VOW RENEWALS

There are all kinds of reasons why some couples choose to renew their vows. It may be you are lucky enough to be in a long term relationship. It might be there is another reason to refresh your long term commitment to somebody. It might be that there is not a lot of time left together and this is an opportunity to celebrate all you have shared.

It makes for a beautiful moment to restate that commitment to each other in front of family and friends, some of whom may well have been in attendance at the original ceremony, and it offers opportunities to get involved and recount stories and memories. Hilarious and beautiful stories emerge making for a relaxed and heartfelt event.

It is always a special atmosphere and of course it gives any children the chance to see how you have weathered the storms over the years and found resilience. They find out that you too, once, were young! if you have musical family members or somebody who enjoys writing or entertaining, this is a chance for them to hone their skills and show their love and gratitude.

My couples take the opportunity to create personal vows which often express how blessed they feel still having the love of a chosen companion and to thank them for their continued support through the rough times as well as good.

However many years you wish to celebrate, vow renewal is a deeply meaningful way to do it.

You might want to formalise the gifting of something for the future to children or grandchildren: a family heirloom for example.

Whatever you choose, I work with you on the words/ideas/music choices – exactly as I would if you had approached me as a younger couple  – and we put together something to see you through the next X number of years!

WHY HAVE A CELEBRANT?

Why indeed? Some people might choose to organise it themselves and have a competent family member bring it all together. That can work very well and seems to be a perfect solution. What a celebrant brings, however, is the lived experience of having brought together many ceremonies and is not directly involved, so can see a wider perspective. A celebrant is like a master of ceremonies and often has a keen eye for the overall structure of the event. They become a focal point that guests trust to lead them through and the celebrant is less likely to become emotionally compromised at key moments! Without a celebrant it can become a lovely gathering of people with somebody having to take charge anyway. By bringing in a professional, everybody can relax, sit back and know the event is in good hands.

HEART OF THE CEREMONY

At the very heart of course is the exchange of vows and many buy new rings. One couple I worked with knew they would not get their rings off their fingers, so they went with a bracelet! This moment is truly the emotional centre of the day. Like with my wedding ceremonies, I suggest the couples send me their vows separately and hear them for the first time that day. It is entirely up to you of course, but I always travel with tissues!

If you are thinking of having a vow renewal, or have something else you wish to discuss, get in touch and let me see how I can help.