Thinking about finally hosting the vow renewal you’ve always dreamed of? In this blog post, we’re going to help you get started! Here’s how to host an unforgettable Houston vow renewal!
Like anniversaries, vow renewals – sometimes called recommitment ceremonies – are a special occasion where couples (and oftentimes loved ones as well) come together to celebrate the longevity of a marriage while also looking forward to the many wonderful years to come. The difference is, in most cases, a vow renewal specifically involves reaffirming the vows you made when you got married. This is a beautiful way to commemorate the ever-deepening love between you and your spouse and a memorable tribute to your marriage as a whole.
Although a vow renewal is also a ceremony that honors the love between two people, it’s not quite a second wedding. If this is your first time planning a vow renewal ceremony or recommitment party, you may be wondering how to go about making it happen and what it all entails. Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we will take a close look at how to host a vow renewal.
Searching for a luxury venue for your Houston vow renewal ceremony? Look no further! Madera Estates is a deluxe event venue located in Conroe, Texas. Our glamorous getting-ready suites, breathtaking Spanish & European-inspired grounds, and professional staff are guaranteed to make your vow renewal a magical experience you will never forget. Madera Estates specializes in special occasions and we would be honored to host your Houston vow renewal ceremony!
How To Get Started
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance that the question of renewing your vows has recently popped up between you and your partner. There are many reasons couples decide to reaffirm their vows: to celebrate a marriage anniversary milestone, to finally have the wedding they’ve always dreamed of, or to formally acknowledge how much their love has grown and endured despite hardships and past difficulties. This is your chance to show each other that you’re in it for the long-haul! Whatever your reasons, it’s natural to want to celebrate that your marriage is going strong and you deserve a vow renewal ceremony that best expresses your love and joy!
Decide On A Date
As with most things, timing is everything! You and your partner might find it more meaningful to pick a date that is significant to both of you. The most popular choice is the obvious one: renewing your vows on your wedding anniversary. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Would the both of you prefer another special day, like the day you first met? Your first date? Or perhaps even the day you got engaged? As long as you can come to an agreement on a date you both like, then you’re good to move on to the next step!
Create A Vow Renewal Checklist
A vow renewal may not be a wedding do-over, but you may feel a little déjà vu when it comes down to planning the ceremony. There are a lot of details to go over to make sure that everything is properly taken care of and that you and your significant other are on the same page. Deciding on whether your ceremony will be an intimate event with family and friends or an elaborate affair with many guests will be one of the first few details that need to be ironed out early on.
Will there be a cocktail hour after the ceremony? Will there be a reception with dancing and live music? Besides the reading of the vows, do you have any other activities planned? Do you want to hire a photographer or cinematographer to capture it all? To stay organized, try keeping a checklist and consulting it frequently throughout the planning process. If you take your time and plan ahead, everything should fall into place!
Look For Venues
Another important decision you and your life partner will have to make is the location for your vow renewal celebration. For convenience, it’s great to work with a venue that can accommodate the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception at the same location. Logistically, this makes more sense for your guests and could save you a pretty penny on transportation. Furthermore, you’ll want to sign a contract with a venue that has getting-ready suites on-site, plenty of parking as well as a plan B for inclement weather. It’s also a good idea to seek out a venue that has a variety of scenery for photos of you, your spouse, family, and friends!
Send Out Invitations
Whether you’ve decided on a lowkey affair or a formal ceremony, invitations are a crucial part of the planning phase. Printed invitations will always be classy, however, there’s nothing wrong with going the digital route. Electronic invitations are a popular choice, and you may find this paperless option a helpful timesaver. Both options have their appeal, so pick the one that best reflects you as a couple and the overall tone of your vow renewal.
Plan Your Outfits
Gowns and tuxes or comfy skirts and button-downs? You decide! Go as formal or laidback as you want. Whatever you decide, make sure to dress appropriately for the season/weather and the venue (indoor or outdoor). It’s also a good idea to give your guests attire suggestions! If you want to spice up your Houston vow renewal, consider having a theme for your celebration! Some fun vow renewal themes include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, casino night, disco, 007, fiesta, and more!
Pick An Officiant
Unlike a wedding, a vow renewal is not a legally binding ceremony. This means that your officiant does not have to be anyone who is ordained or licensed, so you have more freedom when choosing potential people for this role. If you would like to add a more personal touch to your ceremony, consider asking a close friend, family member, or your children to officiate. You could even use the same person who officiated your wedding!
Write Your Renewal Vows
Finally, the main event! You could say this is the “heart” of any vow renewal ceremony or party. Perhaps this is the one instance where the internet won’t be much help – this is your golden opportunity to share how you truly feel about your partner. You don’t have to write a Shakespeare sonnet, but it should be both written from the heart and something only you – the person who has been with your spouse through thick and thin – could write.
Alternatively, you could recite the same vows you used at your wedding or prepare an updated version of them to mention how you both have grown as a couple and what you’re looking forward to most in the future. Think about all the wonderful memories you’ve shared together, the highs as well as the lows, and how much you cherish your significant other being a continuous part of your life.
You may struggle a bit to find just the right words to express how much you love your partner but remember – it’s quality over quantity. What you feel deep down is what matters most and those sincere emotions will shine through.
Say “I Do” To Renewing Your Vows At Madera Estates!
Congratulations! You now know all the ins and outs of how to host a vow renewal. No matter how you and your significant other decide to renew your vows, celebrating your lasting love for each other is a joyous event that deserves to be every bit as amazing as your wedding day. Choosing a venue can be time-consuming and stressful but if you’re looking for the best, then look no further than Madera Estates for your Houston vow renewal ceremony!
We offer stunningly gorgeous indoor and outdoor spaces, such as the Arcade and Veranda (our relaxing terrace lounge), the Grand Fireplace, and the Hacienda. There are kitchens on site, luxurious suites, and space to accommodate events of all sizes – everything you need for the perfect Houston vow renewal ceremony!
Want to learn more about what Madera Estates has to offer you? Sometimes seeing is believing, so book your free champagne tour with us today! And don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Pinterest for pictures and inspiration!