Couples across the world are now finding themselves in much closer quarters with their spouses (and children) than ever before, due to the broad stay-at-home orders issued in most places around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there are challenges at times, many couples are finding that they finally are having time to reconnect with one another in a way they haven’t had time for during their regular hectic lives, and this connection has led to a rekindling of the spark that drew them together in the first place.

As a way to honor this feeling of connection, and to spice things up from the monotony of being forced to stay at home, some couples have decided it’s the perfect time for a vow renewal – and some are doing it in a non-traditional way!

Ideas to Create a Special Vow Renewal at Home

1. Who do you want to “be there” with you?

Think about if you just want to make this about your immediate family – the ones present with you at home now – or if you want to involve any loved ones who can’t be physically present with you right now. If you want to have other loved ones to experience your vow renewal with you, even though they can’t be physically present, then look into various online video platforms where you can have these people be with you virtually (see our previous blog on Virtual Weddings for a list of great hosting platforms).

 

2. Where do you want to “go”?

Decide if you want to keep things local, or if you want to make it fun and “go” somewhere special to mark the occasion.

Some wedding and vow renewal services, like Simple Kona Beach Weddings in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, are now offering virtual vow renewals (and weddings) to help you and any loved ones “take a trip” to Hawaii for your vow renewal, giving you a Hawaiian-themed vow renewal ceremony and a beautiful ocean view, straight from their home lanai to your home or yard. It’s a fun way to take a virtual trip to Hawaii to renew your vows, even though you are sheltered in place. 

 

3. Make Your Vows Count

For many couples, you’ve probably spent more time with your spouse than you have in ages, and you probably realize now more than ever how much they mean to you. You can put all of these thoughts into your vows. You can either write your own (it doesn’t matter if they are on a piece of paper or a napkin or your phone) or speak from the heart spontaneously during the ceremony. But don’t worry, your wedding officiant should have vows for you to repeat should you get too nervous to do so, especially if you have virtual guests watching. 

 

4. Involve the Family

Whatever you do, you can have fun as a couple or as a family (especially if you have kids or extended family at home) involving everyone in creating a special atmosphere for the big day. You can source from what you have in the house or in your yard, order things online, or have a local delivery service bring everything from flowers to a cake to special decorations to make your vow renewal special. 

If you have other family members at home with you, assign special tasks to each member – photographer, the person in charge of decorations, cake or dinner maker, table design, flower arranger – to help everyone feel involved. 

Most importantly, cherish this time at home together, and love one another.

 

If you’d like to take a virtual trip to Hawaii to renew your vows, or if you want to take an actual trip to Hawaii to renew your vows for after the pandemic is over, Simple Kona Beach Weddings of Kailua-Kona is here to help. Founder and organizer Becky Ringler brings an extensive background in wedding planning and specializes in putting together intimate gatherings. Whether you’re opting for a simple vow renewal online or want to plan a beach ceremony in the future, check out their website by going online or by connecting on Facebook.