RENEWAL OF VOWS CEREMONY
Renewal of Vows Celebrant
What to expect at your Renewal
of Vows Ceremony
A Renewal of vows ceremony is often
a combination of a couple's original marriage ceremony, and a
reaffirmation of commitment.
With a focus on reviewing their journey
thus far, and an expectation of what the future may hold, couples
often approach their renewal of vows ceremony as a way of assessing
their relationship's success.
Prelude
To commence your ceremony, it is common for music to be played,
whilst the guests mingle in anticipation of the main event.
This section of the ceremony is known as the Prelude, and is
often a selection of either classical music or popular ballads.
Processional
When the bride arrives at the ceremony and begins her walk down
the aisle, there is often music played to welcome her. The music
played at this time is commonly referred to as the processional,
and can anything from a popular Bridal March to anything that
defines the bride, the couple, or the event.
The bride may choose to wear her eoroginal wedding dress (if
it still fits), or may even choose to invest in a new dress
for the ceremony. The couple may even choose to have bridal
party, although often the budget allocated for a renewal of
vows ceremony is less than the couples original marriage ceremony
budget.
Welcome
By Celebrant
The Celebrant will welcome the couple and guests to the ceremony,
often telling a few anecdotes about the couple who are about
to renew their vows. A Celebrant may also add a 'Welcome to
Country' if the ceremony is to be held on public land.
Readings
After the welcome, the Celebrant may ask if anybody is performing
a reading. Often with a renewal of vows ceremony, couples may
choose to have readings from their original marriage ceremony.
Readings may include poetry, prose, literary texts and song
lyrics, and may be read by selected family or friends.
Exchange
of Vows
The vow exchange is one of the most poignant moments of the
renewal ceremony, and differs from vows originally exchanged
by the couple. This is because, a renewal of vows ceremony is
not legally binding, so the vows may be just about anything
the couple chooses.
Exchange
of Rings
Similar to their original marriage ceremony, the couple may
choose to exchange rings. The exchange can 2 new rings, or even
the exchange of the original rings. Once gain, the couple may
choose to say a few words during the ring exchange, in order
to give the ritual more meaning.
Traditional
Rituals
After the exchange of rings, the couple may choose to include
a ritual in their ceremony. Rituals can basically anything from
a butterfly release, dove release, or hand fasting, to a sand
ceremony, warming of the rings, or unity candle ceremony plus
more.
Rituals are designed to symolise love, hope, unity and the
joining of 2 lives going forward.
Pronouncement
of Marriage
At the conclusion of he ceremony, the Celebrant will announce
the couple to be married (even though they are already legally
married). This is done tin order to bring the ceremony to a
conclusion, and to signify the commitment as witnesses by the
guests, family and friends.
Because of the non-legally binding nature of a reaffirmation
ceremony, there is no signing of the marriage register. However,
a Celebrant may choose to issue a commemorative certificate
to the couple, as a reminder of the vows exchanged. The couple
may choose to sign the certificate, and select either family
or friends (including children who are not of legal age), to
witness the signing.
Recessional
At the conclusion of he ceremony...
Tim P Manger (Celebrant)