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5 Tips for a Flawless Vow Renewal
Renewing your vows is an exciting milestone worth a sensational celebration. Whether you’re solidifying an elopement in front of friends and family, or honoring another chapter in a long-standing union, this day is meant to be fun and easy. Planning your celebration can be totally effortless, as long as you keep the focus where it belongs; on you, your partner and your marriage. Here are some tips for planning your ceremony that will make it stress free and completely fabulous.
- Your “I do” take two
It is most important to remember, when renewing vows, that this is not a second wedding. Bachelor and bachelorette parties should be avoided in addition to registering for gifts. For women, do not wear another wedding dress. It is best advised to match the formality of your dress to the evening. With that said, you could don something similar to what a bridesmaid’s dress looks like.
- Take it easy on the guest list
Now that you’re a few (or maybe many) years outside of your wedding, chances are you’re in a better place financially than you were as a newlywed. While having a bigger budget may make it tempting to invite your 7th cousin and that girl from work who’s name you can’t quite remember, your vow renewal should be about celebrating your marriage, not just throwing a huge party. Not only will a mile-long guest list send your budget through the roof and turn planning into a nightmare, it will distract everyone from the real beauty and poignancy of renewing your vows. Keep it to close friends and family; not only will it be easier, but it will show everyone you invite how much they mean to you.
- Make it yours
Memorable celebrations are built around the details that make a couple unique. While serving mini quiches over cocktails may be easy (and expected), try to really incorporate the special things that tell your story. If he loves whiskey and you love bacon, go for it. Serve mini BLT’s with a shot of Jack, and everyone at the party will be marveling at how ‘you’ it is. Additionally, don’t forget that this day is about both you and your partner; forgetting about his or her tastes will make the party one dimensional and will take away from the fun of experiencing the perfect day together. Incorporate personal touches into you décor; if he loves to sail, try using canvas and rope within your tablescapes. If you love taking pictures, create beautiful table number signs out of vintage photographs. When your personalities shine through, the celebration will be unforgettable.
- Speak from the heart
Maybe at your wedding you repeated traditional vows, or wrote your own that spoke to who you were as a couple at that time. After having grown and evolved together, those sentiments have perhaps deepened or altered to encompass new aspects of your life together. Write vows that really show why you’re still strong as a couple and the new things you love about each other that have developed along the way. Repeating pieces of your old vows can be sentimental and fun, but take the opportunity to remind yourselves of all the experiences and love you’ve shared in between.
- Choose someone close to you
Because a vow renewal isn’t a legal matter like a wedding, your officiant can be anyone you choose- not just a minister or government official. Having your children, friends, or your best man and maid of honor preside over the ceremony will be a new way to incorporate special people into your ceremony and, more importantly, your marriage. Having a friend or child standing at your side can also act as an amazing signifier of their importance in your marriage and that sentiment won’t be lost on them.
- Hire a pro
Hire or recruit someone to help out on your day. While you may be planning a casual party, you don’t want to spend your time running around chasing caterers or fixing tiny problems. Many wedding planners offer a day-of service, which gives you the assurance of having someone running the show but doesn’t involve planning services that eat into your budget. Whether it’s a back yard banquet or a black tie dinner, invest in taking the stress out of the day so you can really concentrate on each other and your friends and family.
