Renewing Wedding vows

Actually- why not in our case. Our wedding was cancelled as I rebroke my leg (after a terrible car crash on 22nd of Dec 45 years ago) and 5 months in hospital, most of it in traction. I rebroke my leg about 1 hour after fiancé arrived from the UK with his brother 2 days before the wedding- rest of the family arriving the next day. Slipped, fell on my knee that wouldn't bend, and the lower part of the femur, which had been smashed to smithereens, broke and popped out. Massive op the next day, including re-breaking the middle part which had healed in a bow- and we got married the next day in hospital- theatre gown, drip up, white as a sheet- only his brother and my best friend were allowed, and then my parents just to kiss us afterwards.

They then left to go and have the wedding dinner, family only. So since I was not at my own wedding reception, perhaps time for one now. Celebrating 180 years, his 70, my 65 + 45 married. The hospital is now an OAP home, so will go and buy a drink and snacks for the residents too- and flowers for the person who lives in 'our' room.

DH went home after 1 week back to his job in London. I followed in a wheel-chair a couple of months later. In short, not an easy start- made us stronger.

I think it is slightly strange really - apologies to those who have followed this path.

In a weird sort of way it smacks of something having happened that requires a renewal - e.g. an infidelity!

Personally I don't get it. 45 years next year and we will go on a nice holiday and a meal and drink with family and friends.

A friend did this on her 15th anniversary in the church where the original ceremony took place then it was back to theirs for buffet for about 20. It was a lovely intimate day but not something would ever feel I wanted. When I was helping plan DD's wedding a member of a forum I used was planning a renewal for the following year with the whole dress, bridesmaids, reception everything, why ??
I do think the ring blessing is a touching idea Annie

When it was our silver wedding we wanted to celebrate so we had a party at home for family and friends. We renewed our vows a couple of days later on the anniversary date, but on our own with just a close friend who was minister of our church at the time. Didn't feel the need to have anyone there or even tell people we were doing it, but felt thankful we'd had happy times and wanted to remind ourselves of how important that commitment was - and still is now after 45 years.

My view is that if you haven't broken your wedding vows, why would you need to renew them ?

I think the same as very simple weddings or very expensive weddings Cherrytree, it's what you both want that matters, don't feel pressured into it .

Not the same thing but my elder daughter lost her wedding ring, they wanted the new ring blessed in the church where they married but didn't have the need for anyone to witness it, so just the two of them and the priest