Whether it's a way to express your love for each other or a way to mark a milestone anniversary, many couples decide to have a vow renewal ceremony. This can be a fun way to gather with family and friends and recommit your vows to one another. Here are some ways to make it a simple and relatively inexpensive process.
Think More Casual
You may be tempted to see your vow renewal as a second wedding. However, you should try to get that idea out of your mind. Vow renewals are less involved and easier to plan. You don't need to buy a new wedding dress or wear your old one, there don't need as many people in attendance, and the costs should be significantly lower than your wedding.
Consider a Simpler Location
Because your vow renewal will likely not have as many people in attendance as at your wedding, you won't need as big of a space. For example, a restaurant, a park, or even someone's backyard can be good options for holding the ceremony. This will likely cost you less than a traditional wedding venue, giving it uniqueness.
Do Without a Wedding Party
A vow renewal doesn't require a wedding party, and that can help make things less complicated. The renewal is strictly about you and your partner, and you don't need to have a flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaids, or groomsmen. However, if this is important to you, feel free to go all out with your wedding party.
Forego Gifts
You probably don't need many new things for your home at this point in your marriage. For this reason, consider making a note on the invitation that gifts are unnecessary for your event. This can make it easier for people to attend and prevents you from having too much clutter in your home.
Don't Serve a Full Meal
For your renewal, serving a cake with other desserts instead of a full meal will help keep the event simple and save you a lot of money. You may choose a wedding cake or something fun like cake pops or cupcakes. Serving that with punch or water bottles is all that you need to serve at your vow renewal.
Write Your Vows
Whether you used traditional vows at your wedding or wrote your own, your vow renewal is an excellent opportunity to make your promises more personalized. This is especially true since you have been married and know more about that person and what you want to commit or recommit to sharing. It also adds a personal touch and helps make the event more unique.
Document the Event
One thing you may consider spending some money on is a professional photographer. You will want to document the event, and hiring a professional photographer or videographer is a great way. If it isn't in the budget, you can ask a friend with photography experience or ask everyone to share any photos they capture.
Consider Virtual Invitations
Going paperless is yet another way to make the process simpler and less expensive. These days, it's also a more efficient way to get your invitations to everyone. In addition, this gives them a chance to respond digitally, which can help make it easier to keep track of your RSVPs.
Consider a Ring Upgrade
A vow renewal can be a great time to upgrade your wedding rings if you can afford it. If not, consider cleaning your wedding rings so they look their best for the ceremony.
These are just a few ways to help make your vow renewal inexpensive and straightforward. Remember that the main point is to share your love for one another while having fun, so don't let it stress you too much. Do whatever feels right to you and enjoy the process.