Planning a vow renewal: guide & checklist

Planning a vow renewal can be a deeply personal and joyful experience. Here’s how to organize the event, highlighting the essential elements and some fun and unique ideas to make your ceremony even more special.

Essential Steps for Planning a Vow Renewal

Planning a vow renewal is much like planning a wedding, you can go as big or as low-key as you want. And remember you have the benefit of experience and hindsight on your side this time around, so you’ll know which parts of the day feel especially important to plan. Here are the most important steps for those planning a renewal of vows:

1. Set the Date and Budget: Choose a meaningful date and establish a budget early on to guide all your decisions.
2. Choose the Venue: Whether it’s a meaningful location like where you first met, your backyard, or somewhere exotic, the venue should reflect your personal tastes and the tone of the ceremony.
3. Draft the Guest List: Decide whether you want an intimate gathering or a larger celebration. This will impact your choice of venue and budget allocations.
4. Find a Celebrant: A celebrant will help personalize your ceremony and guide you through the vows. They can also offer suggestions for readings, music, and rituals that reflect your journey and hopes for the future.
5. Decide on the Ceremony Details:
   • Vows: You can stick with traditional vows or write new ones that reflect your experiences and the growth in your relationship.
   • Rings: Some couples exchange their original wedding rings again, while others choose new rings to mark the renewal.
   • Music and Readings: Select music that has significance to your relationship and readings that resonate with your journey and aspirations.
6. Plan the Reception: Depending on your budget and style, this can be as simple or as lavish as you like, from a backyard barbecue to a formal dinner.
7. Attire: Some renew their vows in their original wedding attire, while others purchase new outfits. Choose attire that makes you feel special and celebrates this new chapter.
8. Photography: Decide whether to hire a professional photographer or ask a talented guest to capture the day, ensuring you have memories to look back on.

Read More: When should you do a vow renewal?

Fun and Unique Aspects to Add to your Vow Renewal

1. Theme Your Ceremony: Consider a theme that resonates with your relationship (like the era when you first met or a shared passion), and incorporate elements of this theme into decorations, attire, and music. Hint: Your Celebrant can help you create your dream-themed ceremony
2. Incorporate Symbolic Rituals:
   • Sand Ceremony: Mix different colored sands into one container, symbolizing the blending of your lives.
   • Handfasting: An ancient tradition where your hands are tied together as a symbol of binding your lives.
   • Tree Planting: Plant a tree together during the ceremony to symbolize growth and enduring strength in your relationship.
3. Memory Lane: Create a photo or video montage showcasing moments from your relationship leading up to the renewal.
4. Interactive Guest Activities:
   • Wish Cards: Have guests write down wishes or advice for your future together, which can be read later or saved as keepsakes.
   • Anniversary Dance: All couples at the ceremony join the dance floor, gradually leaving as the number of years married is called out until the couple married the longest (possibly you!) is left.
5. Surprise Elements: Plan a surprise for your spouse or have a friend or family member plan a surprise for both of you during the ceremony.
6. Cultural Additions: If either of you has cultural or religious traditions that weren’t part of your original wedding, consider incorporating them into your renewal.
7. Renewal Abroad: Combine the vow renewal with a dream vacation, perhaps returning to your honeymoon spot or visiting a new destination on your bucket list.

These ideas can help turn your vow renewal into an unforgettable celebration of your continued love and commitment. The key is to personalize the day to reflect your unique relationship, making the ceremony meaningful and memorable for years to come.

Get Inspired: Inspiring locations for a vow renewal

Vow Renewal Planning Checklist

We’ve broken the planning steps down into a handy timeline and checklist to help you plan your perfect vow renewal ceremony :

12 Months Before

• Set the Date: Choose your vow renewal date.
• Draft a Budget: Decide how much you want to spend.
• Create a Guest List: Determine how many guests you will invite.
• Choose a Venue: Research and select the perfect venue.
• Book a Celebrant: Find and book a celebrant who aligns with your vision.
• Research Vendors: Start looking at photographers, florists, entertainment options, and caterers if not provided by the venue.

9 Months Before

• Send Save-the-Dates: Especially important if you’re inviting guests from out of town or planning a destination vow renewal.
• Book Photographer: Secure a photographer who fits your style and budget.
• Book Florist: Choose a florist and discuss your vision for flowers and decorations.
• Book Entertainment: DJs, musicians, or special act bookings should be made around this time.

6 Months Before

• Order Invitations: Finalize and order your vow renewal invitations.
• Plan the Menu: Work with your caterer to finalize the menu.
• Order the Cake: If you’re having a cake, place your order with the bakery.
• Choose Attire: Decide what you and your spouse will wear.
• Book Accommodations: Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.

4 Months Before

• Finalize Ceremony Details: Work with your celebrant to finalize the ceremony script and any special readings or rituals.
• Send Invitations: Mail your invitations out.
• Plan Decorations: Finalize your decor plans and start purchasing or crafting any DIY elements.

2 Months Before

• Confirm Vendor Details: Check in with all your vendors to confirm arrangements and make any necessary adjustments.
• Purchase Rings: If you’re exchanging new rings, purchase them around this time.
• Arrange Transportation: Book cars or other transport for yourselves and important guests if necessary.

1 Month Before

• RSVP Check: Follow up with any guests who have not responded.
• Create a Day-of Timeline: Draft a schedule of the day’s events and share it with your vendors.
• Final Fittings: Ensure your vow renewal attire fits perfectly.
• Prepare Vows: Write or finalize your vows.

2 Weeks Before

• Confirm Final Guest Count: Provide final numbers to the caterer and venue.
• Finalize Seating Plan: If you’re having a seated dinner, finalize the seating arrangements.
• Prepare Speeches or Toasts: Write or finalize any speeches or toasts.
• Confirm Details with Vendors: Double-check all details with your vendors to ensure everyone is clear about the schedule and their roles.

1 Week Before

• Pack for the Venue: If you need to bring decorations, outfits, or other items to the venue, start gathering them now.
• Beauty Appointments: Schedule any last-minute beauty appointments for hair, nails, etc.

Day Before

• Rehearsal: If you’re having a rehearsal, walk through the ceremony with your celebrant and wedding party.
• Relax and Enjoy: Spend quality time with family or friends, and try to relax before the big day.

Day of the Vow Renewal

• Get Ready: Allow plenty of time for getting ready.
• Enjoy Your Day: Celebrate your love and commitment!

This checklist ensures nothing is overlooked and helps manage your planning process efficiently, making your vow renewal a joyous and stress-free celebration.

Start Planning: Find a Celebrant for your vow renewal

A celebrant can play a pivotal role in making your vow renewal ceremony not just memorable, but deeply meaningful and perfectly tailored to reflect your relationship. Find your perfect Celebrant here.