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How Do We Do A Renewal of Vows Like A Real Wedding? – Ask The Expert Answer

August 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Amanda:

Well hello. I got married at the justice of the peace with only 2 witness and that was because we didn’t have the money for a wedding. I was wondering if it would be wrong to want to do the renewal as if it was a true wedding, and if it would be ok, what things should I omit from the ceremony and reception?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Amanda, and congratulations on your wedding!  The only difference in the ceremony between a ‘true wedding’ and a ‘renewal of vows’ would be some of the wording in there ceremony.  You can still have your full "I do" ceremony.  The person performing the wedding has the wording for this and can help you plan an appropriate ceremony for your circumstances—and yet have it as a ‘true wedding’. 

From an etiquette point of view, the rules around being remarried are quite clear.  If a bride has not had a full wedding with all the usual pomp and ceremony, she can have one.  If a bride has had a full wedding at some point in her life, any subsequent wedding must follow the rules of an encore (or second) wedding.  It doesn’t matter if the guy has been remarried or not—the ‘rule’ follows the bride’s wedding status. 

Many brides who ‘missed’ having a full wedding plan to have one later when they can afford it, or when the finances are in place.  Usually this ‘renewal’ of vows is held around their anniversary, but sometimes it is just held at a date of their choosing.  The things you should be aware of are 1)  the officiant will help you with the ceremony wording, and 2) the invitation wording will be different than a wedding. 

This wedding invitation wording video will explain the rules around wedding invitation wording.  For a renewal of vows, instead of saying:  "…..request the honour of your presence at the marriage of ….." , you would say "……..request the honour of your presence to celebrate the recent marriage of…..".  If you are paying for your own wedding (without help from your parents), then the wording would be "…The honour of your presence is requested at the marriage celebration of…"

If you have had any bridal showers already, the people who attended them would not attend any subsequent bridal showers.  The rule is that a guests goes to one bridal shower per bride—no matter how many times she gets married. 

Those are the basic things you need to know.  If you are looking for how to get started with your wedding planning, check out this wedding planning website. 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Invitations, Renewal of Vows

How Do I Plan A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

August 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Teresa:

My hubby and I will be married 20 years this Dec. and are planning to renew our wedding vows.  Is an ivory tea length wedding dress appropriate for such an occasion and is the ceremony much like that of a first wedding?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Teresa, and congratulations on 20 years of marriage!  An ivory tea length wedding dress is perfect for a renewal of vows.  When planning a renewal of vows, the ceremony is similar to a wedding, but the focus is on renewing an existing commitment instead of focusing on a new commitment.  If you were married in a church, your religious leader will have a renewal of vows ceremony for you to look at. 

Whomever you choose to have as an officiant for your wedding will have samples of a renewal of vows ceremony for you to choose from, and the experience to advise you on how you might want to create your vow ceremony.

The reception is basically a party that you can plan in any way you like.  The traditional gift of a 20th anniversary is China, and you can follow that Asian theme through with a Cherry Blossom theme or an eco-friend theme with these great bamboo favours.   Enjoy!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Asian Theme, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

Can We Expect Wedding Gifts For A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

July 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Holly:

My husband and I are going to renew our vows on our 5th wedding anniversary, the first time we didn’t have a wedding with our friends and family there.  Should I expect people to give us wedding gifts even though we are already married?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Holly, and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  From an etiquette point of view, wedding gifts are never to be expected.  Some people will want to give gifts, some will want to give money, and there are always a few who don’t give anything.  I suggest you register at a few bridal registries with items that you need.  This video on wedding gift etiquette will give you the guidelines to follow when planning your wedding. 

Good luck, and feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Gifts, Ideas, Planning, Renewal of Vows, Tips & Advice, Traditions

What Is An Appropriate Dress For A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

May 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Barbara:

My husband and I will be renewing our 30th Wedding vows on the Carnival Valor cruise 12/06/2009, by the cruise Captain and I was wondering if you feel this dress would be an appropriate dress.

Would you suggest something more simple or another color? I was wondering if it is ok to wear white again? any advice would be appreciated.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Barbara, the dress is beautiful, and is entirely appropriate for a cruise wedding renewal of vows.  A renewal of vows can be either extravagant or simple depending upon the couple.  Many couples never had much of a "real wedding" when they first got married, so like to have a more extravagant renewal of vows.  

