I'm Jim and I'm new here. Couldn't find what I am looking for in the posts. Here's some info on us and what I need help with.
We have been married 25 years come August. We want to renew our vows at our anniversary party that we will host. I can get an outdoor spot for us to hold a simple ceremony with about 20 of our close friends and family. We have purchased anniversary rings that we will use in the ceremony (we plan to keep our original wedding rings). We also will provide an anniversary cake and finger foods as this will be held at around 5:00 in the afternoon. We will not be having an official (such as a minister or JP). We were originally married by a JP with no one in attendance. There is also 20 years difference in our age (she's 20 years older) and this marriage is the second for both of us.
The problem:
My stepson will officiate the vow renewals and we have put together our vows The ceremony will be held in the same place as the reception (same outdoor shelter, keeping it simple). How should the ceremony flow? Is it similar to the way a wedding ceremony flows from beginning to end? I know there will be key differences. Like leaving out the garter toss and such things as that. What should my stepson say when officiating? Something he wrote or is there something available for vow renewals he should say? Should we write something (although we haven't a clue as to what) for him to say?
I'm thinking it should flow like: Meet in the middle, stepson officiates, we say our vows, exchange anniversary rings, maybe a poem, a few steps to start a brief reception (finger foods), maybe some music. There is a pool nearby we all may use later. We know each ceremony is different. We need help on how to execute this.
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for any help you can give!
A vow renewal! How wonderful! As you create your vow renewal ceremony consider these elements:
- Officiant Address/Welcome, Sharing of your love story, commitment and history,
- Gratitude to family members, friends, etc.
- Gifts/Words to family, children and friends who have contributed so much to your marriage - relationship, etc.
- Readings, poems, something funny perhaps?
- Renewal of wedding vows - consider writing your own
- Exchange of current ring, new rings or another piece of special jewelry for the occasion.
- Ritual that celebrates your enduring love.
- Proclamation of intention for the future
Please remember that your ceremony can be whatever you want it to go - it's a celebration of your unique love story. Yes, it's sacred and respectful - and it can also be joyful, fun and incredibly memorable with planning and intention.
Enjoy! Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Officiant & Minister
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Jul 10, 2006, 4:58 PM)
Congratulations on your 25 years of love and committment! It is certainly something to celebrate.
What is delightful about a vow renewal is that you can be creative and do it your way. It can be both incredibly touching---and fun.
In terms of the ceremony, the flow follows pretty much the same as a first time ceremony except the words are naturally somewhat different in that they reflect the fact that you are revewing your vows after 25 years together. For vows, readings, ideas and helpful hints, you will find no website better than this and IDoTakeTwo.com. So, browse and jot down that which appeals to you and that which touches your heart.
It is wonderful that someone you know is doing the ceremony. He can then personalized the ceremony for you! He can relate some history perhaps, and explain that you are exchanging anniversary rings. You can select your own readings and write your own vows if you wish.
I often have my vow renewal couples answer these questions without showing each other:
-After all these years, what do you still love most about your spouse?
-How has your love deepened over the years?
-Describe a time when you felt closest to your spouse---and why?
-If there were no tomorrows, what would you want him/her to know? For what are you most grateful?
Then I interlace these words throughout the ceremony.
Also, many couples make a collage or another this-is-your life tribute of their past 25 years together for all their guests to enjoy.
If there are children or grandchildren, you can involve them as readers, best man, best woman, pillow boys, flower girls, ring bearer, bell chimers, butterfly releasers.
Ceremony questions
The problem: 
Sorry for the long post. Thanks for any help you can give! 
