Renewing Your Wedding Vows for a Milestone Anniversary

Do It Right The Second Time!

Renewing your wedding vows is a special way to reaffirm your love and commitment to each other regardless of which wedding anniversary you’re celebrating. Vow renewals are appropriate for married couples period. Still, they are especially lovely on significant dates, like your 5th, 10th, 25th, 40th, or 50th anniversaries. Unlike celebrities who tend to renew their vows for publicity reasons, your vow renewal is your opportunity to show the world how much you mean to each other!

If you’re one of the many couples that had a small wedding or spontaneous civil ceremony, you might find yourselves wanting to celebrate with something special as your anniversary approaches. Many couples consider a vow renewal because they want the experience of the big wedding they didn’t have the first time, and now have the opportunity and money to throw the celebration of their dreams. While a vow renewal isn’t a wedding “do-over,” you can include many of the same elements in your vow renewal that are found in a traditional wedding. It’s entirely appropriate to throw a more formal celebration with a big party and a second honeymoon.

Plus, having managed to stay together and in love through careers, kids, moves, and all sorts of “for better and worse” situations is something to celebrate!

Here’s a list of tips to help you do it right the second time.

Hosting

Your adult children can act as hosts, or you can host the event yourselves. Either way, you should be able to have control of the big event and all of the details.

Location

If you want to renew your vows in a church, a smaller chapel is ideal. Beaches and cruises are popular for destination vow renewals. Plus, you get to combine the ceremony with a dream trip.

Invitations

Paper invitations are still best, but there’s no need to invite people who aren’t close to you.

Attire

Sure, a vow renewal is a perfect opportunity to get dressed up. Still, it’s best to go with a more sophisticated look. If opting for an actual wedding dress, skip the white ball gown and veil. Pick a sheath or a fit and flare gown in any color you like. A tux or suit is always perfect. You don’t have to skip the flowers though– a simple bouquet and boutonniere are perfect.

Officiant

A vow renewal isn’t a legal ceremony, so anyone can be your officiant, such as a child or a close friend.

Attendants

If you really want attendants, keep them few in number and pay for their attire. Some couples opt to have their original maid of honor and best man stand up with them. Others include their children. You can add your pets too if you feel you must!

You can either walk down the aisle together, come in from the sides and meet in the middle, or have family members escort you down the aisle.

Gifts

You definitely shouldn’t register. If people want to give you gifts, great. But they aren’t expected for a vow renewal.

Reception

Who doesn’t love a great party? No matter the size or style of vow renewal you choose, you should celebrate with plenty of dancing, food, and drinks. The important thing is to really enjoy your reception. An elegant cocktail reception, destination vow renewal, family dinner, or backyard party all make for fabulous receptions. Share photographs and videos from your wedding with guests to take a fun walk down memory land and toast those who have been important to you throughout your marriage.

Second Honeymoon

Your second honeymoon should be bigger and better than your first. Invite some friends and family and make it a week-long party!

Enjoy saying I do still!