Planning A Wedding Renewal: Where To Start And How

Planning a wedding renewal is an exciting task, and there are many ways to go about it. Wedding renewals are often held to celebrate milestone anniversaries, but they can also be held whenever the mood strikes. The first step is to decide on a vision for your special day. Is it casual or formal? Large or small? Do you want to recreate the elegance of your wedding day, or go for a more casual, relaxed vibe? Once you have a vision in mind, you can start planning the details, such as the guest list, venue, vendors, and your outfit. You may also want to consider hiring a wedding planner to help you bring your vision to life. Remember, there is no right way to plan a wedding renewal, so feel free to get creative and make it a day that truly reflects your personality and journey as a couple.

Choose a date and location

Choosing a date and location for your wedding renewal is a crucial step in the planning process. Here are some tips to help you make this decision:

Picking a Date

When selecting a date for your wedding renewal, consider choosing a day that holds special meaning for you and your spouse. One popular option is to renew your vows on your wedding anniversary. This can be a meaningful way to commemorate the day you first exchanged your vows. However, if that date is not feasible or you prefer another day, you can select a different date that is significant to you as a couple. For example, you might choose a date that is easier for your guests to attend, such as a weekend instead of a weekday.

Selecting a Location

The location of your wedding renewal can vary depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a venue:

• Budget: Consider your financial resources when selecting a venue. Some venues may be more expensive than others, so choosing a location that fits within your budget is essential.
• Venue capacity: Determine how many guests you plan to invite and choose a venue that can comfortably accommodate your guest list.
• Amenities: Think about the amenities and facilities you require for your event. For example, if you plan to serve a full dinner, ensure the venue has the necessary catering facilities.
• Outdoor or indoor space: Decide whether an outdoor venue is a priority for you, or if you prefer a location with stunning architectural features.
• Booking in advance: If you're planning a larger event, keep in mind that you may need to book your venue in advance to secure your desired location.

Remember, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to the location. You can choose a venue that is intimate and special to you, such as your new home, or opt for a different location that you were unable to book for your original wedding.

Destination Wedding Renewal

If you're considering a destination wedding renewal, where you travel to a special location, keep in mind that invitations should be sent earlier, about 8-10 months in advance, to allow your guests enough time to make travel arrangements.

Timing

When selecting a time for your wedding renewal, consider any other events or activities that may be happening at the same time. For example, if you're planning an outdoor renewal, be mindful of the sunset time to ensure your ceremony isn't taking place in the dark.

By carefully considering your preferences, budget, and the availability of your desired venue, you can choose a date and location that sets the perfect stage for your wedding renewal celebration.

Decide on a theme or style

Deciding on a theme or style for your wedding renewal is an important step in the planning process. The theme you choose will help guide your decision-making for other aspects of the event, such as the venue, decor, and overall vibe.

• Rustic: This theme is defined by a simple and cozy atmosphere, reminiscent of home. Decorate with natural elements like twine, lace, and wood. String lights, mason jars, and fresh-baked pie will also add to this aesthetic. Consider a rural venue like a chic barn for your celebration.
• Garden Party: Opt for an outdoor garden party if you envision an intimate and alfresco ceremony and reception. This style is perfect for warmer months and is all about fresh florals, lush greenery, and elegant tablescapes.
• Minimalist: A minimalist soiree embraces the less-is-more concept. Instead of overflowing floral arrangements, this design prioritizes a no-frills look with neutral hues and clean lines, often with a hint of greenery. Choose a blank canvas venue so that pre-existing decor doesn't overshadow your pared-back style.
• Vintage: Travel back in time with a vintage-themed renewal. Choose a specific era, such as the Roaring Twenties or the Victorian Age, and dress, decorate, and play music from that time. This theme adds a nostalgic and charming ambiance to your celebration.
• Glamorous: If you're looking for a luxurious renewal, opt for a glamorous hotel with elegant ballrooms, fine dining, and exceptional service. Wow your guests with over-the-top decor, chic stationery, and epic entertainment.

Remember, the theme you choose should reflect your personal style and preferences as a couple. It can also be tailored to the season and your chosen venue. Whether you want a simple celebration or an extravagant party, deciding on a theme will help create a unified vision for your special day.

