Simple Vow Renewal Ideas

When it comes to simple vow renewal ideas, few couples know where to start. There are endless resources out there for those planning their wedding, but vow renewals haven’t yet received the same level of recognition.

No matter the location, reason for celebrating, or size of the soiree, there are many ways you can acknowledge this monumental moment in your marriage without being overly intricate. Below, find nine simple vow renewal ideas or jump straight to the section you’re most inspired by:

1. Have a Ceremony at Home
2. Reread Your Original Vows
3. Celebrate With Your Children
4. Have a Potluck
5. Go Simple With Attire
6. Rededicate Your Rings
7. Pick a Place With Meaning to Both of You
8. Choose Your Invited Wisely
9. Do a Destination Vow Renewal

9 Simple Vow Renewal Ideas

Here is a list of simple, but special vow renewal ideas you can incorporate into your ceremony.

1. Have a Ceremony at Home

One of the simplest ways to celebrate your renewed love for one another is by holding a ceremony at home (also occasionally called an “at-home elopement”). Not only is it an intimate place to celebrate with your closest friends and family, but it’s also a great way to acknowledge the life you’ve built together as a couple. If you’ve got room for all your loved ones and a bit of green space for the vows ceremony, your home might be the perfect venue.

2. Reread Your Original Vows

Don’t think that rereading your old wedding vows is simply a way of avoiding writing new ones. Vows—like marriage—are meant to be a lifelong effort and commitment. By rereading your vows, you’re sending the message that you’re willing to make the same promises you made years ago, even if circumstances have changed. Is there anything more romantic than that? It also creates an inevitably sweet, sentimental moment that might trigger some tears.

3. Celebrate With Your Children

If the years between your wedding and vow renewal resulted in some little ones, then go ahead and find ways to include them in the big day. Maybe you mention them in the ceremony reading or let them serve as “hosts” for the event. You can even let one of your children perform as a makeshift officiant for an additional dose of charm. There are no rules, so have fun with it.

4. Have a Potluck

If you had an expensive wedding, no need to host a pricey vow renewal ceremony. Simply ask your friends and family to bring a favorite dish of theirs, and you can supply the beverages or desserts. This works especially well for at-home ceremonies and those in public spaces, like national parks or beaches. It might take a little bit of coordinating to make sure there’s something for everyone to eat, but it works for more casual celebrations and lets your guests feel like they contributed in some way.

5. Go Simple With Attire

No need to buy an extravagant gown or three-piece suit the second time around. Brides shouldn’t even feel the need to wear white if it doesn’t fit their style. Just go for something simple and elegant that works with your personalities, as well as the space you’re celebrating in. If you’re looking for something more formal, consider taking your wedding-day attire for a spin. Not only does it save some money, but it’s also a great way to honor your original wedding day.

Photo Credit // Unsplash

6. Rededicate Your Rings

Though ring exchanges aren’t required for a vow renewal ceremony, many couples choose to do something special with them to symbolize the next phase of their lives together. This can mean anything from having them blessed to getting them engraved with a sweet phrase or your vow renewal date. If you want to go all out, you can even purchase new rings to commemorate the occasion. (After all, if you’ve been married for a decade or more, it’s likely your tastes have changed.)

7. Pick a Place With Meaning to Both of You

Photo Credit // Unsplash

Though couples are getting more and more creative with wedding venues, there are even fewer expectations when it comes to vow renewals. Maybe the restaurant where you got engaged has a great event space or your favorite coffee shop has an amazing underground roastery with lots of space. If you want to take a walk down memory lane, you could even choose to renew your vows at the original venue where you got married.

8. Choose Your Invited Wisely

As beautiful as print invitations are, they may not be right for a casual occasion. Consider opting for electronic invitations or even a simple email announcement that directs recipients toward a vow renewal website. You’re not only reducing the risk of invitations getting lost in the mail, but you’re also simultaneously keeping costs down.

With the abundance of options available these days it’s easy to make your digital invites feel both polished and personal. If you plan on going all out for your wedding renewal, choose wedding invitations that are fit for the occasion. Remember,it’s up to the two of you as a couple to decide how you’ll want to celebrate this special day.

9. Do a Destination Vow Renewal

Always secretly dreamt of eloping despite having a large, traditional wedding? In that case, a destination vow renewal is a no-brainer. This could be anything from hosting an intimate ceremony on a beach in Tulum, Mexico to eloping on a sailboat in the South Pacific. Just note that if you’re planning a vow renewal in the near future, we highly suggest staying up-to-date on travel restrictions and observing the recommendations made by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Now that you know our top ideas for renewing marriage vows, it’s time to choose the perfect event for your special day. As long as love is the center of the event, we are sure you’ll have a beautiful and memorable vow renewal ceremony.