When your love continues to grow and your marriage has led you on the adventure of a lifetime, it’s important to remind yourself (and loved ones) how strong your commitment to your spouse is. Whether you’ve been married 5 years or 50 years, there is never a wrong time to renew your vows. The VHS team has all the answers, tips, and tricks to planning the perfect destination vow renewal.

Where should I renew my vows?

While a backyard gathering may be lovely, we of course think nothing is better than somewhere tropical. After all, you deserve a getaway! Finding the perfect destination easier than you may think. Just as for help from our agents. Going with the option of a destination vow renewal allows couples to not only have a gorgeous and unforgettable backdrop to their vow renewal, but they will also experience a stress free planning experience paired with an adventurous vacation too! Dying to know our top destinations for a vow renewal? Look no further than beautiful Riviera Maya or feel the love on the island of Jamaica! for location options to consider.

How far in advance should I plan my vow renewal?

Vow renewals can be planned out as far as over a year in advance. On the other hand, we know that life sometimes offers us pleasant surprises, so planning a vow renewal in just a few months is also totally feasible! For many couples, planning in advance offers a new exciting project to work on together in order to celebrate a special milestone. While milestones are always a perfect reason to celebrate, so are overcoming challenges. Couples who have recently overcome hardships and challenges have a new reason to profess their love and commitment to one another through a destination vow renewal ceremony.

What types of costs are associated with a vow renewal?

Aside from the cost of travel, the vow renewal ceremony and events are completely customizable to fit any budget. As with any event, the number of guests that attend will ultimately determine your big picture budget. Think of it this way, the more guests, then the more tables, meals, décor, and beverages you will need to budget for. Hosting a destination vow renewal doesn’t promise that the costs will be free, but will help alleviate bigger expenses and make planning easy and convenient. Your resort will work as a one-stop-shop for all vendors needed.

What etiquette changes?

The good news is that etiquette becomes a bit more laid back when it comes to the proper do’s and don’ts for hosting this type of event. For starters, many couples may ask “Who is technically hosting this, and where should the invitations come from?” Easily enough, there are several options. If you have grown children of your own, they are certainly welcome to host and invite on your behalf. However, it is also completely acceptable for the couple to host themselves.

What on earth do I wear?

Anything you want! The beauty of a destination vow renewal is that it allows you to wear anything you’d like. Take out your original wedding dress and make it a throwback affair. Indulge in a new more casual style dress, or even opt to keep things simple and wear a fashionable sundress that speaks “I’m on a beach!” For gentlemen, there are several options as well. You too, are welcome to get as fancy or as casual as you’d like. This is your event after all; do what best represents your love and relationship together.

What changes with the ceremony?

For starters, your entrance down the aisle to your vow renewal can be a variety of things. You can walk down alone, be escorted by your children or for a super romantic touch, walk down the aisle together. You have embarked on this journey of a lifetime together so far; why not take this adventure together too?

Who is invited?

Luckily, with a vow renewal, you likely have fewer cooks in the kitchen when it comes to opinions, requirements, and requests. This applies directly to the guest list. Gone are the days of other people telling you who needs to be invited out of courtesy! This day is more intimate than your original wedding day and focuses solely on the two of you, and the family and friends who have shared your adventure with you. A vow renewal guest list can be as small or as large as you’d like. We suggest starting with close family members, and then close lifelong friends. Keep in mind, this is not the type of event where you need be concerned with inviting your co-workers or distant cousins out of mere consideration.

How can we make our vow renewal extra meaningful and romantic?

We love this question! A vow renewal is a reflection of the journey life has taken the two of you, together. Whether you are renewing your vows 5 years later or 50 years later, there will certainly be plenty of ways to incorporate some extra special touches of love. Here are some of our favorite ideas:

• Wear your original wedding dress. If this isn’t an option, take some of the fabric materials to create special accessories such as earrings, a veil, or even incorporate into your bouquet!
• Show off any jewelry that your spouse has given you over the years: rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, etc.
• For gentlemen, dig out your original suit or maybe even the cufflinks.
• Be sure to hire a photographer for this event! Reenact your original wedding photos to create some extra intimate flashbacks of your original wedding day.
• If you have children of your own, involve them in the ceremony.

We hope this newfound knowledge has inspired you and your loved one to start dreaming of your perfect vow renewal. If you have questions, or are ready to begin the first steps contact VHS now at bit.ly/2UYwtHV to talk with our romance specialist.