Renew Your Wedding Vows on a Budget
Ways to Renew Your Vows Effectively Without Going Broke
Oct 11, 2008
Vows can be renewed without straining the finances by deciding the purpose of the renewal, selecting a date, choosing who and what is vital to the occasion, thinking about food, sending affordable invitations, and writing or choosing vows.
Decide Your Purpose for Renewing Wedding Vows
Your purpose in a celebration of renewal may be to express gratefulness or love. It can also set an example for others in the community to get the word out that marriage is worth nurturing and celebrating. It offers a counter-balance to the public face of problems in marriage and relationships.
It also presents a great rather carefree opportunity to bring together family and friends, other than the usual major holiday or funeral, both of which carry their own special burdens.
Select a Date for Your Anniversary Observance
Sometimes the date dictates some of the prices. Choosing a less popular date allows for more affordable services -- whether it be food, music, or flowers. Stay away from June, February (Valentine's Day), homecoming season, or May (prom/graduation). It can also be helpful to check with key people whose attendance you truly value.
Choose Who and What is Vital to the Occasion
Make a list of things you’d like to include in your vow renewal ceremony. Then think of people who might help you with these dreams. For example, a florist friend might supply a bouquet, or another friend may provide either live or prerecorded music. Look at what you can get donated, or buy very affordably. Consider clothes that can be worn later rather than expenditures for one-time use.
Put some thinking into what you really want to happen when you renew your vows. For example, if you want certain family members to play a role you may assign them roles of honor like scattering rose petals, bringing the rings, jewelry or whatever items you may want to exchange as a token.
Talk to your minister, or even a respected friend. It can be presided upon by anyone since it is not a legal transaction but a ceremony of renewal which you are observing for your own personal satisfaction.
Think About Refreshments
Is there any certain food you feel strongly about? Maybe it is a tiered cake, or a favorite appetizer. Also recall what your friends and family prepare that you enjoy. Many times they can find joy in participating by being asked to bring their special finger food or appetizer.
Know that you don’t have to feed the crowd a complete meal. Having adequate snacks available to fuel the conversation and reception is what’s important.
If you specify finger foods, serving becomes much simpler. Also, choosing non-alcoholic punch allows for children and adults alike to visit the same punch bowl without having to monitor or specify the difference.
Send Affordable Invitations
Use an online invitation system like Evite whereby you can both invite ahead of time, and also send a reminder closer to the event. Since most couples who consider renewing their vows are already set up in housekeeping, they usually don’t need gifts, so let the guests participate by bringing something to share in the way of food or helping. Many hands make work light. It changes the nature of the celebration when people don’t just have to sit and watch, but can become part of the event.
Before you send out the online invitation, make lists of the most needed items. Some include greeting, serving food, helping with setting up the church or other space, helping with clean up and break down at the end. You can list foods, for example, listing 5 dozen cookies on separate lines will involve 5 people but no one has to do too much. Add chips and dips, appetizers, deserts, punch. It can be fun to leave some choices up to your guests by items like ‘snack of your choice’ since some people like to decide later in the game.
Write Your Vows
There are many choices out there. You can also write your own wedding vows. Include words of love and honor for your spouse and your relationship. The program can be a souvenir which can thank those who help as well as include special quotes or lyrics which are important to you.
Don't let financial limitations get in the way of renewing your vows. Do it for enjoyment and satisfaction, and do it on a budget.
 |