What you are planning sounds very appropriate.   A renewal or second wedding should be more subdued than a first wedding from an etiquette point of view.  A cruise renewal of vows is very popular choice.  Yes, it is perfectly fine to wear white again, but know that it is a more modern choice.  The traditional choice is to go with ivory, pale yellow or other soft colour.  The choice is yours. 

I think you choice is perfect.  Enjoy! and congratulations!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows, Traditions, Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses

Can I Wear A Wedding Gown For A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

April 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Kathy:

Hi Angela, I will be married for 35 years this year.  My childhood dream was always walking down the aisle in a beautiful  wedding gown.  Unfortunately, my
dream did not come true and I did not wear a wedding gown on my wedding day.   For our 35th I want to arrange to renew our wedding vows (surprise to my
husband) and I want to make my dream come true for my one and only.  Would it be appropriate for me to wear a wedding gown on this special day that I will plan and also I would like to have a low key reception for my family and friends.  I don’t expect gifts — just their presence and love.  What do you think?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Kathy, and congratulations on 35 years of marriage.  That is quite a feat these days!  Yes, you can wear a wedding gown to renew your vows.  Many brides wear the gown they wore when they first got married, some buy a gown because they never had one, and some prefer to go informal and wear a cocktail dress. 

I suggest that you keep the event formal—it can be low key—but a formal event lends itself more to a wedding dress, tuxedo/suit, etc.  It can be a small, intimate, formal affair that could be very elegant and beautiful. 

Good luck, and feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

Do We Need A Marriage Certificate For A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

March 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Carol:

Hi, do we require another marriage certificate to renew our vows in Ontario?  We are going to renew in our 25th year of marriage. The 1st time around was in the fall, I would like a summer celebration this time around and I know we can do it anytime we wish, I just need to know about the marriage certificate part. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Carol.  No, you do not need a marriage certificate for a renewal of vows.  You are already married, so no certificate is needed.  The Renewal of Vows is a spiritual and personal affirmation of your existing marriage.  Enjoy!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

What Attire Should We Have For A Renewal of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

February 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Eloisa:

I am looking for a cocktail dress for myself and my husband is planning on wearing a suit although he feels strange being a little more dressed up then the guests and I try to tell him that we should a little bit more dressed up because we are hosting and it is our 25th anniversary.  We should be fine dressed up as I mention above even though we are having this event during the day and having a picnic style buffet for lunch.  Is our attire is good since we are renewing our vows? 

Also for my out of state guests, should I give them the info about hotels prices and rental car prices when I send the save-the-date cards or should I wait until they ask? Because they may need the info in case they want to stay in a hotel that is in the same city on where we are having the event? Thank you.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Eloisa.  Your attire sounds perfect.  There are some great cocktail dresses (sometimes called T dresses) which you can find at this link. 

As for your out of town guests, I would wait until they ask for additional information.  Informing them that you have the information is enough at this stage of the process.  This post about save-the-date cards gives a more complete answer. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows, Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses

Can We Have A Renewal Of Vows After Only Five Years of Marriage? – Ask The Expert Answer

February 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Danielle:

I was wondering do you think its silly that my husband and I would like to renew our vows after being together for only five years. We feel we have been and gone through what a married couple would have in twenty years!  We have been through debt problems, to my babys health problem to almost seperating as well.  We feel that renewing our vows will give us a fresh start over.  We wanted to have a ceremony and a small party too.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Danielle.  A renewal of vows is a very personal thing, and there is no rule about when it is appropriate.  It sounds like you deserve congratulations for working things out through tough times.  Having a renewal of vows is a great way to celebrate that. 

When doing a renewal of vows, I suggest that you plan your ceremony to acknowledge the path you have walked together, as well as your choices for the future together.  A party sounds like a great way to celebrate with the people in your life who are important to you.

Enjoy the party!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

After Eloping, Can We Have A Renewal of Wedding Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

February 2, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Question from Jodi:

My daughter eloped due to pregnancy. Now they are wanting the ceremony and reception they missed the first time. They hope to do it with renewal of vows on their fifth anniversary. I think it seems inappropriate. Is this unusual?   Thank You.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Jodi.  The Victorian etiquette experts would not approve of such a thing, but it is very common these days.  Couples miss their wedding reception for a variety of reasons, and later throw a party in the form of a renewal of vows and wedding reception.  Sometimes, the couple can’t afford the wedding the first time around, or they get married in another country without their family around.  Sometimes there are multiple wedding receptions so family and friends can all participate in different parts of the country.  Sometimes they elope, and later throw a party in the form of a wedding reception and a renewal of vows.