Plan the guest list

Planning the guest list for your wedding vow renewal ceremony is an important step in the process. Vow renewals are usually smaller affairs than weddings, but you can make the guest list as inclusive or intimate as you like. Some couples choose to renew their vows in front of their closest family and friends, while others opt for a larger guest list. If you have a particular venue in mind, remember to take its capacity into account when deciding on the number of guests.

When it comes to the planning process, it's a good idea to decide how many people you want to share this special moment with and what kind of ceremony you want. This is an opportunity for you and your partner to think about your relationship and how you feel about it. You might want to consider whether you want to include your children in the ceremony, or have one or two friends stand beside you as best man or maid of honour.

The host is generally responsible for funding the event and providing food, drinks, and entertainment, so it's worth bearing this in mind when planning your guest list. You might also want to consider whether you will serve a full dinner, or stick to finger foods and appetizers, and whether you will have a wedding cake. If you're planning to have a reception, you'll need to arrange food, drinks, and decorations, as well as music for dancing.

While there are fewer rules of etiquette for a vow renewal than a wedding, it's still important to follow certain guidelines. Don't expect gifts or create a gift registry, as gifts are usually given at weddings when the couple is just starting their lives together. However, if your guests really want to give you something, it's their choice, and you can suggest that they make a donation to a charity you support.

Choose an officiant

Wedding vow renewals are a celebratory ceremony during which a married couple reaffirms their commitment to one another. They are often held on milestone anniversaries, but they can be held whenever the couple wishes to reconnect or recommit to each other.

Choosing an officiant

Since vow renewals are not legally binding, you have the freedom to choose anyone to preside over the ceremony. This could be a member of the clergy, a close friend, your original maid of honour or best man, a hired wedding professional, or even your children. If you are having a religious ceremony, the officiant will most likely be a priest, rabbi, or another type of spiritual leader. Religious ceremonies are usually the least flexible and are done according to the customs and historical references of the affiliated group. If you are having a civil or secular wedding, you can choose from a much larger pool of officiants. These weddings can be performed by anyone who has been ordained and registered with the state.

If you already know you want the ceremony to take place in a house of worship, there may only be a few officiant choices available. However, you can interview officiants at different religious spaces and find the one that feels like the best fit. Religious leaders will often perform the ceremony for free, especially if the couple is a member of the congregation, but they may suggest a donation to the religious institution or a charity. Friends and family members generally don't charge for their services either, although the couple might want to get them a gift to show their gratitude. Wedding officiants in companies tend to charge anywhere from $400 to $800 depending on factors such as how long the ceremony is, what the couple wants, and how many people are at the wedding. If the officiant has to travel, the couple may also have to pay their travel costs.

When choosing an officiant, it is important to understand the couple's vision for the ceremony. Ask whether they prefer a lighthearted, humorous ceremony or one that's more formal and emotional. Ask them to reflect on milestones they've reached together, such as anniversaries or challenges overcome, and incorporate these into the ceremony to make it incredibly meaningful. If there are particular songs, poems, or meaningful objects they would like to include, the officiant should be made aware of these.

Write your vows

Writing your vows is a very personal part of the vow renewal process. It is a chance to reflect on your journey as a couple and the future you are building together. Writing personal vows can make the ceremony more intimate and meaningful. Here are some tips to help you write your vows:

Start early

Give yourself plenty of time to write your vows. This will allow you to be thoughtful and intentional in your writing.

Reflect on your relationship

Take some time to reflect on your relationship and what it means to you. Consider the journey you have shared and the future you hope to build together. Think about the promises you want to make to your partner and how you can express your love and commitment.

Make it personal

Your vows should be a reflection of your unique relationship. Consider including personal stories, inside jokes, or special moments that are meaningful to you as a couple. You can also add in details that are specific to your partner, such as the things you admire about them, the reasons why you fell in love, or the ways in which your life has changed for the better since being with them.

Be creative

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing vows. Feel free to get creative and make your vows unique to you. You can incorporate poetry, quotes, or even song lyrics that resonate with you. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even write your vows in the form of a song or poem.

Keep it balanced

While it's important to make your vows personal, try to strike a balance between sharing your feelings and keeping the vows concise and to the point. Aim for a length that feels meaningful but not overly long. Remember that you can always edit and refine your vows as needed.

Practice makes perfect

Once you have written your vows, take the time to practice reading them aloud. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when the time comes to share them with your partner.

Frequently asked questions