Ask the Experts

Home: Second Weddings: Wedding Vow Renewal:
family unity ceremony for vow renewal

momto2boys07
New User

Post #1 of 6 (406 views)

family unity ceremony for vow renewal

My husband and I are renewing our vows on our 10 year anniversary next summer. We would like to include our two boys, ages 9 and 2, in the ceremony. I have read that candle lighting and sand ceremonies are not appropriate. Can someone give me suggestions for ways to include our boys that are appropriate? Thank you!

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #2 of 6 (403 views)

Re: [momto2boys07] family unity ceremony for vow renewal [In reply to]

I don't know where you read that these ceremonies are inappropriate, but I disagree. There is a family unity candle especially made for families and the sand ceremony does work with families as well. There are smaller vases you can buy separately which are used for the kids. I think Reverend Susanna has mentioned that in this forum before. Try doing a search to find her quote.

If you have an officiant offering the ceremony perhaps he/she can offer some help with the wording for vow renewals.
I Do - Take Two Moderator

momto2boys07
New User

Post #3 of 6 (400 views)

Re: [the_admin] family unity ceremony for vow renewal [In reply to]

I think I read that since the ceremonies are meant to signify the joining of two and since we are already joined, its inappropriate. Thank you for clearing it up for me. Do you think a sand ceremony would look funny in a backyard/garden ceremony? My youngest will be two and I think working with sand will be better than fire. :)

Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT

Post #4 of 6 (398 views)

Re: [momto2boys07] family unity ceremony for vow renewal [In reply to]

I'm not sure about how it would appear, silly or no. But, these ceremonies are appropriate as long as they focus on the family renewing a vow of love and not the joining of two people. It just shouldn't appear to be a wedding.
Rebecca Black, Etiquette Consultant
Etiquette Now
http://www.etiquettenow.com

the_admin
Remarriage Forum Moderator / Moderator

Post #5 of 6 (395 views)

Re: [momto2boys07] family unity ceremony for vow renewal [In reply to]

Yes, as long as the ceremonies are written in such a way as to highlight the intention, then you're fine.

That's funny about the sand vs. fire, but I think the 2 year old can be helped by you and your husband to light the candle. That would be very sweet. But, sand in the garden could be fine since it's all from nature. But, that's a personal decision. Smile

I Do - Take Two Moderator

momto2boys07
New User

Post #6 of 6 (392 views)

Re: [the_admin] family unity ceremony for vow renewal [In reply to]

Thank you both so much for your replies! Smile