Benchmark Anniversary and Vow Renewal Tips

Every Wedding Anniversary is a Special Event

• Treat your honey to a quiet evening of just the two of you.
• That is the best present.

Milestone Anniversary Couples Recreating Their Wedding

• She often wears her wedding gown. 
• Guests may have negative opinions if the wife wears a formal wedding gown not her own.
• The renewal ceremony should be a private affair and simpler than a wedding.

Theme Event Exception

• When wife wishes to plan a themed vow renewal, she may wear a special dress.  But use good judgment.  
• Guests typically view this positively when the overall look of the event appears fun, and theme-based. 
• White dresses are appropriate.  White symbolizes joy and is not reserved for a bride.

Please No

Bachelor or Bachelorette Party 

• This celebrates the last night of freedom and as a married couple, this happened long ago.    

Showers

• Originally, this was meant to shower a young bride with household items to begin her married life.  

Attendants

• ...unless this is a recreation of your wedding. 
• Children and grandchildren may walk with the wife and stand with the couple. 

Please Do

Plan Well

• The couple typically hosts.
• Involve your children and other family members.
• Parents are not financially involved. 
• Incorporate personalized elements based on your love story and life together. 
• Write custom vows, exchange new rings, and a special bouquet.
• Wear any color you wish. 

Gifts

• This is not considered a gift-giving situation, except for milestone anniversaries.  
• Do not register or mention gifts.  Doing so changes the focus to gaining gifts and not on your reaffirmation of love. 
• If for a benchmark anniversary, many may want to give a gift.  Thus,  you may write, “No gifts” on the invitation. 

Let’s Party!

Surprise!  It is appropriate to host a reception following a vow renewal.  It can be like a wedding reception in appearance.  Still, the focus should be on your continuing life as a married couple.  

Please Read

Encore Wedding Planning and Gift Q & A  

Encore Wedding Planning  

Encore Wedding Guest Tips: Avoid Rolling Eyes and Whispering