Beyonce and Jay-Z may have recently renewed their wedding vows and got their fans talking, but the act of recommitting to each other and reaffirming your marital promises in a big way is nothing new. In fact, experts say it dates all the way back to the 50s With each decade that passes, vow renewals become more popular, and now it’s very common to see couples heading back to the altar to resolidify their marriage or celebrate a major milestone. For some, the ceremony and celebration are as big as, if not bigger than, their original wedding day.
The meaning and effects of renewing your vows can be a powerful tool in a marriage, but when exactly should you do it? There are no rules here, other than to follow your heart, but there are some key indicators that it could be a good time to recommit to each other in a big way. Here are a few.
As they say, when it rains it pours. Sometimes even though you’re staying positive and giving it your all, the universe has other plans. Your spouse may lose a job, suffer a death in the family, or worse, one of you may have to battle a serious illness. When we least expect it, there are times we suddenly have to gear up for the fight of our lives. By fighting together we can better battle the storm and go further, and when the sun reappears we’re ready to celebrate. As we should. A vow renewal is right on time here.
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Like it or not, more than 50 percent of marriages in America end in divorce. That’s why celebrating your marriage milestones how and when you choose to, is never the wrong idea. Whether it’s your 10th, 20th, or 50th, your wedding anniversary deserves a big birthday party too. Renewing your vows is the perfect way to thank each other for the time well spent and to celebrate the many years together that are yet to come.
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You thought your bond was irreparably broken, but as it turns out, you’re both ready and willing to start anew. A lot of couples agree to separate as a step toward getting divorced, but then they wind up finding their way back to each other instead. If taking a step apart actually brought you closer, it’s an excellent time to take those vows again. The recommitment could be a powerful move toward healing.
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Sometimes we need a fresh start, and setting one in motion can yield positive results in our lives or get us back on course toward our dreams. If you’ve relocated for a new job, bought a new house or gone through a major transition, it could be the right time to refresh your commitment to a life together too.
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An unexpected tragedy can take an emotional toll on you, both individually and as a couple. Sometimes the strain of trying to heal from a loss can tug on your marital bond and weaken it. Over time, even though your emotional wounds start to heal, they can still leave a void. This space creates a good time to talk about doing something to uplift you together—perhaps like renewing those vows.
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You’re officially empty nesters! Now that your kids are pursuing further excellence, and out of your house, you’re switching gears and learning how to pour back into each other. (A great thing!) With more time to enjoy each other, more kid-free vacation days ahead and a little more money in your bank accounts, you can make your own rules and focus on redefining what married life means for you.
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Perhaps the greatest commitment you’ll make in your life, beyond the one you’ve made to each other, is to you raising and nurturing your kids. For many couples, the decision to become parents is something they either put off for some time or that they face unforeseen obstacles in their path—like infertility and conception problems. In these cases, successfully welcoming a child can be an even more pivotal moment in your marriage, and an opportunity to re-commit.
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