I am very thankful to have been with my spouse for 30 years. On our 27th wedding anniversary, he surprised me with a beautiful card that he drew himself and asked if I would marry him again on our 30th wedding anniversary. Our first wedding was overpriced and full of unnecessary drama, so I was super excited about his request. This year, we celebrate 29 years of being married, so I guess it’s time for me to start planning.
However, this time, we plan on limiting it to a very small group of friends who have truly supported us, at a location far away from noise. For all you other lovebirds out there, here are a few tips on how to plan an affordable and memorable vow renewal.
Renewing your wedding vows can be a beautiful way to reaffirm your love and commitment to your spouse. Whether you want to celebrate a milestone anniversary or simply relive your wedding day, a vow renewal can be a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones and create new memories together. However, planning a vow renewal can also be costly and overwhelming. In this post, we will share some tips and tricks for throwing an affordable but memorable vow renewal.
Keep it Small
One of the easiest ways to save money on a vow renewal is to keep the guest list small. You can invite just your closest family and friends, or even just your immediate family. This will not only save you money on food and drinks, but it will also make the event feel more intimate and personal. If you’d like others to attend, but can’t foot the bill, you could always consider streaming your vow renewal so others can watch the ceremony.
Choose a Meaningful Location
Another way to save money on a vow renewal is to choose a meaningful location that doesn’t require a rental fee. Consider having the ceremony in your backyard, at a local park, or even on the beach. If you do need to rent a space, look for community centers or churches that offer affordable rental rates. Lastly, don’t forget to ask your friends and family. If someone you know has a sizable house or backyard, it could be the perfect place for your vow renewal without breaking the bank.
DIY Decorations
You don’t have to spend a lot of money on decorations to make your vow renewal special. Consider DIY projects such as creating your own centerpieces, making your own floral arrangements, or even making your own photo booth backdrop. You can find tutorials and inspiration online, and involve your children in the process to make it a family project.
If you don’t consider yourself creative or simply don’t have the time to make your decorations, you can purchase budget friendly items online like wedding sparklers, bows, and artificial bouquets.
Keep it Simple
When it comes to planning the ceremony and reception, keeping things simple can also help you save money. Instead of hiring a caterer, consider having a potluck or even a backyard BBQ. You can also DIY your own music playlist and skip the expensive DJ. Focus on what’s important: exchanging vows and celebrating with loved ones.
Repurpose Your Wedding Attire (Among Other Things)
You don’t have to buy a new dress or suit for your vow renewal. Consider repurposing your original wedding attire or even wearing something you already own. If you do want to buy something new, look for sales and discounts or consider renting a dress or suit.
Wedding attire isn’t the only thing you can repurpose. Let’s say you have a gender reveal cannon or leftover decorations from another celebratory event, you can always use it to make your vow renewal more meaningful without overspending.
Focus on the Details
While you don’t need to spend a lot of money on the big things, focusing on the details can make your vow renewal feel special and personalized. Consider creating a photo slideshow of your time together, displaying wedding photos, or even creating a special signature cocktail for the reception. These small touches can make a big impact.
Although there are plenty of ways to keep the romance alive in your marriage, a vow renewal takes the cake. Throwing an affordable but memorable vow renewal is all about focusing on what’s important and being creative with your resources. By keeping the guest list small, choosing a meaningful location, DIYing decorations, keeping things simple, repurposing your wedding attire, and focusing on the details, you can create a beautiful celebration that will be remembered for years to come. Whether you’re celebrating 5 years or 50 years, renewing your vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other.
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