My wife and I are renewing our vows after three years of marriage. We eloped because we thought it would be romantic but, realize now after attending church that God was left out and most of our family and friends. Can anyone help us with tips and proper ettiquette for the reception as well as the invitations and ceremony. Thanks in advance...your help would be greatlly appreciated.
How wonderful that you have come to such a decision!
Because this is being done to glorify God and to include people who are important enough to you to understand that, I would create an invitation that expresses how God feels about marriage (1 Corinthians 13).
The invitations can begin with a Bible verse and then a sentiment that you've written together or something along these lines:
"Please join us as we joyously and faithfully present our marriage to God for His blessing and as we renew our vows to one another."
If you have already recieved gifts the first time around (even after returning from the elopement) you may want to decline gifts this time. It's not in the best of taste to accept gifts even if you didn't as you have been married for 3 years already and gifts are traditionally given to help a newly married couple start out.
What might be a better idea is to make a decorative love offering box to bring to the reception so people can donate something to your favorite local charity instead. This way the true reason of your celebration will shine through.
You can walk down the aisle together or just begin the service already positioned in front of the minister or priest. Ask your clergyman to help you with vow-renewal wording, no doubt they've performed this before.
Whatever you decide, keep it tasteful and keep the focus on your true intentions!
God Bless,
