Wedding vow renewal ideas

[HivesMind]

Hello. So...DH and I are considering doing this. I appreciate some people think it's a bit naff and I can understand why. But we got married very young, have had a complicated relationship and both made mistakes that we've worked through. Now after a long time together, he wants to do this as a symbolic affirmation.

I'd like some ideas of how to organise it tastefully in a low-key way that still feels romantic, formal and symbolic but definitely doesn't involve a huge event/ 2nd wedding etc. I don't want a big fuss, gifts or anybody gossiping- it's just meant to mean something to me and DH, and maybe the children. But I would like it to be special. All ideas appreciated.

It is really naff and makes a mockery of a vow that is supposed to be for a life time.

Why don't you have a party to celebrate your next meaning full anniversary and you can both make short speeches affirming your love? You can do this in a stylish way that is as small and intimate or large and partying as you wish.

How about 'eloping' with your children? Go somewhere that is significant to you as a family and have a renewal there ... maybe a party when you get back.

Maybe just you and DH go to a special place for you and exchange your vows privately. Then maybe a nice meal with the children and get some family and couple portraits done?

Do it privately.

If I ever do this I would renew vows at Chelsea Old Town Hall and then have dinner at the Ivy.

Ignore the naysayers!

It's not a legal ceremony so you can have it anywhere, either with some sort of "officiant" or just you two make up your own vows and say them in a meaningful way.
Could do it on holiday at the beach?

I think if you keep it to just you and the kids, do the renewal and then go somewhere for a nice meal, or even get caterers to do party food for your house, nothing fancy just finger foods to save you having to cook, then enjoy the day in whatever way you want to.

I think its a lovely idea, esp as you dont want a mini wedding

I think it is a lovely idea. If I did similar I would do with just me and dh. I would not tell anyone else or share photographs either.

Thank you, yes definitely no mini wedding - it would either just be DH and I or with the children too. And if we did have photos they would just be for us. It would be a very private thing, a re-affirmation - not to replace our original vow. I think I'm just looking for ideas of where / what / how as I am sort of onboard with the idea but cant totally imagine the logistics. A beach somewhere with a private ceremony sounds lovely but we are taking the kids on a big holiday so cant really justify spending...although I wonder if maybe we could find somewhere on that holiday and just squeeze it in as part of that.

Why not make the children a big part of it? One can walk you down the 'aisle' and another can be the 'officiant'. If a third, they can be the official photographer and planner. They will always remember it and it is affirmation to them that love is positive and long-lasting, despite arguments and tempers that are part of everyday life.

I think if you are going to dress up including the kids . Getting some lovely photos done is idea .
If you want to do vows have a party to celebrate your anniversary and do it there
Hire a celebrat if you to make look good.

Some people are very miserable about vow renewals 🤣 I actually think it can be a lovely, and meaningful thing to do. So much changes over time and marriages can go through many ups and downs. What's wrong with celebrating being together and reaffirming views? Doesn't make a mockery of it all

Anyway, I would see if you could add it into your holiday, make a special day if it and get some lpvely photos

Vows, not views