Destination Vow Renewal Ceremonies

One of the most romantic things that a married couple can do is to renew their vows. It is a wonderful way to say, “I love you so much that I’d marry you all over again”. Make your vow renewal ceremony even more special by having a destination wedding.

A vow renewal or commitment ceremony is the perfect excuse to head to a tropical paradise. Usually you will plan to have a smaller guest list for this type of occasion than you would for a first wedding, which lends itself very nicely to jetting off to a sunny beach. There are several groups of people to consider inviting to your destination vow renewal: your parents and siblings, your children, any members of your original bridal party with whom you have remained close, and your dearest friends that you have met since being married. Vow renewals often coincide with a major anniversary or surviving a difficult period in the marriage; either way, be sure that at least a decade has passed since your original vows to make the renewal feel meaningful.

Planning a destination vow renewal ceremony is actually quite similar to planning a regular destination wedding. You will want flowers, music, a special dinner, a gorgeous dress, and beautiful wedding jewelry. The main difference is that you can include some of your favorite details from your first wedding, as well. The bride might like to carry a similar bouquet to the one she did when she and her husband were first wed, or she might choose to wear a special set of wedding jewelry from that first happy day. On the other hand, if your first wedding was fairly simple, and your tastes (and budget) have grown more elaborate, feel free to start fresh!

Choosing the right dress is often one of the largest dilemmas for a renewal of marriage vows. You want to look bridal, and yet, as you are not a young ingénue, you also want to look sophisticated and appropriate. For a destination wedding, add in the desire to find a gown that suits the location. Luckily, there are many fabulous options out there, ranging from elegant wedding gowns (in white, if you prefer, although a soft color could also be lovely) to fancy evening gowns. It is really a matter of your personal style. One beautiful idea is a slender beaded chiffon gown in white, ivory, or champagne which is bridal, chic, and great for a beach all at the same time.

When you are renewing your vows, it is preferable to wear a flower in your hair or a fancy pearl and crystal comb rather than a veil or a tiara. Some women feel like they did not get to be a princess on their original wedding day, and so will go for the fantasy during their vow renewal, but really by the time that you have been married long enough to think about renewing your commitment, your princess days are behind you. Your attire can be as elegant and opulent as you like, but it should be appropriate for a married woman, as opposed to a young lade just barely out of college.

Another tip when planning a destination vow renewal ceremony is to involve your children, if you have any. Find age-appropriate ways for them to participate in the service, such as a son walking mom down the aisle or a daughter sprinkling rose petals down the bridal path. Your children will be delighted to be honored in such a way; after all, you are not only renewing your marriage vows, you are reaffirming your commitment to your entire family.