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Things you should know about renewing your wedding vows

BY READERS DIGEST

19th Aug 2018 Dating & Relationships

Things you should know about renewing your wedding vows
Are you thinking about making the ultimate declaration of love, again? We tell you all you need to know about renewing your marriage vows...
Your wedding day is said to be one of the happiest days of your life and for many, the idea of renewing your vows is a way to mark a special anniversary. It’s a way to reaffirm your commitment to one another and sometimes works as a way to breathe fresh energy into your relationship. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your repeat ceremony is just as special, if not more so, than the original day.

How soon can you renew your vows?

There’s no set rule as to how long you must wait before you renew your vows.
If you so wished to, you could choose to renew your commitments the day after your first ceremony. However, it’s usually left for a significant date further down the line. 
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How much will it cost?

As it’s simply a renewal, you technically don’t have to pay to renew your vows. You aren’t required to have an officiant who performs legal marriages if you renew your vows. If you wish, you could have a clergy member or judge present to officiate and make your ceremony more personally meaningful.
However, you can simply have a friend or relative perform the service and act as an officiant if you wished. It’s more the whole day that will cost, not the actual renewal.

Where should it be?

Like your original big day, there’s no set rule on where you should re-tie the knot. In the UK, country house weddings are extremely popular, but there’s also the option to renew in a house of worship, a park or, quite literally, anywhere you want.
There’s no right or wrong answer, but it’s a great opportunity to make sure you make it another day to remember.

What to wear?

The “man in a suit, woman in a white gown” idea can go out the window here, if you’d like.
There’s no set dress code when it comes to renewing your vows. It’s entirely up to you how you personalise your day and that includes what you wear.  
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Who should you invite?

On your original wedding day, couples often feel pressured into invited all family members, which can significantly increase costs.
Thankfully, renewals are often viewed as being more “intimate” meaning a smaller crowd is to be expected. It’s a day to make your own and if that means having a private ceremony, so be it.

What actually happens during the ceremony?

Normally, you’ll be asked to exchange your vows once more, recalling all the commitments you made in the original ceremony.
You then exchange rings—either new or old—and may ask those closest to you to perform readings. Just like on your very first special day, you can be led in and out by meaningful music. After all, it is pretty much a “take two” of your wedding day, and it’s up to you how the day plays out.
Of course, as was the case with your first wedding ceremony, it’s your choice as to which direction your special day goes. The most important thing to remember is that it’s really between you and your partner and as long as it’s perfect for the two of you, then that’s all that matters. Here’s to the next chapter in your life!
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