Vow renewals are a heartfelt way to celebrate your love and reaffirm the promises you made to each other on your wedding day. If you are thinking about having a vow renewal ceremony, a joyous celebration of your marriage can be planned easily and confidently with a little guidance from the experts.
What Is a Vow Renewal?
A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony for a married couple to reaffirm their commitment to each other. They are especially popular on milestone anniversaries (10, 25, or 50 years), however, there is no rule as to when to have one.
"The most important thing to remember is not to get caught up in ‘wedding planning’ again," says Natasha Anakotta of American Marriage Ministries. "Vow renewal ceremonies should be unique and meaningful while wholly re-committing yourselves to each other."
Meet the Expert
Why Do Couples Renew Their Vows?
Vow renewals are held for any number of reasons. Perhaps the couple was only able to have a small wedding or elopement and now wish to have more guests present. Maybe they've overcome an illness, infidelity, or other situation in their marriage and want to re-commit to each other. Other couples may be so crazy in love after the first year of marriage that they simply want to say "I do" all over again. For romantics, planning a surprise vow renewal for your partner can be a way to re-ignite the flame of passion. It may also be a way of saying goodbye. One particularly moving vow renewal was held in hospice for a couple, complete with flowers and cake. Two days later, after promising to see her husband in heaven, the wife passed peacefully.
Does a Vow Renewal Require a License?
• You’re not limited by marriage laws, religious restrictions, or location. Why not make it a destination vow renewal and take the family? Or go to a romantic spot with just two of you and the officiant, as there is no need for official witnesses.
• You can choose anyone to preside over the ceremony. Since it's a public speaking role with no legal obligations, your officiant can be your local pastor, a longtime friend, your original best man or maid of honor, or a hired wedding professional. Even your children can take part in performing the ceremony.
How to Plan a Vow Renewal
There is no standard protocol for planning a vow renewal ceremony, so you’ll have lots of freedom to create a meaningful celebration. Here is a general planning guide:
Decide the details.
Whether at an international destination, a restaurant, or a simple gathering at home, your celebration can be as formal or informal as you’d like. While vow renewals are not a sacrament in organized religions, you may still want to hold it in a place of worship. Check with local churches or hire a non-denominational chapel.
Choose a date and send invitations.
Once you select the location and date, send an invitation reflecting the tone and formality of the event. As vow renewals can be anything you want, your invitation will tell the guests what to expect and whether you are providing a meal, cocktail hour, or a champagne toast and cake.
Pick your outfit.
You don’t need a wedding dress, veil or tux—wear what you want. That said if you'd like to get dressed up for the occasion that is perfectly fine too. Whatever you choose, your outfit should reflect the formality of the event.
Meet with your officiant.
The officiant can deliver a welcome that outlines some of your married life experiences. You may have readings and well-wishes from guests before you say your vows. Ideally, read your vows aloud to each other. Follow up with a blessing by the officiant, a big kiss and walk out to "your song" to greet each guest personally.
Vow renewal etiquette has only one cardinal rule: Gifts from your guests are not to be solicited or expected. You can, however, present each other with new or upgraded wedding rings.
Sample Renewal Vows
You've built a life together, so there are no style guides—it’s your story. Consider affirming your original promises and include experiences or lessons learned during your marriage. You might speak to the hurdles you’ve overcome together, the joys in your lives and how you’ll continue to support your beloved as you move through life side by side. To get you started, here are some examples:
"For much of my life, I dreamed about my wedding day. I thought about the person that would be standing beside me and what things would be like after that magical day had come and gone. I wondered if there was such a thing as a perfect, lasting union. Now, __ year(s) later, I know that we have a healthy and loving marriage. True love like this is rare and difficult to find, but I know that I have found it in you. In the time that we have been married, my life has changed because of you."
"You have challenged me to do things that I didn't think possible. You have a passion for life that inspires me to be the best person I can be. Because of this, I find myself continuing to fall in love with you more deeply each day. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my one true love. Today, I want to thank you for loving me, unconditionally. I'll keep loving and supporting you and stand by your side no matter what challenges we face together. I still look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, and vow to continue loving you now, always, and forever."
"__ year(s) ago, I took you as my husband/wife – knowing in my heart that you would be my faithful companion, my lifelong partner, and my one true love. As we stand before our loved ones [and God], I pledge to stay by your side as your wife/husband/partner, in sickness, in health, in joy and sorrow, through the good times and the bad. I vow, once more, to love you without reservation, to honor and respect you. I will continue to support you, protect you from harm and to comfort you in times of distress."
"With my whole heart, I promise to remain devoted to you, to continue to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to practice patience, kindness, and understanding. Once more, I vow to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
An original newspaper from 1979:
A genuine and authentic newspaper from your wedding date back in 1979 could be an amazing gift to surprise your husband. The paper comes in a beautiful ruby coloured box embarking your Ruby Anniversary.
A vintage wine with the original newspaper:
A bottle of luxurious red wine with an original newspaper back to the date of your wedding. Would could be a better gift for a husband on his 40th Anniversary.
