Hello, I'm new to this site and am not quite sure which is the proper area for this question.
I am getting married (first time) at age 51; my fiancé has been married once before. My parents were married 60 years ago and I suggested that they renew their vows at our ceremony. They were very touched at this idea.
This will be a very small and somewhat casual affair. It will be an outdoor ceremony held in a gazebo in a park. I don't expect more than fifty guests.
The question is - how do we handle the logistics of the wedding ceremony and the renewal of vows? Should the renewal be first and finish with the wedding ceremony or should it be the other way around?
If we have the renewal first, it would seem a bit silly of me to then run (well, gracefully walk) to the back of the guests to make my entrance as a bride...Yet my mother felt that if we held their renewal of vows after the wedding ceremony, it might some how "take away" from our "moment".
Thanks for any thoughts you may have on this issue.
(I did search the site to see if you have already answered a question such as this, but couldn't find anything that fit. I apologize if I missed it.)
Gioianna
annemjuhlian
CELEBRANT & OFFICIANT
Mar 28, 2006, 10:54 AM
Post #2 of 5
(978 views)
Re: [gioiannag] My wedding and parents renewal of vows
[In reply to]
I am a non-denominational Minister and Officiant in Seattle and a week ago, I had the honor of officiating a wedding for a couple. And within the wedding ceremony, we also honored the bride's parents many years together with a wonderful renewal of their vows after the ring vows for the bride and groom. Consider the possibility of having your Officiant/Minister renew your parents vows within your wedding ceremony - it was absolutely a brilliant and very touching moment for my couple. Annemarie Juhlian, Wedding Officiant & Minister
Deacon Bob
INDEPENDANT CATHOLIC DEACON
Mar 28, 2006, 11:46 AM
Post #3 of 5
(977 views)
Re: [gioiannag] My wedding and parents renewal of vows
[In reply to]
When I officiate a ceremony I normally give a homily or sermon after the Biblical readings. This might be an excellent time during the ceremony for your parents to renew their vows. The officiant could comment on the foundation your parents gave you by their example then invite them up to renew their vows. Once they have renewed their vows they could be seated the officiant could say a word or two and conclude the homily or sermon and begin the Rite of Marriage. Wishing you the best. God Bless, Bob Deacon Bob Tousey
gioiannag
Mar 28, 2006, 1:59 PM
Post #4 of 5
(972 views)
Re: [annemjuhlian] My wedding and parents renewal of vows
[In reply to]
Thank you, both, for your wonderful idea. I really was so focused on the "before" or "after" aspect, I hadn't even considered combining the two ceremonies. This is a terrific solution!
Gioianna
gioiannag
Mar 28, 2006, 2:00 PM
Post #5 of 5
(970 views)
Re: [Deacon Bob] My wedding and parents renewal of vows
[In reply to]
Thank, you, also for your suggestion. I think it is a wonderful solution!
My wedding and parents renewal of vows
