Proper Etiquette for Vow Renewal/5 Yr Anniversary Party
Hello
My husband and I were married almost 4 years ago by the JP. We live in South Carolina (where his family is) but I am from Maine (all my family is still there) and I would love to do a vow renewal/anniversary party in Maine on our 5th Anniversary. My questions are?
We have a 2 year old daughter (will be 3 on our anniversary) whom I would love to involve in the ceremony. How can I involve her? Is it appropriate to have her walk with me down to "aisle" to meet my husband at the front? Then where would she stand and is there any other things I can do to involve her in the ceremony?
I would love to do this in Maine, as I stated above. I always wanted to get married on the beach so I was thinking about doing the vow renewal on the beach. If so, is it appropriate to still walk down the aisle with my daughter or should my husband and I just stand at the front and have our closest friends and family standing around us? Do we need to have someone officiate and since it doesn't need to be a pastor or member of the clergy, who else would be appropriate?
I love the idea of a unity candle (which we never did) but I know I missed the boat on doing that since we are already united. Is there anything similar to this relating to our family and affirmation of vows?
One last question. I just want to verify that it is acceptable to hold a bouquet at a vow renewal ceremony.
Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Mar 11, 2006, 10:14 PM)
annemjuhlian
CELEBRANT & OFFICIANT
Mar 17, 2006, 9:51 AM
Post #2 of 4
(1443 views)
Re: [YankeeAtHeart] Proper Etiquette for Vow Renewal/5 Yr Anniversary Party
[In reply to]
A vow renewal ceremony can be somewhat different than your wedding ceremony. To answer your questions:
1) Absolutely include your young daughter. In most vow renewal ceremonies that I officiate, the woman does not walk down the aisle - you're not fully re-creating your wedding ceremony. Instead, you are focusing on the beautiful marriage you've created together - and start the ceremony together. And yes, have your close friends and family form a circle of support and love around you on the beach!
2) Anyone can officiate your vow renewal ceremony - a minister, non-denominational Officiant, friend.
3) Unity candle. Your Officiant/Minister can guide you on the unity candle ceremony.
4) Bouquet - absolutely! Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Officiant & Minister
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Mar 17, 2006, 10:02 AM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Mar 17, 2006, 12:00 PM
Post #3 of 4
(1436 views)
Re: [YankeeAtHeart] Proper Etiquette for Vow Renewal/5 Yr Anniversary Party
[In reply to]
I agree. Because this isn't a wedding anyone can officiate. And, including your daughter is perfect.
Re: [YankeeAtHeart] Proper Etiquette for Vow Renewal/5 Yr Anniversary Party
[In reply to]
Hello Yankee at Heart!
Though it may not be traditional, in many of the vow renewals I have conducted, brides have walked down with their children, often holding them by the hand. What could be more heart warming (or cuter!) than to see your wife walking down the aisle with your little girl?
In addition to the unity candle, you can light a candle representing your love and committment to your daughter...with her helping you. If you are on the beach, you will need glass enclosures.
After your vows, you and your husband can place a ring upon her finger and say something personal/ special to her.
For the closing blessing, you can ask your officiant to incorporate a couple of lines blessing you as a family.
Yes, as it is not a legal event, therefore, anyone can officiate, including a dear friend.
Proper Etiquette for Vow Renewal/5 Yr Anniversary Party