It is not inappropriate, nor is it unusual.  Enjoy the party!

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

Should Young Girls Wear Corsages, Wrist Corsages, or Flower Halos At An Anniversary? – Ask The Expert Answer

October 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Eloisa:

It is me again.  I had mention that I would like my family to wear corsages and boutonnieres during this special occasion and I was looking at some websites and it got me to thinking:   is their any age range for young girls to wear corsages? By the time I have my event my two youngest nieces will be 11 and 8.  Between a pin corsage, wrist corsage or a flower Halo which would  be best for them?  For their age I am thinking of picking something not too
big. Thanks for your help.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Eloisa.  There are no hard and fast rules about this, it is more a matter of personal style, and how well the style goes with what they are wearing.  If it is a summer event with lovely flowing dresses and they are part of a ceremony, a flower halo would be lovely.  If it is more of an indoor event, and they don’t have a special part of the ceremony, I think wrist corsages are very appropriate.  Pin corsages are also very nice and traditional, and your nieces might appreciate wearing the same things as their older cousins as it doesn’t single them out. 

But there are no "rules" around what is most appropriate.  It is a matter of personal preference.  I hope that helps. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

How Do You Host A Reception After Being Legally Married? – Ask The Expert Answer

October 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Lori:

I’m a Canadian bride-to-be moving to the US to live with my American husband-to-be. Because of immigration requirements, our civil ceremony will take place relatively soon after the move and will only include the required witnesses as we sign our license in front of a judge. It’s not feasible for our family to attend, so we plan on hosting a reception for our family and friends at a later date (within a couple of months).

What is the proper etiquette for hosting a reception after the marriage license has already been signed? When inviting guests to a reception, do we need to inform everyone that a private ceremony has already taken place? It is my understanding we cannot do a ceremony-type exchange of vows for our guests,
so what elements may we include in a reception, and which are considered poor etiquette? As we are planning this reception for the enjoyment of our
friends and family, we hope to avoid offending anyone or doing things awkwardly. Any suggestions?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Lori, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  Although you will already be married, you CAN have a traditional wedding if you so choose.  This is more and more common these days for a variety of reasons, and you can even have a church wedding if you choose.  The only difference is you won’t sign another marriage certificate–so it is more like a Renewal of Vows.  The clergy needs to know you are legally married, and the church wedding is to bless the union before God in front of family and friends. 

When you send out the wedding invitations, you can change the wording to ……invite you to attend a reception in honour of the recent marriage of……   It is very common with destination weddings, and more and more people marrying someone from another country, to have multiple receptions in different parts of the world so all family can celebrate the marriage and for the bride and groom to get to know the extended family.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Invitations, Renewal of Vows, Wedding Theme Collections by Weddingstar

How Do We Do A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

October 1, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Heather:

So, My husband and I have been married for five years. We had a "real wedding" five years ago, however, due to it being rushed and due to money, we did not have the kind of wedding we would have wanted. We would like to renew our vows, but do we do bridesmaids and all that? Do I buy a wedding dress? How do I go about this?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Heather, and congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.  You and many others are doing this exact thing—having a renewal of vows.  Some are planning a full wedding, others are opting for a cocktail party or smaller affair.  Some are having all their bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other are omiting them.  The choice is really yours.

Check these links for previous answers to questions about Anniversaries and Renewal of Wedding Vows.  They should answer your basic questions.  I will be happy to answer any specific questions you may have after you have read these previous posts.  The short answer is yes, you can plan your party in any way that you choose—you are hosting the party, and you are paying for it. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

On What Date Can I Do A Renewal Of Wedding Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

September 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Kim:

My husband and I will be celebrating our 17 wedding anniversary on April 11, 2009. We were going to re new our wedding vows when we hit the 15th mark but just never got around of doing it because of so many things going on. 

Recently my husband was involved in an automobile accident and is doing ok but it has put a big burden on our lives this past year. Through all that has happened we have managed to hang on strong and still be there for each other.

