My wife and I are renewing our wedding vows and wanted to know proper procedures as well as vows to tell one another.

The reaffirmation or service of blessing can be held in a church or synagogue but it is not a legal act. If you decide to hold it in a church or synagogue you will need a clergy member to sanction your vows. It may also include many elements of your first wedding and should include an emphasis on the two of you. You may repeat the same vows or as you wish we can write new vows for you.

You can send invitations, you may add a blessing of the original rings or purchase new reaffirmation rings. You can have music for your processional and recessional, share in a cup of wine and or distribute flowers to those in attendance. Planning is same as the different degrees of the wedding - Formal, Semi-formal etc. and all the trimming's can be included. Attendants aren't necessary but you can if you so choose.

Preparation:
If Religious Reaffirmation speak with your clergy member for guidelines.

You may want to find out about marriage encounter programs i.e... Worldwide Marriage Encounter, Inc. (presented in 12 faith expressions and several languages) 1-800-795-LOVE (5683).

United Marriage Encounter 1-800-334-8920

Jewish Marriage Encounter (of any faith call for referral group in your area) 1-516-538-7766

ENRICH- P.O. Box 190 Minneapolis, MN 55413

[Answer compliments of Dianna Emerson, Bonne Foi Bridals & Weddings]