As an older adult, it’s likely you’ve spent decades of your life—perhaps even the vast majority of it—alongside another individual, and that’s no easy feat. Years of marriage, raising a family, and sharing a life are worth celebrating.
This is perhaps what inspired the vow renewal trend that rose in popularity a few decades ago. A vow renewal is a celebration of one’s long-standing love, often with friends and family who could not be present for the initial wedding. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary or just want to recognize your love, consider these vow renewal ideas for seniors. It is wedding season, after all!
Don’t stress about planning
Remember, vow renewals don’t have to be to the scale of a wedding. You don’t have to have all the bells and whistles of a traditional wedding. A small party in your yard can be just as special and memorable. Spend as much, or as little, money as you are comfortable with.
Choose a location that is meaningful to you
Your vow renewal should be all about the beautiful life you’ve built together. So, don’t choose just any location to host your ceremony—do it in a place that means a lot to you. This could be anything from a favorite park, to a special vacation spot, to your backyard. If your original wedding venue is still available, renewing your vows there would be especially heartwarming.
Include your family in the ceremony
If you and your spouse have been lucky enough to have children, you don’t need to be told how important they are to you. With that in mind, consider involving them in the ceremony. They could officiate, or give short speeches discussing your marriage. If you don’t have any children, you could just as easily have close friends do the same.
Write new vows
Many older adults said “I do” using the marriage vows provided to them by their first officiant. This time, take the opportunity to say something more personal. Take time to write personalized vows to your loved one that illustrate how much of an impact they’ve had on your life. Hand-write them so your spouse can keep them for years to come.
Wear what you feel comfortable in
One of the best things about a vow renewal is that there isn’t the same pressure associated with a wedding. This ceremony can be whatever you want it to be. As a result, you don’t have to be worried about finding a new wedding dress or suit. Your wedding attire can be whatever you feel comfortable in— whether that’s more casual or something resembling cocktail attire.
Update your rings
Commemorate your commitment to one another by updating your wedding bands. Some may choose to buy new rings, as their style may have changed over the years. Others may add a band to their stacked rings. And some others, who want to maintain the original token of their love, may choose to have the original wedding ring engraved. Each is a sweet idea.
Don’t forget a photographer
While you don’t need to play by any of the standard wedding rules, one wedding standard you may want to keep is hiring a photographer. Don’t count on your loved ones to take quality photographs of this special day. Instead, hire a professional photographer to properly memorialize your celebration. Add these pictures to your existing album of wedding photos, or separate them in a second, classy booklet.
For help at home, consider an at-home caregiver
Certain activities of daily living are difficult enough without a vow renewal ceremony to plan for. If you find you struggle with activities like meal planning, running errands, remembering to take medication, or any other activities of daily living, you may benefit from the aid of an at-home caregiver.
Home Care Powered by AUAF would be honored to provide you and your loved one the support you need to age in place. For more information on our services, call us at 773-274-9262.
