Plan a special day for yourself celebrating how long you have been married
Vow renewal is a personal decision; not everyone does it. Seal and Heidi Klum, for example, renew their vows every year. Most people, if they choose to renew their vows, do so on a big anniversary, such as their 10th, 25th or 50th. Whenever you choose to do your vow renewals, make it special so it is something you and your family will cherish.
Involve the Family
Your family will want to be a part of your special day; after all, they are a product of your marriage. Put your grandchildren in the role of flower girls and ring bearers; children who are teenagers can be bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you aren't having a traditional-style wedding, just invite your family to attend your ceremony. Make the public announcement, in front of your family, that you still love each other.
Go Retro
Plan the ceremony around the decor and theme of the year you were originally married. This works especially well if you have been married more than 20 years. Arrive to the ceremony in an old-fashioned car wearing a dress in the style of your original. Play music that was popular at the time of your first marriage and encourage your guests to dress in the style of that time as well.
Write your own Vows
There is nothing more personal than writing your own vows. You may have written your own for your original wedding, but you can do it again. Mention the ups and downs of your marriage and how your love sustained you through it all. Talk about how you would do it all again with your spouse. Take time to think about it before the ceremony so you don't just blurt out the first thing you think of.
Make it Personal
Vow renewal ceremonies, like weddings, can all look the same if they aren't personal to the couple. Use your favorite colors in the ceremony, even if they are red or purple. Play non-traditional music for the processional and recessional; it is your ceremony and you can do what you wish. Have a very short ceremony in the middle of a family backyard barbecue. Go on vacation to a place you have always wanted to visit and have a personal ceremony with just you, your spouse and a clergy member.
Tags: your family, been married, dress style, family will, have been, have been married