Vow Renewal "Ettiquette"

Updated on May 22, 2013
S.S. asks from Mansfield, TX
17 answers

I browsed over previous questions and didn't exactly see the info I am needing.....pardon me if I accidentally overlooked.

I am planning a vow renewal for our 10th anniversary (a ways off, but starting now since I will be doing a lot of DIY stuff)....I've pretty much got my vision nailed down, but I have one part that is still confusing me....

We eloped (one officiant and three witnesses)....so when we do this big ceremony, is it okay for hubby and I to walk in together, since my dad won't be "giving me away"? Or should I walk in alone? Should my dad escort me? Or hubby, son, and me all together? This ceremony will be informal but elegant. No church or anything. It will be outdoors.

Thanks everyone!

***ETA - there are several reasons why we want to do this, for those wanting to hate on the idea of a vow renewal....first, we eloped because of nosey mothers and second, we have been through sooooo much and want to reaffirm to ourselves and to those that doubted this marriage.

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So What Happened?

Well as I thought would be the majority, I think all 3 of us will walk together! Thank you for all your input, I really appreciate it! I, too, thought it would be odd if my dad participated in that part, maybe he can stand up at the ceremony and tell the story of when my husband asked for my hand in marriage.

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O.O.

answers from Kansas City on

I think it would be cute if all 3 of you walked in together.
10 years later--two individuals are a family.
Super cute!

3 moms found this helpful

R.H.

answers from Houston on

I like the idea of a celebration for ANY occaasion. We have so few happy occastions in life. Do it--all 3!

Best wishes

1 mom found this helpful

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M.P.

answers from Raleigh on

I participated in a vow renewal last year. My friend had her two sons walk her down the aisle. It was very sweet. I would just have your son do the honors. :)

7 moms found this helpful

O.H.

answers from Phoenix on

I like the idea of the 2 of you walking in together. Good luck and congrats!

6 moms found this helpful
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H.L.

answers from Houston on

Because it is a renewal, it won't be--and shouldn't be--like an original wedding. You have already been "given" to your husband, so there's no need for that symbolism in a renewal. If you and your husband want to walk in together, have at it. Think about the origins of certain wedding traditions. If they don't apply to you now, don't do them. Isn't the point of renewing to celebrate where you are TODAY? Why act like you're starting over?

5 moms found this helpful
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B..

answers from Dallas on

I think you should all walk in together! That would be really sweet :)

4 moms found this helpful
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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

We are doing a very very simple renewal for our 10th as well. I didn't have anyone walk me down before and I will not have anyone walk me now. I would not find it odd if you walked together.

4 moms found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

You can do whatever you wish since it's your ceremony/renewal. I think it would be sweet to walk down the aisle with your son, so you both join Dad at the altar.

4 moms found this helpful

M.O.

answers from Cleveland on

My husband walked in with our middle two teen girls. I followed shortly thereafter with my youngest daughter and our oldest, our son.

You can do anything you want.

3 moms found this helpful
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E.T.

answers from Albuquerque on

I agree with everyone else - either you and hubby walk in together, or you, hubby and son. I had to respond, though, and say that I love the idea of your dad talking about when your husband asked for your hand in marriage.

3 moms found this helpful
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B.B.

answers from Missoula on

I like the idea of you walking in together, either you and hubby or the whole family, but then my husband and I walked down the aisle together at our own wedding, so maybe I'm biased.

I think having a parent escort you would be a little odd, since you've been married for ten years, but again, I'm not wild about the "giving away" of women to begin with.

3 moms found this helpful

M.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I'm glad you asked this. We are also planning a vow renewal for our 10th, not until NEXT October, but I'm starting to look at things now.

I would LOVE to have my dad give me away, but since we got married in the courthouse in 2004, I think that's kind of out now. I think you do whatever works for you guys!

3 moms found this helpful

J.W.

answers from St. Louis on

As I remember, when my Aunts and Uncles did their 50 year anniversary celebration in church as a re-affirment of their vows, they walked down the isle together. After all they are already married and that was what we were there to celebrate.

Perhaps I am old fashioned but anything else doesn't feel like a celebration of love. It seems quite the opposite, a do over, because something is lacking.

3 moms found this helpful

J.E.

answers from Minneapolis on

with a renewal, there isn't clear ettiquette so I don't think you'd be "wrong" either way. I, personally, wouldn't have your dad escort you as you're already married. I do think it would be sweet for your son to walk you in. If he's not comfortable, then I think walking in with your hubby would be fine too, but my thought would be your son.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.A.

answers from Dallas on

First of all, Congratulations!! You can do anything you want, it’s your marriage. I also eloped and have batted around the idea of a “renewal” on our 20th (7 years from now). Maybe you could ask your dad to stand at the alter in a “best person” kind of role or have him read something during the ceremony? Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will be lovely. Remember to have fun

2 moms found this helpful
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J.R.

answers from Dallas on

As someone else said, it's what you want. My neice and her husband went to a JP so they renewed theirs at 10 years. The kids were each an "attendent" and her dad walked her down the ailse. She wore a very pretty tea length dress and they exchanged the "mizpah" necklace (not sure if that's how to spell it.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.K.

answers from Appleton on

Are you exchanging rings? If so you could have your son be the ring bearer and walk in fron of you and hubby.

1 mom found this helpful
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