Now I think this would be a great time for us to show everyone that we are strong and are able to get through anything together. I would really like to have a little time to prepare for this special occasion so my question is…would it be ok to plan our renewal of vows on a day and month other than the actual day we were married?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Kim.  What a romantic story you and your husband have!  Sometimes it takes advertsity to make a strong bond even stronger. 

My experience is that very few people will actually remember the date when you were first married, although they may remember the season. Yes, you can have your renewal of vows whenever you like. 

A renewal of vows is an opportunity for a couple to share their happiness and their bond of love with their friends and family.  There are no hard and fast rules about this.  In my work as a minister, I have seen a renewal of vows on a major anniversary, as well as when a couple has come through a difficult time and they want to celebrate their love and their relationship. 

Choose a date that is good for you.  You are the hosts of this party, and can choose what works best for you.  These links on anniversaries and on renewal of wedding vows will give you additional information. 

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

How Do We Word The Invitation for A Renewal Of Vows? – Ask The Expert Answer

September 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Reba:

I need a little advice on the wording of my invitations. My husband and I are renewing our wedding vows 15th year.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Reba,and congratulations on your upcoming anniversary.  There are many examples of wording for a renewal of vows by following the link.  If you have further questions, please feel free to email again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Invitations, Renewal of Vows

What Are The Guidelines for ‘Save The Date’ Cards? – Ask The Expert Answer

August 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Eloise:

Last month my cousin sent me a "Save the Date" card for an anniversary party this month for her parents. I was thinking of sending out "Save the Date" cards myself for my 25th anniversary and I have some friends and family who live out-of-state and I was thinking of sending their cards about 10 months before the event and send my family and friends who live long and short distances from where I live their cards about 1 or 2 months before the events.

Is it alright to send some people their cards early and others later? I figure since the ones who are out-of-state would need more time to plan for their trip if they decide to come for the event and the others don’t need their cards to be sent to them 10 months ahead of time,right? Am I doing the right thing sending the cards at two different times?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Eloise.  The usual timeline for ‘save the date’ cards is 9 to 12 months ahead for those who need to make travel arrangements to attend your event.  For those who live closer, 4 to 6 months ahead is appropriate. Yes, you can send the cards out at different times. 

Sending ‘save the date’ cards to your guests 1 to 2 months ahead is cutting it a little short, especially if the date is close to a national holiday, a long weekend, or a busy tourist time in the destination city, although some notice is better than no notice.  Between one and two months is the time to send the actual invitations.  If, for some reason, the invitations are not ready, save the date cards sent one to two months ahead is very appropriate.

I hope that answers your questions.  If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Invitations, Invitations, Planning, Renewal of Vows, Tips & Advice

Can We Have a Wedding Ceremony On Our Anniversary? – Ask The Expert Answer

August 19, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Tasha:

We want to renew our wedding vows on New Years Eve.  It has been 10 years for us we never had a ceremony, and want to have a ceremony in church with a bridal party.  What do you think about that?  We are having a private lunch the next day for close family and friends, is this okay?  Last question is it okay to send out reply cards so I can enough wedding favors for my guest that come out??  Thanks for all your help.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Tasha and congratulations on your anniversary.  A big YES to all of your questions.  It is perfectly acceptable to plan your anniversary in the way you suggest.  Many people, when they first get married, do so when they are starting out and don’t always have the money for a large celebration.  An anniversary is the perfect time to do this!

The main difference you would have from a wedding is that this is your anniversary.  Invitations, and the ceremony itself will reflect these changes.  Your clergy can help you with the changes to the wedding ceremony wording, and if you look at these previous posts, you will see some examples of how to word the invitations.  If you are purchasing invitations from a printer, they will also give you some examples of how the wording would be different for a renewal of vows ceremony vs a wedding ceremony. 

Enjoy your celebration.  If you have other questions, please feel free to write again.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Planning, Renewal of Vows, Wedding Favours

How Do We Plan A Wedding Celebration When We Are Already Married? – Ask The Expert Answer

July 27, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Chloe:

My husband and I will celebrate 5 years of marriage Aug 15,2009.  We never had a wedding because we could not afford it. We were married by an Associate Pastor with 8 friends watching at church. In the planning of this wedding do I have  bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen etc…?

I would like the ceremony at the same church but I don’t know if the ceremony would be as though this were the first time or is it different.  Is there a reception or not?  Please help!

