4 Essential Tips for Planning a Holiday Vow Renewal

Planning a vow renewal during the holiday season can be an exciting way to celebrate your love and commitment in a festive atmosphere. However, combining a vow renewal with the busiest time of year requires careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly. From managing guest expectations to handling the higher costs, here are four essential tips (plus 2 bonus tips) to help you plan the perfect holiday vow renewal.

Essential Tips for a Holiday Vow Renewal

1. Opt for a Smaller, Intimate Celebration

During the holiday season, travel plans, family gatherings, and obligations can make it difficult for some guests to attend. Additionally, the high cost of travel and accommodation during peak holiday periods might deter some guests from making the trip.

• Limit your guest list to close family and friends. Opt for a more intimate gathering with only your nearest and dearest. This allows you to create a cozy, personal experience that reflects the intimacy of your commitment.
• Consider livestreaming your event. If many guests can’t attend due to travel or cost, use platforms like Zoom or a private YouTube stream to allow them to be part of the celebration virtually. It’s a great way to keep everyone involved without added travel stress.
• Host a post-holiday party. If you want to include more people, consider hosting a post-holiday reception or casual party to celebrate with a larger group once the busy holiday season has passed.

2. Create a Family-Friendly Celebration

Given that the holidays are a family-centric time, making your vow renewal kid-friendly can ensure that families are able to attend without the burden of arranging childcare.

• Include kids in the ceremony. You can assign roles to children, such as flower girls, ring bearers, or helpers, to make them feel included.
• Set up a kid’s entertainment zone. Create a special area with activities like coloring books, crafts, or board games to keep kids entertained during the reception.
• Holiday-themed activities for kids. Set up a craft station where children can create their own ornaments, decorate cookies, or even write letters to Santa if the vow renewal is close to Christmas.

3. Be Aware of Higher Costs (and How to Work Around Them)

During the holiday season, everything from venue rentals to catering can be more expensive due to the high demand. However, with some clever planning, you can mitigate the higher costs.

• Consider weekday or morning events. Hosting your vow renewal on a weekday morning or early afternoon can drastically reduce costs for venues and services that may charge a premium for weekend and evening events.
• Incorporate holiday décor. Many venues are already decorated for the holidays, meaning you can save significantly on decoration costs. Take advantage of the festive atmosphere and enhance it with small, personal touches that reflect your relationship.
• Use holiday sales for your planning needs. If you plan far enough in advance, you can take advantage of post-holiday sales to stock up on supplies like décor, table settings, or even attire for your vow renewal.

4. Book Vendors Early (Competition is Fierce)

Between holiday parties, weddings, and year-end corporate events, venues and vendors are in high demand during the holiday season. Securing your preferred vendors requires early booking and a strategic approach.

• Start booking as soon as possible. The moment you settle on a date, begin researching and locking in your vendors. Popular venues and photographers book up quickly, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.
• Be flexible with dates. If you’re open to celebrating a little before or after the holiday season, you may find better availability and lower prices.
• Look for all-inclusive packages. Some venues offer holiday packages that include catering, décor, and entertainment, which can reduce stress and costs.

Bonus Tips

5. Get Creative with Your Venue

Venues are often booked out or more expensive during the holidays, but thinking outside the box can help you secure a unique and memorable location without breaking the bank.

• Consider non-traditional venues. Look into less obvious options like libraries, art galleries, botanical gardens, or even a holiday-themed event space like a Christmas tree farm. These can add charm and provide built-in décor.
• Opt for a home celebration. Hosting the vow renewal at your home or a loved one’s home is a great way to save on venue costs while adding an intimate and personal touch to the event. Plus, it provides flexibility with timing.
• Leverage public spaces. Some parks, public gardens, or community halls offer affordable rental options, especially if booked for non-peak days. Many public venues are beautifully decorated during the holidays, adding ambiance to your vow renewal.

6. Make It a Holiday Weekend Experience

Since the holiday season typically extends over several days, turning your vow renewal into a holiday weekend experience can give guests an unforgettable time while making travel more worthwhile.

• Plan multiple events. In addition to the vow renewal ceremony, consider hosting a casual welcome dinner, holiday party, or brunch the following day. This makes the trip more meaningful for guests and extends the celebration.
• Holiday-themed activities for guests. Offer optional group activities like ice skating, caroling, or a holiday movie marathon. This not only adds fun but also strengthens the sense of togetherness.
• Create personalized holiday gifts for your guests. Instead of traditional wedding favors, consider offering guests holiday-themed gifts such as personalized ornaments, candles, or festive treats that reflect the holiday spirit and your gratitude.

Final Thoughts

Planning a holiday vow renewal can be a magical experience, but it also requires extra thought and preparation. By considering a smaller guest list, making the event family-friendly, preparing for higher costs, and booking early, you can create an unforgettable holiday vow renewal that reflects the joy and spirit of the season. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a grand holiday celebration, focus on what matters most: your love and commitment to each other.