[2024] 10 Things You Need For a Fantastic Vow Renewal (You Need to Know This!)

Do you remember your wedding day fondly and even yearn for a similar experience once again?

Most couples wait till a milestone anniversary to renew their vows. However, there is no need to wait that long. This article in the Huffington Post tells us that it is never too early nor too late to renew your vows. It also has a list of beautiful readings of exciting variety, from which every couple can find one they love. So take a look, and we are sure you will be enchanted by the very idea of having a vow renewal!

Vow renewals are usually done on a wedding anniversary day, as this date is significant to your relationship. However, if your anniversary is soon approaching, why don’t you think of renewing your vows to each other on this day? You can have a ceremony that is as big or as small as you wish. All that matters is that it is just as unique as your wedding day!

And for an excellent vow renewal that will recreate the magic of your wedding day, there are some things you must have. So, what are they?

Here is our list of the ten things you must-have for an excellent vow renewal.

A Gorgeous Dress

Remember the anticipation and excitement of shopping for your wedding dress? Relive those memories when you pick an outfit for your vow renewal. If you still love your original wedding dress, consider this to be the right occasion to pull it out of the box. You may be lucky if it still fits you perfectly. Else, you can always have it altered.

However, if you prefer a different style, pick another elegant dress. Your vow renewal is the perfect occasion to shop for an article of clothing that suits your current style and helps you look and feel beautiful. If you prefer a casual or even colourful dress, find one that meets your expectations. Then, depending on the style of the ceremony and your personal preferences, choose a dress that is right for you. This could be an evening dress or even a summer frock.

Unlike a wedding, there are no rules for what you should wear. Wear your original wedding accessories if you want to include something other than the wedding dress from your wedding.

A Venue You Love

This could be a church, the beach, a garden, a hall or even your backyard. Or if you always wanted a destination wedding but couldn’t have it the first time, this is the opportunity for you to get away with your husband and live your dream.

We suggest that you make it a personal experience. A place that is meaningful to both you and your spouse would be best. If you aren’t sure of what you like, sit down together and brainstorm. Think of the budget you have. Then consider the various options available and what you both would like most. Finally, shortlist your list of venues, and zero in on the right one after considering all relevant factors.

Close Friends And Family

The best thing about a vow renewal is that you can share this experience with the people who matter most to you. Unlike a wedding, you need not worry about a detailed guest list or annoying anyone by excluding them from the event. It is, after all, a very personal and intimate celebration. Invite only those who you want beside you on this occasion. This would mean close family and friends.

You may even like to designate roles in the ceremony to your children and grandchildren if any. This would make it more memorable. Since there are no rules to follow, make it your day! You can plan a very intimate vow renewal ceremony with just you and your husband if that is what you both prefer. Or if you prefer a big party, go all out and invite all the people you know to the event. Whether you have it on a grand scale or a small scale is entirely up to you.

A Proper Invitation

An invitation gives your vow renewal the importance it deserves. So, your guests will take it with due importance and try to participate in it. Irrespective of whether you will have a formal or informal vow renewal, you should draft a proper invitation for the function. This can be a regular invitation or one that you send by email.

As soon as you decide on the venue and the date, get around to drafting the invitation. While you may follow the traditional format of a wedding invitation, it would also be nice to explore alternative options. For example, consider adding a photo of you and your spouse and nice wordings that reflect the event’s tone. You can find some sample wordings here. 

A Pretty Bouquet

The presence of flowers uplifts the ambiance of any setting. So, don’t forget your bouquet. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be as elaborate as your original wedding bouquet. You can pick one that is available at your local florist. Or make your own with your favourite flowers on the day of the vow renewal.

Keep it elegant and classic, and it will suit the occasion better. Another idea is to create a miniature replica of your original wedding bouquet. Share the pictures of your wedding day with your florist, and she will tell you if it is possible. Finally, add a sentimental note to this accessory by adopting one of the following ideas:

• Tie the lace from your original wedding dress or veil around the handle
• Decorate it with a photo locket of your family
• If there are friends or family members who have departed after your wedding, remember them by including their picture in the bouquet

You may even have saved and preserved your original wedding bouquet. If it is in good condition, you can use it or give it a slight boost. Or you can add a few flowers from the original bouquet into this one. If you haven’t preserved your wedding bouquet but like the idea, take a look at this article for all you need to know to do it for your vow renewal. 

Excellent Food

You do not have to serve a feast as grand as your wedding meal. Nonetheless, ensure that you serve excellent food at the event. If it is a daytime affair, consider a brunch buffet. Have a buffet or plated meal based on the venue and event style if you have an evening ceremony. Considering that the number of people at your party will be far fewer than at a wedding, you can have a more intimate setting.

Don’t forget to consider the décor and table arrangement. Do it in style, so it adds to the grandeur and importance of the occasion. If there are family dishes that are a favourite, add them to the menu. Or give your guests a gourmet experience by choosing from international cuisines. Also, serve some signature drinks to add to the fun. There are some ideas for exciting drinks in this previous post. Make the menu just as memorable as the event, and it will be remembered fondly by all your guests.

A Special Cake

There is no rule that you should have cake at your vow renewal. However, cake cutting is a wedding ritual that you can repeat with fanfare. For a small ceremony, the cake can double up as dessert. Choose a cake that reflects the theme and décor of the event. You can also pick a gourmet cake that is specially designed and decorated for the occasion.