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Chloe, and congratulations on your wedding renewal. In a word, my answer is YES! How enjoyable for you!

Yes, you can have bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, etc. Because you did not have this with your first wedding, the renewal of your vows is a perfect time to enjoy having your wedding with all the trimmings if that is what you want. 

Yes, you can have a ceremony, but it will be a renewal of wedding vows as opposed to your wedding vows. Your clergy will know what to do about the wording. Basically, it will be the same as for a wedding, with the addition of words to the effect that you are renewing your commitment to one another.

Yes, you can have a reception. This will be a celebration of your commitment to one another, and a very enjoyable time for you and your husband.

Yes, you will need to take some care over the wording of the invitations to this “wedding”. See some of the Ask The Expert posts to get ideas on wording of invitations when the couple are already married, renewal of vows, or anniversary ideas. You have the choice to combine them in any way you like to create a special day for you and your spouse. When you order your invitations, there will be sample wording for you to choose from. 

The basic Invitation format is as follows:

(whomever is paying for the wedding)
request the pleasure of your company
at the marriage renewal of
(name)
(daughter of ….)
to
(name)
(son of ….)
on
date, place, time.
 
Reception to follow at:
Date place time
 

RSVP. 

Of course, you can create your own wording, depending upon your wedding theme, and personal style. 

Your situation is not unique, and although not common, it is being done more regularly these days as many people get married at a destination, and then have a reception at home again.  It is also common if the couple are from two distant locations to have a ceremony reenactment and/or reception at both those locations.  Sometimes, the married couple will opt only for a reception instead of renewing their vows a second time.  The choice is yours.

Enjoy your special day!  Feel free to email again if you have any questions.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert
Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Ideas, Invitations, Planning, Renewal of Vows

How Do I Word The Invitations When The Couple Are Already Married?

July 24, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Les: 

My son and daughter-in-law were married in Mexico at the end of April. Her family just hosted a reception in Alta. last weekend. We are hosting a reception in Sept and would like some advice on wording the invites. It is to be a cocktail and hors d’euvres a little bit less than formal.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Les. There are a number of ways to do this, but since you specified a little less formal event, this wording would work wonderfully well. 

 
Mr. and Mrs. Les Newman
request the pleasure of your company
at a cocktail party to celebrate the recent marriage
of their son
“his name”
with
“daughter-in-law’s name”
daughter of “her parents names”.
 
The reception will be held at the
PLACE
DATE
TIME
 
Their wedding in “Mexico-could be more detailed” was wonderful and now it’s time to celebrate with family and friends. 
RSVP, etc.
 
This is the format.  You can change the wording around if you so choose. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me again.
 
Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert
Filed Under: Ask The Expert, Destination Weddings, Ideas, Invitations, Invitations, Planning, Reception, Renewal of Vows, Tips & Advice

How Do I Do A Renewal of Wedding Vows? Ask The Expert Answer

July 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Mickey: 

We are planning on renewing our vows after 20 years at sea. I was just wondering do we have a wedding party and such? Also we are inviting our friends to go on the Alaskian cruise with us to help celebrate!! And do I have my dad walk down with me!!

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:  
 

How you plan the renewal of your wedding vows is up to you. There is a lot of leeway in planning a “renewal” event. But saying that, here are some ideas for you. 

If your original wedding party is available, you would have them at the reception at the head table. They would not be part of the renewal ceremony unless they did a special reading or something else. They won’t be “standing up” for you as a couple at the ceremony. But, saying that, I have seen a bridal party all dressed up and reenacting the wedding. There is more work with this option, as you need to pick dresses and accessories, and most people don’t want to go through the trouble and the expense. Also, not everyone from the original bridal party is available after 20 years. 
 
Usually the couple come up the aisle together to signify their many years together. 
 
You may choose to honour the original bridal party and your parents by seating them at the front in a place of honour right before you walk up the aisle as a couple.
 
That is how it is usually done. Saying that, know that you can change this if you choose to. A renewal of vows is a very personal statement of your life together, and you can express it in any way you choose.

