Renewing Your Vows to Celebrate the Joys of Marriage

When you think of what it takes for two people to remain in a relationship for years, it's no wonder that many couples decide to hold a "reaffirmation ceremony" or renew their vows to celebrate their accomplishment. This is a great way to reinforce your commitment to your partner and show them your love them is as strong as ever.

But this isn't the only time a reaffirmation ceremony is held. Couples who dash on the spur of the moment and elope, sometimes choose to renew their vows in front of their family and friends to give them the opportunity to celebrate their marriage in style.

Although both situations are appropriate, most often couples who have been married for 10 years or more renew their vows. In many cases this gives them the opportunity to have the type of wedding that they couldn't afford when they first said "I do." The best occasion for renewing your vows is either at a milestone in your marriage or following a particularly difficult time in your relationship which you survived. Frequently when a couple has been married for 25 years, their children can host a reaffirmation ceremony for them.

There is no hard-and-fast rule about when you can renew your vows: it can be at any point after your actual marriage that you feel is the right time, however this is not the type of ceremony that you organize frequently. It is a special event that is most appropriate to mark a significant time period in your marriage.

Unlike your first wedding ceremony, there are no legalities involved. You can choose anyone you want to officiate at the ceremony; the best man or maid of honor at your first wedding, one of your children, a judge or a member of the clergy. Your reaffirmation ceremony can be held in whatever location has special meaning for the two of you. It could be in the same place you first received your wedding ring or in location that you have always dreamed of visiting.

The difference between a first wedding and renewing your vows is also seen in the way the invitation is written and that a bridal registry is not used. Other than these two points, couples are free to indulge their heart’s desire in terms of their attire and the type of reception they host for their guests.

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