A Ruby Sundial:
A ruby sundial embossed with a personalised message is a best 40th Anniversary gift for your husband.
Coffee Mug:
A coffee mug with a message ‘14,600 days together but who’s counting’ is a beautiful and budget way of expressing your love and gratitude towards your hubby.
Personalised champagne flutes:
If you love to enjoy a drink together, then gift your hubby with these beautifully engraved glass flutes for champagne.
Personalised Belgian chocolates:
Does your wife have a sweet tooth? Surprise her with personalised luxury Belgian Chocolates to treat her on your Ruby Anniversary.
Personalised Cheeseboard slate:
Is your wife a cooking freak? Then show your cheesy lover for her with this amazing Personalised wooden cheeseboard set.
Funny 40th Anniversary T-shirt:
This funny 40th Anniversary T-shirt is the perfect gift for your wife to give her that hearty laugh on your Ruby Anniversary.
Necklace from the uncirculated penny of your wedding year:
Surprise your wife with a necklace that has a locket made from the uncirculated penny back to your wedding year and 40 engraved on it.
Customised cutting board:
Gift your expert home manager with this Personalised engraved cutting board marking your 40th year of love towards her.
Personalised bone China teapot:
This Personalised bone China teapot is an amazing gift for couples on their Ruby wedding anniversary.
Engraved crystal champagne flutes:
This Personalised cut crystal champagne flutes with Mr and Mrs engraved and Personalised with name and date is a perfect one to gift a couple on their 40th wedding anniversary.
Customised wedding Anniversary Print:
This 40th wedding anniversary print customised as per individual requirements is a perfect gift to fit any family.
Personalised bottle light:
This unique Personalised light bottle will make a perfect keepsake reminding them of their 40 years of togetherness.
Custom collage photo canvas:
This 40 years customised photo collage canvas wall art is a perfect gift for your parents on their 40th wedding anniversary. Add some beautiful memories from their past and make their experience even more memorable.
This Personalised miniature clones of your parents could be the best gift to surprise your parents on their 40th wedding anniversary.
Family tree:
Tell your family story and love for your parents with this fully customizable beautiful family tree.
Retro vinyl record wall clock:
This carved retro vinyl wall clock will take them back to their old days and make your parents relive their memories.
Coffee mug:
This coffee mug with the funny caption is a hilarious way of wishing someone on their 40th
anniversary.
Cartoon portrait:
Gift your friends a funny cartoon portrait of their photo on their 40th wedding anniversary.
Personalised pillow cover:
Customized40th wedding anniversary pillow cover is a great gift for those celebrating their ruby anniversary.
Metal ruby rose:
This metal ruby rose is an amazing keepsake and a beautiful way of expressing your love towards the couple celebrating their Ruby Anniversary.
Here are the few latest 40th wedding anniversary gifts which will surely appreciate by your partner,
Personalized Ruby Heart Plate:
This personalised bone china plate is painted with lovely ruby coloured hearts to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of the couple. You can add in romantic lines or keep it simple by printed wishes. The name of the couple gets highlighted here as well. Present this gift with a bunch of flowers; it gives a nice look for your gift.
Swarovski Crystal Gift:
Here is a stunning 40th-anniversary crystal gift using Swarovski crystals. The little dangling hearts look very special. The bright red ruby crystals are perfect for the round setting. Red coloured crystals make shine and sparkling like light; this one is a cool gift for your loved one.
Ruby Red Glass:
Get this wonderful ruby glass or tumbler to your spouse as a 40th-anniversary gift. The red glass is printed with wishes for the anniversary. You can use the glass to keep knickknacks or use it for drinking. We can buy this glass by online shopping method; you will get more collections in shape and size too.
Ceramic Mugs:
These ceramic mugs with red hearts are the wonderful 40th wedding anniversary gift ideas to give your spouse. This comes in a box that is decorated and suitable for the anniversary. The white mug with the red hearts looks striking and beautiful. This is a nice Eco-friendly gift to your dear one on this 40th wedding anniversary day.
Luxury Champagne:
Get a luxury champagne bottle for your husband or wife this anniversary and get it personalised by labelling it. This ruby red label works best for the 40 wedding anniversary gift ideas. The champagne should be luxurious and rich as it is for an important occasion. Celebrate your evening of wedding anniversary with this highest branded champagne.
Ruby Ring:
Make your wife happy with this gorgeous, stunning ruby ring with diamonds. The large ruby gemstone in the centre of the ring makes a wonderful statement. The tiny diamonds that encircle the ruby are perfectly complemented by it. Let give her more attention on this special day, what better 40th-anniversary gift ideas can you come up with?
Celebration Paper Weight:
This celebration paperweight is a great gift for your husband. The engraved glass paperweight is round in shape and looks stunning on the table. You can give this as a 40-year anniversary gift by engraving it with the year in white. Small gifting idea gives more attachment too.
Anniversary Cake:
Here is a sweet celebration cake that you can gift on the 40th anniversary. This stunning cake has a simple decoration on it. The red and white combination works beautifully, and the red fondant rose stands out. This can be one of the best 40th wedding anniversary ideas.
