Your Wedding Vows?
You might have been surprised to find out that the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £32,273, but you’ll be just as shocked to find out how much money people spend on their vow renewal.
According to research by American Express, almost a fifth of Brits plan to or have already renewed their vows – spending £1,644 in the process. Londoners are the most likely to have a second wedding, with 33% saying they would do so.
Couples in Birmingham and Leeds were next most likely, with 21% of Brummie couples and 19% of Loiners. Despite that, couples in Liverpool are willing to spend the most on vow renewal – a total of £2,285 – more than the £2,142 Londoners are willing to spend.
When asked about the discovery, Director of American Express Jenny Cheung said: “It’s heart-warming to see that many couples are reaffirming their commitment to one another, whether they have been married five years or five decades.
What Happens in a Vow Renewal Ceremony?
Most couples choose to hire a celebrant for their vow renewal ceremony, to make the occasion more formal. During the ceremony you could repeat the marriage vows you made to each other at your wedding, or you could opt to make new ones if you’re renewing vows many years later.
“The ceremony itself can include music, readings, poetry or the exchange of gifts or flowers,” says Christina. “The children of the couple are often involved in the ceremony too. A good celebrant will be able to offer support and guidance on the drafting of vows and will provide examples.
If you’re wondering who walks who down the aisle, there are lots of options and no strict rule. How about having your children walk you down the aisle, or walking down the aisle together?
Where Can You Hold a Vow Renewal Ceremony?
The good news is that you can hold your vow renewal ceremony pretty much anywhere you like! Many couples choose to hire a wedding venue to host their celebration if they have large numbers, but you can also renew your vows in a spot that has significance to you and your partner.
If you originally had an outdoor wedding ceremony and want to relive this moment, you could even renew your vows in your own garden depending on the number of guests. Other romantic outdoor settings for a second ceremony could also be by a lake or a beach.
If you want to host a reception after the ceremony, then you totally should! It could be anything from a simple BBQ in your garden to a dinner as large and complex as a traditional reception.
There can be dancing, food and drinks, and you could even hire a photographer to capture the event. We love the idea of displaying your original wedding photographs at your reception to take your guests on a trip down memory lane!
Who Should You Invite to Your Vow Renewal?
When you first get married, there is likely to be a random mix of people thrown together on the guest list from both sides, but the beauty of a vow renewal ceremony is that there is less pressure and you’re free to invite only your nearest and dearest if that’s what you wish. In fact, lots of people don’t invite anyone!
This should come as a sweet relief to couples who still have panicky flashbacks to the sleepless nights spent organising the wedding table plan. Or perhaps the naughty distant relative who broke one of the key wedding guest rules and wore white (you STILL haven’t forgiven them).
Of course, you may even have new additions to your potential guest list if you’ve had children since your wedding! Take a look at our edit of wedding favours for children for some fun gift ideas you could present to them at the ceremony.
If you had to stick to budget friendly wedding ideas on the original day because of tight finances or personal reasons, then a vow renewal ceremony could be the perfect chance to wear the elegant wedding dress that you’ve always dreamed of.
Although you don’t have to follow some of the rules or traditions carried out at your wedding, you can still choose to plan the occasion as if you’re getting married again. For example, you could even ask your best girls to be your bridesmaids again or appoint someone to be the best man – the choice is yours.
Your second ceremony may even end up closely resembling your wedding ceremony, especially if you’re inviting most of the same guests and repeating the same vows.
Overall, renewing vows is a chance to create the celebration you and your partner have always desired, without unwanted pressure or the need to please anyone but yourselves.
If you need inspiration for your second lot of vows, take a look at these romantic quotes which we love.