 Enjoy the cruise (what a great idea!). If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Ceremony, Ideas, Renewal of Vows, Tips & Advice, Traditions, Unique Wedding Reception Themes

Anniversary Ideas – Ask The Expert Answer

May 26, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Lisa:

My parents are celebrating 40 years at the end of June and I would like some advise on what to get them?  I’d like to plan a mini wedding reception including their friends who were in the wedding party as well as family.   Any ideas.  They would likely prefer something casual but since it’s so special, should I plan a formal gathering?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Lisa.  I won’t go into the reception planning, as that is pretty standard whether you decide on a restaurant or a hotel catered event. 

I will address ideas that can make this a special event. If you have a video camera, I would make arrangements to meet with each person coming to the event, and ask them to give a special message to the couple.  For those who are good speakers or story tellers, I would ask them to tell a funny or heartwarming story about the couple.  These clips can be edited, and shown at the reception.  Copies of the DVD could be given to each guest.  If you have a computer savvy person in the family, doing this would be easy.

Alternatively, scanning photos of their life and putting them into a "movie" is another option.

Another idea would be to ask the guests for money instead of a gift, and give the couple a trip.  For my parent’s anniversary, we did this and sent them to BC to visit relatives they don’t see that often.  They still talk about that trip.  We collected the money from the guests (we sold tickets), and the children "topped up" the funds to pay for the trip. 

To make the event special, the key is to make it personal to them.  What things do they love?  Incorporate those things and I’m sure it will be successful.  Maybe they need a new set of dishes?  or something else practical.  People of that generation like practical gifts.  Something that they would use every day that reminds them of the party is what I would choose.

I hope this is helpful.  If readers of this blog have any other ideas, please feel free to post them below.

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask The Expert

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows

Anniversary Attire for Renewing of Vows? – Ask the Expert Answer

May 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

 Question from Elosia:

Can you give me some ideas on attire for me and my husband for our 25th?  We are thinking of a hall in the daytime and renewing our vows. We are thinking of starting it at noon and ending it at 7 pm.

I was also thinking of getting my family (brothers, sisters, nephews, neices and in-laws) corsages and boutonnieres.

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela:

Hi Eloisa.  From your other questions, I know you are planning an informal or casual reception for your 25th Anniversary. 

You and your husband have a few choices for the renewal of your wedding vows.  You could wear what you wore at your wedding—full wedding gown, tuxedo, etc.  This is not practical for some people as they pass on their wedding dress to daughters, etc. or have other reasons for not doing their wedding attire.  The next option would be a formal gown, and tuxedo or suit for your husband.  Since you seem to be leaning towards an informal event, I would suggest you wear a nice dress, and your husband a suit. 

If you are longing for something beautiful and special, I would suggest a formal gown for yourself and a tuxedo or black suit for your husband for the renewal of your wedding vows.  Then you could change into a nice dress for the reception, and the black suit would take your husband over into the reception easily.

As for corsages and boutonnieres, it is common for the bridal party, and parents/grandparents of the husband/wife to have them.  At an anniversary where the bridal party is not wearing matching dresses, this distinguishes them to your other guests.  

The nice thing about Anniversary parties is that you can enjoy yourself and do as you wish.  If you want brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, etc. to also have corsages and boutonnieres, I would suggest that you have a different flower than those used for the bridal party and the parents/grandparents.   

Angela Fiebelkorn, Ask the Expert

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Planning, Reception, Renewal of Vows

10 Yr Anniversary Tradition – Ask the Expert Answer

May 5, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Question from Michelle

What is usually the tradition for a 10 year wedding anniversay? Do you just have a big party, Or a ceremony again, followed by a reception?

Answer from Bridal Expert Angela

Hi Michelle,

Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary. 

For some basic information about 10th year Anniversaries, check out this link. 

Large anniversary parties are held for a 25th anniversary, 50th, 60th, etc.  The ones inbetween are often smaller affairs with family and friends, and are as elaborate or as intimate as a couple chooses to make it.  A small dinner party or special weekend getaway are usual 10th anniversary ways of celebrating.  Sometimes a couple will celebrate with a 10-day trip somewhere special. 

The re-enactment of wedding vows is usually at a 50th anniversary, although I have seen it at a 25th anniversary once. 

I am sure you have your own ideas of what you would like to do for your anniversary.   Follow your heart and celebrate in the manner that pleases you.  Ten years is longer than many marriages last.  Congratulations!

Angela Fiebelkorn, ASK THE EXPERT

Filed Under: Anniversaries, Ask The Expert, Renewal of Vows