Why Choosing Your Location Should Be the First Step In Vow Renewal Planning

Deciding where you will have your vow renewal will help you make your other major planning decisions

Where will you say “I do still” to your beloved? The possibilities are endless, from your backyard with a small, intimate guest list to an exciting destination vow renewal and a myriad of options in between. As such, you’ve got to decide where you’ll be getting renewing your vows before you can move on to the rest of the actual planning process. Have you ever thought about the fact that “where” impacts nearly everything else? Here’s how far that influence spreads.

The Guest List

The specific venue you select in your location of choice will determine how large your guest list can be. If you want a huge celebration, you’ll want to choose a place that is convenient for family and friends. If you would like a small, intimate ceremony, then a destination vow renewal may be ideal for you. Plus, if renewing your vows in the perfect location is more important than anything else to you, then you’re naturally going to have a smaller group in attendance. If you want a celebration just for two, sneaking away to say “I do still” is the perfect answer to your guest list concerns.

The Design

If the design style is high on your list of essential vow renewal elements, some locations will work better for you than others. More popular or conveniently-located places tend to also have easy access to top-notch caterers, florists, rental companies, music options, and lodging for guests. More exotic or remote locations will require more design flexibility on your part. You may have to import items and get creative to achieve the look and feel you want. The more intimate and authentic you want your vow renewal to be, the easier it is to work with any location.

Attire

While we’re all for wearing whatever you want for your vow renewal, some styles work better with some locations than others. You’re probably going to want to skip the heavily beaded gown and tuxedo you’ve had been thinking about if you decide on a destination beach vow renewal. Likewise, if you’re wanting to have a casual backyard vow renewal, you may want to go with something less formal and more comfortable. The same applies if you opt to have your vow renewal at a historic hotel with a grand staircase that would make for some fantastic photos of you that gorgeous beaded gown of your dreams. So our best advice is don’t pick your attire before you choose a venue!

The Budget

In addition to the location-based cost variances for all the above items, travel and lodging costs for destination locations can severely impact your budget. While destination vow renewals are promoted as a cost-saving option, since they tend to mean a smaller guest list, they can get expensive quickly when you pick a date in prime tourist season. This is particularly true if you will be traveling with children and other family members. On the other hand, a local vow renewal held in the offseason can end up being very affordable in comparison, even with a more extensive guest list. Plus, you’ll have easy access to family and friends for DIY projects and day-of assistance.