Extraordinary Life Celebrations
Renewing Wedding Vows and Anniversaries
By Joan Burns, Event Planner Extraordinaire

In today’s fast paced, high tech, single parent world, it is always an honor to assist a couple in the beautiful celebration of Vow Renewal or an Anniversary of sharing their life together. And a significant Anniversary might be a wonderful time to Renew Wedding Vows no matter if those Vows were said 5 or 25 years ago.

Renewals do not have the cost attached to a wedding and the occasion can be a beautiful celebration which includes children, family and friends. What a beautiful example to hand down to children they watch their parents re-commit and profess their love for one another. If the Celebration is an Anniversary, part of the event could be a simple speaking of re-commitment vows and another “First Dance” by the couple. Renewals can easily be incorporated into a family get-together, or a grand event in a lovely ballroom.

Here are some tips for creating a wonderful and beautiful celebration:

- Consider using a Professional Event Coordinator to make sure the event runs smoothly and take the responsibilities from you so you can enjoy the magic.

- Decide on the budget.

- Create a Guest List.

- Choose a venue that is meaningful to you.  It could be your home, a special outdoor space or maybe on a sailboat! 

- Concentrate on what is important to you.  This isn’t a wedding.  There are no rules.

- Use your children in the ceremony.  If your original attendants are at the celebration, make sure you acknowledge them.

- Have a family friend or parent “officiate”.  Remember, the wedding already happened, so a judge or clergyperson is not required!

- It is best not to require the guests bring gifts or use a gift registry.  Perhaps you could ask the guests to donate to a favorite charity in lieu of gifts.

- It is customary for the couples to walk down the aisle together.

- Consider displaying photos of your wedding.

- Keep the Champagne Toast!

- If you want to cut the cake, just make it an Anniversary cake, you don’t need the topper.

Make this day special, but different from your Wedding Day.  Follow your dreams and create a memorable celebration. This is the time to reflect on life together…where you have been and what the future may hold. Remember to enjoy the magic.