Renewing wedding vows, also called a reaffirmation of vows, is often done when a couple is already married but chooses a simple, understated ceremony to declare their love and devotion for one another. Wedding vow renewals are very different from wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Here are some ways to make your wedding vow renewal ceremony as special as your relationship!

Choose a Private, Personal Affair

Anyone can officiate at a wedding vow renewal ceremony, as is not legally binding affair like a wedding. Since couples are already married, they can choose anyone to help them in the vow renewal process, from close family members to a trusted mentor. Picking an officiate that knows the couple closely will make the ceremony very personal and special.

Unlike a wedding, many vow renewal ceremonies are closed, personal affairs. Vow renewals do not include many of the traditions of wedding ceremonies. For example, no one gives away the bride like in a wedding; the couple simply has their ceremony and then leaves for the get-together afterwards.

Guest lists for vow renewal ceremonies also differ from weddings. A couple might choose to have few guests, or only their close family members, such as children or siblings, at the vow renewal ceremony. If there are any costs associated with the vow renewal, the couple, rather than their parents, pays it. Wedding vow renewals are a special time and are meant as a significant step forward in the couple's relationship.

Choose a Special Anniversary for your Ceremony

Some couples choose a special anniversary, such as their 10th or 25th wedding anniversary, to do a vow reaffirmation ceremony. However, this is not a fast and hard rule for the married couple. Some choose to do wedding vow renewals because they have triumphed over some struggle together. Others choose to do it just because it feels right.

Special anniversaries might be significant to the couple, but doing a wedding vow renewal just because you want to is perfectly acceptable as well.

Include Children or Pets

One thing that separates wedding vow renewals from most weddings is that the couple's children or pets might not be included in the wedding, as they may not have any children or pets during the time of the wedding. Couples might want to show to their children how important their relationship is, and thus a vow renewal ceremony might be special to the family.

Include a Get-Together Afterwards

Wedding vow renewal ceremonies often include a get-together afterwards. However, unlike weddings, the wedding vow renewal is likely not to have traditions like the garter toss or bouquet toss. Simple receptions may include some type of special dance and reception food. It is important to make your own traditions when it comes to planning a wedding vow renewal ceremony.