host wedding renewal ceremonies and receptions
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Wedding renewal ceremonies are held by married couples who want to publicly reaffirm their love and commitment. Couples can renew their wedding vows at any point in their marriage, though many wait until they hit a milestone, such as 10 or 25 years. A reception is also commonly held following a vow renewal ceremony during which food, music and dancing is offered. The size, cost and ambiance is ultimately up to those hosting the wedding renewal ceremony and reception.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper invitations
- Formalwear
- Flowers
- Commitment rings
- Written vows
- Officiant (optional)
- Food and drink
- Band or DJ
Instructions
Vow Renewal Ceremony
1
Send out invitations approximately six to eight weeks before the renewal ceremony. Invite only those closest to the couple such as family, parents and close friends. It's up to you if you want to invite nieces and nephews or co-workers. Express on the invitations when and where the renewal ceremony and reception will take place and that no gifts are to be given to the couple.
2
Dress semi-formally for the occasion. The wife can wear anything from a formal gown to a cocktail dress to a dressy pantsuit. She can also wear her original wedding gown, but if the dress is outdated it may seem out of place. The husband should wear a three-piece suit or a tuxedo.
3
Find a place to host the renewal ceremony and reception. The ceremony can occur anywhere you please, such as a church, community park or your own backyard. The reception can also be held at a restaurant, rented hall or at your home. Choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception should depend on how many people you are inviting and how elaborate of an affair you want to make the vow renewal.
4
Break tradition during the ceremony. Since a vow renewal ceremony is not the same as a wedding ceremony, you have more free rein to do what you want. The couple can choose to walk down the aisle together or to meet at the front of the altar. You can choose to exchange old wedding rings or can get new rings for the occasion.
5
Write your own vows. Since you are gathering friends and family to watch, the vows should take center stage. Think about the person you are married to and what that person means to you. Declare what he adds to your life and how much better your life is with him in it. Choose someone to officiate over the vow renewal such as a minister, your children or a close friend.
6
Keep things simple overall. There is generally no need for elaborate decorations and music at a vow renewal. Instead, accent the altar with a few bouquets of flowers or white lights. The main focus of the event should be the couple and their love and nothing else.
Vow Renewal Reception
7
Form a receiving line and greet every guest that attends the reception. Thank everyone for coming and for being a part of this special day. Propose a toast after all the guests arrive and then again for coming. Explain what the vow renewal means for the anniversary couple's relationship and marriage. Allow guests to give toasts if they desire.
8
Offer food and beverages of some kind. Depending on how many guests you invited and how much money you want to spend, you can have a catered sit-down dinner, an informal family barbecue or put out simple finger foods, desserts and drinks. Since there's no set precedence or tradition of what a vow renewal reception includes, you can do whatever makes you most comfortable.
9
Hire a DJ or band and provide dancing. You can have a traditional first dance between the anniversary couple, but leave out such dances as a father/daughter and mother/son dance. The reception and dancing can also be shorter than it is for a wedding reception, such as from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tags: ceremony reception, renewal ceremony, renewal ceremonies, renewal ceremony reception, anniversary couple, ceremonies receptionsSource: www.ehow.com
