“And they lived happily ever after.” Most of us have probably read or heard this phrase at least once in our lives. It is the classic ending to almost every fairy tale romance story: the main characters live the rest of their lives in happiness. But as we grow older, we realize that love isn’t as simple as these stories make it out to be. These stories leave out some important parts: the mundane everyday things and the effort it takes to keep the spark alive, and sometimes, couples may want to look back and reflect on their journey. This is where a vow renewal comes in.
A vow renewal is a ceremony where couples can reaffirm their love and commitment to one another. There is no general rule as to when you should hold a renewal of vows, but many couples opt to do it on milestone anniversaries or after overcoming a life-changing obstacle together. You are not required to renew your vows either. In fact, vow renewal ceremonies are not that common in the Philippines. However, it is still a beautiful and meaningful way to reconnect with your partner and celebrate your growth as a couple. If you are planning to have a vow renewal ceremony but you have no idea where to start, then this article is for you.
Lay out the general details.
The first order of business is to decide what kind of celebration you prefer. Do you want a grand celebration? Or do you want an intimate gathering with only your closest friends and family? Do you want a formal and themed event? Or do you want a simple and casual gathering? Envisioning the kind of celebration you’d like first would make the whole process smoother.
Create a guest list.
After picturing the direction you want to head to, draft your guest list. Figure out who you want to be at your vow renewal. You can invite as few or as many people as you want, but note that your guest list will affect other planning decisions, such as your choice of venue and budget. Thus, having your guest list ready early on is important.
Choose a venue.
Your venue is a crucial element as it sets the tone of your ceremony. You may opt for a location that holds a significant meaning for the both of you. But if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then Tagaytay might just be the place for you. With its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and serene ambiance, Tagaytay would surely add magic to your celebration.
Hillcreek Gardens, in particular, is a popular venue for intimate weddings in Tagaytay, but it is also suitable for other small occasions like a vow renewal. Nestled within Hillcreek Gardens is The Blue Room Dining, a garden restaurant with a romantic atmosphere, making it perfect for a vow renewal ceremony and reception. Share stories and savor the moment with your loved ones over The Blue Room’s scrumptious Filipino and continental dishes. Moreover, if you wish to take the romance up a notch, Hillcreek Gardens also boasts a quaint chapel where couples can exchange their “I do’s” all over again.
Iron out the details and hire vendor(s) if necessary.
If you are leaning into a simpler vow renewal, then you might not need this step. However, if you want a more complex celebration, then you might need some extra hands to bring your vision to life. If you want to immortalize the moment, hiring a photographer is a must. Vow renewals are generally less intricate than weddings, but if you think it’s necessary, then you can also hire a coordinator, florists, and other vendors. If you choose Hillcreek Gardens, however, we offer packages that can streamline your planning process.
Choose an officiant.
Unlike weddings, there is no formal or legal paperwork required in a vow renewal, so you have the freedom to choose an officiant. They do not need to be someone of religious or legal authority. Your officiant can be a close friend, a family member, or anyone who has witnessed your journey as a married couple. Make sure to choose wisely to make the ceremony more meaningful.
Prepare your vows.
Last but not least, write your vows. A vow renewal ceremony is, of course, incomplete without the vows. You may want to revisit your old vows while incorporating everything you’ve been through in your marriage. But you may also want to take the opposite direction and rewrite your vows to reflect the changes in your relationship. Whichever way you choose to do it doesn’t matter. Just take the time to reminisce about your marriage, and write your vows from the heart.
Unlike fairy tales, love’s journey doesn’t end with a simple “happily ever after.” Even after marriage, your love will continue to evolve and deepen, and a vow renewal is a sweet and meaningful way to celebrate and honor that love. And if you choose Hillcreek Gardens and The Blue Room as your venue, our estate’s beautifully-manicured garden, charming restaurant, and lovely chapel would surely add romance to the occasion.