Renewing your wedding vows is a beautiful way to reaffirm your commitment and celebrate your love with family and friends. It’s a chance to reflect on your journey together and recommit to your future. Vow renewals are more flexible and personal than traditional weddings. This flexibility extends to the cost as well. But how much does it actually cost to renew wedding vows?
In this article, we will break down the various factors that can influence how much it costs to renew your wedding vows. We also offer some tips to help you plan a meaningful ceremony and day that fits your budget.
What is wedding vow renewal?
A vow renewal is a celebratory ceremony during which a married couple reaffirms their commitment to one another. It’s a chance to celebrate your journey together, reflect on the promises you made on your wedding day, and recommit to your future as a couple. It may be a special anniversary (10, 25, or 50 years) or a renewed commitment to each other after a period of difficulty. Vow renewals are also popular with couples who eloped or had a destination wedding and want to share their commitment back home with family and friends.
But it’s important to understand that a vow renewal is not a second wedding. You are already married, and there’s no legal aspect to the ceremony. Hence, it’s entirely for you and your partner to express your love and commitment in a way that feels most meaningful. Unlike a wedding, you don’t need a marriage license, a registered officiant, or witnesses for a vow renewal. This flexibility allows you to personalise the ceremony completely, making it as budget-friendly or elaborate as you desire.
How much does it cost to renew wedding vows?
Your vow renewal cost entirely depends on what you want to include. Typically, a vow renewal costs a minimum of around $/£200 for a simple ceremony. And the price can go to a few thousand or more, depending on the number of guests you have invited, and how embellished you would like your special day to be. It’s more the whole day that will cost, not the actual renewal.
Research by American Express revealed that nearly 20% of Brits either plan to or have already renewed their vows. And they spend an average of £1,644 in the process.
When planning a vow renewal, here are the main cost factors to consider:
- Officiant: Whether you choose a professional officiant or have a friend or family member lead the ceremony.
- Venue: The location of your renewal, from a grand ballroom or destination vow renewal to a private venue.
- Guest list: The number of people you invite will impact the cost of food, drinks, and potentially the venue rental.
- Timing: Day of the week, time of day, and even the season can influence venue pricing and overall celebration costs. Weekends and peak seasons like summer often come with premium pricing.
- Celebratory extras: Similar to a wedding ceremony, flowers, decorations, photography, music, and even attire can all add to the overall cost.
Tips for a budget-friendly vow renewal
Vow renewal ceremonies are a memorable way to say “I do” again, but they don’t have to have to be expensive. Here are some tips to help you plan a meaningful day that stays within your budget:
Don’t treat it as a wedding: The word “wedding” is immediately associated with higher costs, so be clear about the purpose of your celebration from the beginning. While equally special occasion, there’s less expectation surrounding wedding vow renewals. This gives you the opportunity to really do it your way – including keeping it cost-friendly.
Embrace the flexibility: Vow renewals have no set rules. This freedom allows you to get creative and find ways to save. Consider a smaller, private ceremony or a non-traditional venue like your own garden or a scenic park. You could also have a friend or family member doing the ceremony to avoid officiant fees.
DIY: Decorate the venue yourself, create your own centrepieces or personalise stationery. There are many online tutorials and budget-friendly craft supplies available.
Be strategic with your guest list: The number of guests directly impacts the cost of food, drinks, and potentially the venue rental. Unlike for some weddings, there is no pressure to invite everybody. Consider keeping it intimate with close family and friends.
Repurpose and borrow: Think outside the box! Can you borrow decorations from friends or family? Or repurpose beautiful items you already own for centrepieces or backdrops.
Think “seasonally”: Consider an off-season vow renewal. Venue rentals and vendor rates might be lower during weekdays or outside of peak wedding season.
Focus on experiences: Focus on creating lasting memories through shared experiences like music, games, or other things you like as a couple.
Budget-friendly food options: Instead of a formal sit-down meal, consider a potluck-style reception or a simple buffet.
Explore vow renewal packages: Many vendors offer vow renewal packages that bundle officiant services, photography, and sometimes even decorations at a discounted rate.
Get creative with entertainment: Live music can be expensive. Consider creating a playlist, hiring a student musician, or having a karaoke session for some fun entertainment.
Photography options: While a professional photographer captures beautiful memories, consider asking a talented friend or family member to capture the ceremony. Guests capturing memories on their phone cameras or Polaroid cameras can be a fun idea too.
Attire: There’s no need for a new wedding dress or tuxedo! Rewear your original wedding attire, choose a special outfit you already own, or opt for something more casual depending on the setting.
Is vow renewal worth it?
Vow renewals are worth it if they hold meaning for you and your partner as a couple. It’s not about spending a fortune to recreate your wedding, but celebrating your love in a way that feels special and reaffirms your commitment.
When planning your vow renewal ceremony it’s important to remember that your guests won’t be expecting a full-scale wedding-style celebration. And you definitely don’t have to spend the rest of your life savings on the event! Planning a wedding vow renewal ceremony should be a fun and pleasurable experience for everyone involved, especially you.
Conclusion
The cost of your vow renewal truly depends on how you envision celebrating your love. It can be a simple and intimate ceremony for a few hundred or a grand celebration for thousands. Because a vow renewal is not a second wedding and has no legal aspect to the ceremony, you have the full flexibility to decide how much you want to spend for it. With creativity and these budgeting tips, you can plan a vow renewal that reflects your love story and fits comfortably within your budget.