If you have a big wedding cake, you can create a miniature version of it. Finally, if you aren’t fond of cake, have a unique dessert instead. Here are some ideas for attractive alternatives to the cake. Plan the cake design according to the weather and the venue where the function will be held. If it is an outdoor event, keep the cake refrigerated till it is time to cut and serve.

A Good Photographer

Your vow renewal is all about celebrating memories and making new ones. In that way, it is a milestone celebration. Invest in a good photographer for covering the occasion. With friends and family involved, it is a good idea to book a professional who can capture the day’s events. However, if you have a friend or relative who is excellent at taking pictures of people, put him in charge of the photography.

Since the event will be more casual than a wedding, there will be ample opportunities for candid clicks. As long as your photographer can capture all these light moments and cover the event, it doesn’t matter who it is. Ultimately, you aim to have a good collection of photos that you can browse through later and pass on to your family.

Photos That Tell Your Story

You can add a personal and unique touch to your vow renewal by including photos of your time together. There are many ways in which you can bring this element into the function. For example, it could be using photo posters or collages throughout the venue. Or you could do a digital version that displays a running sequence of pictures.

It could even be photos in your invitation. Another place where images can be displayed is at the welcome area of the venue. Don’t forget to add your wedding photos to the décor. This will be a beautiful conversation piece. Also, add photos of the best times you have had together. Include milestones like the birth of your children, your new home or pictures of family celebrations, and your guests are sure to love it. You can also create a memory timeline of the different events in your milestone. This will be helpful, especially for guests who you made friends with later in your marriage.

A Plan For The Ceremony

Weddings usually follow a set pattern. There is an officiant who tells you what to do, and you follow his instructions. However, vow renewals needn’t be so formal. You can choose your sequence of events, add or remove steps from the wedding format or come up with your ideas.

This flexibility gives you the freedom to plan the ceremony as you choose. Nonetheless, it is vital that you have a definite plan in mind and not come up with one at a time. For example, consider whether you want to walk down the aisle yourself or have someone escort you. After you say your vows, will you be exchanging rings? Would you like to have someone do a reading for both of you? Plan what happens during the ceremony, and it will be easier to organize.

Vow renewals are special occasions that give you the chance to reaffirm your lifetime commitment to each other. It is also a fun occasion for family and close friends to get together and celebrate you as a couple. Hence, it is a joyous event, and you should do it at least once during your marriage.

Whether you dress as a bride in white for the occasion or prefer something different, you can find your outfit at Best for Bride. For bridal gowns that are modern, classic, contemporary, unusual and trendy, as well as evening gowns and dresses for special occasions, you can find them at this bridal shop. For any further assistance you may need regarding placing your order, you may contact our Best for Bride team or visit any of our stores.

Summary: 10 Things You Need for a Fantastic Vow Renewal

• Start with a clear vision and purpose for your vow renewal ceremony. Decide on the tone, theme, and style that reflects your journey as a couple.
• Choose a meaningful venue that holds significance for you as a couple, such as the place you first met or a destination that holds special memories.
• Create personalized vows that reflect your journey and growth as a couple. Consider incorporating anecdotes, inside jokes, and heartfelt sentiments.
• Select the perfect outfit that makes you feel special and celebrates your love. Whether it’s a formal gown or a casual ensemble, choose something that reflects your style and personality.
• Involve loved ones in your vow renewal ceremony. Invite close family members and friends to witness and celebrate this special milestone with you.
• Incorporate symbolic gestures into your ceremony, such as a unity candle lighting, a sand ceremony, or exchanging new rings as a symbol of your continued commitment.
• Enhance the ambiance with meaningful decorations, such as photos showcasing your journey together, personalized signage, or floral arrangements that hold sentimental value.
• Consider adding live music or a personal playlist to set the mood and evoke emotions during your vow renewal ceremony.
• Capture the memories by hiring a professional photographer or videographer to document the special moments and create lasting keepsakes.
• Plan a meaningful celebration afterward, whether it’s an intimate dinner, a cocktail reception, or a lively party, to continue the festivities and celebrate with your loved ones.

FAQ – Wedding Vow Renewal

When is it appropriate to reaffirm your marriage vows?

Vow renewals are commonly performed at 2, 5, 10, 25, or 50-year intervals, however, couples can have one whenever they wish, or not at all. After having children, going through a tough moment in their relationship, or reaching a significant milestone, some couples opt to reaffirm their vows.

Who does the vow renewal ceremony?

Anyone can conduct a vow renewal ceremony because it isn’t legally binding. Your officiant might be your clergyman, a close friend, a family member, or even your eldest kid. You might even hire a vow renewal officiant or celebrant to officiate at the event.

What should I wear to repeat my vows after ten years?

If you truly want to dress up for the wedding, it’s best to wear your original gown or tuxedo if at all feasible. If not, a cocktail dress or an evening gown might be suitable vow renewal attire. The type of outfit you wear will be influenced by whether your function is informal or formal.

Is it true that renewing your vows affects your wedding date?

You are free to pick any day; couples who renew on their wedding anniversary do so for emotional reasons.

What colour does the bride wear to renew her vows?

You don’t even have to wear ivory or white gown; vow renewal gowns exist in a variety of colours. For a statement-making vow renewal dress, we prefer silver, gold, and pink gowns!