Handmade Heart Ornament:
Anything handmade is always appreciated. This lovely handmade heart ornament with red roses on edge is perfect as a 40-anniversary gift. You can add in any lines in the centre along with names of the couple. Use a ribbon to hang the ornament.
Every year of the Wedding Anniversary has a special meaning and is celebrated in meaningful ways. Each wedding anniversary has gifts based on a specific theme and in this way the 40th wedding anniversary gifts are based on rubies. These gorgeous red color gemstones can be gifted as jewelry or artwork. The red color can also be used as a theme and many items of gifting can be thought of.
How to celebrate a 40th wedding Anniversary:
40th wedding Anniversary is also known as the ruby anniversary. Marking 40 years of love and togetherness definitely calls for a celebration. Here are some unique ideas to celebrate a 40th wedding Anniversary:
• As it a Ruby Anniversary use a ruby sparkle or red glitter on the flowers, cards and gift packing.
• Toast a ruby red wine
• Plan a picnic where the paper plates and cups are marked in ruby red colour
• Gift your better half a ruby ring or bracelet or necklace.
Things you can do on a 40th wedding Anniversary:
You can do any of the following things to celebrate 40 years of togetherness.
• Plan a romantic getaway with your better half and go alone. Children, grandchildren, or friends – no one is allowed. Only you both go and have a gala time together. Enjoy the beautiful sunset, walk hand in hand on the beach, and relive the years bygone.
• Throw a unique ruby themed party and invite family and friends. Call for a customised ruby cake marking 40 years of love. Keep a speaking session at the party where everyone talks about their marriage and shares some fond memory.
• Dress up and spend some calm and peaceful time together. Go on a dinner date or visit a homeless shelter.
Not everybody is lucky enough to get to spend 40 beautiful years of their life with their better half. When you are getting one, you should be thankful for the almighty and make sure you celebrate this 40th wedding anniversary of yours in a beautifully unique way to cherish the milestone you have achieved in life.
Skip to content
• What Is the Symbol for 40 Years of Marriage?
• 40th Anniversary Gift for Parents
• 40th Anniversary Custom Word Art Canvas
• Celebrating Years of love Canvas Print
• Unique 40th Wedding Anniversary Sundial
• 40 Years Ago Custom Desktop Plaque
• Personalized Sheet Music Art
• 40th Anniversary Photo Collage Pillow
• 40th Anniversary Wine Glass
• 40th Ruby Anniversary print
• Wedding Anniversary Gifts Clock
• 40th Anniversary Mom and Dad Desktop Plaque
• 40th Anniversary Cutting Board
• 40th Anniversary Gift for Husband
• Personalized Star Map Wall Art Print
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Ruby Block
• Photo Family Tree Personalized Throw Blanket
• Coffee Mug
• Pop Up Cards
• Custom Anniversary Year Photo Collage Canvas
• 40th Anniversary Gift for Wife
• Custom Photo And Name Suede Pillow
• Diamond Necklace
• Ruby Anniversary Card
• A Tree Photo Collage Canvas Print
• Red Ruby Ring
• Ruby Stud Earrings
• Classic Roses
• Stylist Bag in Ruby
You may wish to do something extra special like renew and remember how to write your wedding vows, or you may want to just pick out the perfect 40th anniversary gifts. Review this guide and learn how to find the best gifts for him, her, and couples.
What Is the Symbol for 40 Years of Marriage?
Every anniversary has a special theme to symbolize how strong the relationship has grown over the years. For the 40th anniversary, ruby is the common symbol. Meant to represent the fiery passion that has been burning for the last four decades. Plus, it is quite easy to work this 40th anniversary symbol and find a variety of clever and creative gifts.
40th Anniversary Gift for Parents
When your parents are about to celebrate a 40th anniversary, you absolutely want to dedicate some time and energy to picking out the right presents. For parents, children are everything. By taking time to make this anniversary special for mom and dad, you can be sure to put smiles on their faces and build new memories that will last for years.
This ruby wedding art is on fire! Our 40th wedding anniversary custom word art canvas print brings spice to the life of a delightful marriage. Its blazing and busy design will add style and pizzazz to any pair‘s home. Catch their sizzling love journey with this hot gift!
A 40th wedding anniversary is a big deal. While finding the perfect present can be complicated, a simple gift like this 40th anniversary sign might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Featuring a beautiful design and sweet message, you will surely make your parents feel appreciated with this touching token of affection.
Since it is special to celebrate 40 years with a partner, a gift commemorating the occasion should also be unique. If you’d like to surprise and delight your parents consider gifting a sundial for their fortieth anniversary.
The colors fit the ruby theme and the item will look gorgeous in a home garden.
Spending four decades together is an incredible achievement. You’ve had your ups and downs and overcame various challenges in marriage.
For your 40th anniversary, go for the "40 Years Ago You Gave Me A Ring" custom desktop plaque. Melt their heart by customizing it with your names and favorite photos.