5 Reasons to Renew Your Wedding Vows

Have you ever wondered why couples renew their vows? A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony for a married couple to reaffirm their commitment to each other. Although there is no legal standing to this ritual, it is a lovely moment for spouses to share their love with each other and promises to support each other throughout the rest of their lives. Many couples choose to turn these ceremonies into full-on parties, bringing together family and friends to join in the festivities just as they did when they first said "I do."

Want to learn why spouses decide to host a vow renewal? Relationship expert Elizabeth Overstreet shares a few common reasons couples decide to say "I do" for a second time.

Hitting a Marriage Milestone

Celebrating a big anniversary? It could be a lovely time to come together with your loved ones to renew vows. "A relationship is a marathon, not a sprint," says Overstreet. "Relationships take work and continual commitment. Maybe you've hit a milestone in your marriage of five, 10, 20, 25, or 50 years. Taking time to renew your vows and remind one another of why you got started is an amazing way to reinforce all of the reasons you started, recognize what you've overcome, and celebrate what's to come."

Bringing Together Your Blended Family

If you and your spouse have children from previous relationships, it may take time before your family feels completely like one. A vow renewal can be a nice opportunity to bring everyone even closer and involve your stepchildren. "There is a saying that no one walks away from a wedding upset. The bottom line is no one does because it is celebratory and symbolic of love," shares Overstreet.

"If you've blended families, it might be a good time to celebrate post-blending once the family has learned to come together, appreciate one another, and reinforce the love that has extended beyond the parents to all of the kids," she continues. "Or, you may want to bring your kids into the mix, sharing your love legacy with them and capturing some great memories and pictures for them to cherish and have for themselves. In either instance, it's a great way to show your children and bonus children the value of celebrating love."

Overcoming a Relationship Hurdle

Recently hit a rough patch in your relationship? A vow renewal is a great way to reaffirm your commitment to each other after a difficult moment. "Perhaps you separated and came back together. Or, you started down the road to divorce proceedings but decided to give it a go," says Overstreet. "Having a renewal ceremony could cement why the two of you decided not to give up on one another."

Celebrating After an Elopement

Decided to elope with your partner or maybe host a minimony with a intimate group? If you want to have a larger celebration with family and friends, why not renew your vows at the party? "Now is the time to plan accordingly, invite others to celebrate (including new friends you have acquired during your marriage), and have the wedding you want on both terms," says Overstreet.

Toasting Your Love

Having a vow renewal with your spouse is a personal decision for the both of you. If you feel like you want to celebrate your love and commitment to each other, go ahead and do it! "You don't have to have a reason for a vow renewal just because you two value what you have, have tremendous gratitude and love for one another, and want to do a ceremony to memorialize what the two of you mean to one another. In other words, do you!"