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Show Vow reaffirmation becoming popular perhaps a sleek sheath, smooth charmeuse or invitation, the wording would be: The honour of your presence is requested at the reaffirmation reaf-firmation of the wedding vows of Mr. and Mrs Finally, what should you wear? For the "bride": you might consider bringing your actual wedding dress out of storage for the event. Updated with some new accessories, it'll look both nostalgic and fashionable. Or, you might prefer to shop for a new, more sophisticated look-floaty look-floaty chiffon in a "tea" or "ballet" length. Ask your local bridal salon to help you. To complete your outfit select imaginative flowers such as a nosegay pinned to your bodice or a garland circling your waist, and jewelry that has special significance, anew anniversary ring, etc. The "groom" could wear either a tuxedo or a well-tailored business suit, depending on how formal the party will be. Have you ever said to your husband or wife, "I love you so much I'd i marry you all over" . again?" Now there's a way to make good on your promise: have a reaffirmation : ceremony. According to Barbara Tober, editor-in-chief of Bride's magazine, "Across the entire United States, the custom of reaffirming one's wedding vows is fast becoming popular for couples who are happily married and want to say so to each other and to the world." Marriages in the United States set a new national record this last year while the divorce rate leveled off. "Committed couples are working harder to reduce the possibility of failure," says Tober. "They want to ensure the kind of stability that will see them right through their 50th anniversaryand an-niversaryand beyond." When in particular might a couple want to rededicate their commitment com-mitment to each other? Some choose a significant anniversarysay an-niversarysay the 5th or 25th. Others mark a major event in life, such as the birth of a child. Still others are prompted promp-ted to renew their vows after they've successfully suc-cessfully weathered a period of marital stress and decided to stay together. To plan a reaffirmation reaf-firmation ceremony, says Brides, speak to your clergyman. He could help you work out your own service, complete with readings, music, even a processional. Another option would be for you to arrange a quiet interlude in-terlude for the ceremony within an anniversary or other party you'll have. You should also decide what vows to recite. Maybe you could repeat the same ones you said to each other when you married, having the clergy insert something like "renewing their promise in the presence of God." Or look into the revised marriage services ser-vices many faiths now offer. "The Book of Common Prayer," for instance, asks quests to promise to "uphold these two persons in their marriage." One way to make sure your vows express exactly what you and your spouse feel is to write them yourselves. For example, you might want to make pledges relating to patience, health, a sense of humor or ability to communicate. If you and your spouse have children, by all means include them in the ceremony. They'll be thrilled! Young children may serve as flower carriers or ring bearers. Teens could usher, read a poem or scripture passage or sing. After the ceremony, why not have a special reception? It can be anything you want, from a candlelit dinner for just family to a cocktail party for just about everyone you know. Carry out the reaffirmation reaf-firmation theme by including some classic wedding touches such as champagne and a festive cake. Decorate the party area with colors and photos from your original wedding. If you'll have a formal celebration for more than 50 guests, it's a good idea to send printed invitations. For a formal |