Thinking about renewing your vows? Good for you! The vow refresh is an excellent way to pump some new energy and romance into your relationship and reassure you are significant other that you’re (still) in it for the long haul. But this isn’t your first rodeo, so you know that — just like the first time around — planning a big event such as this can be time-consuming, costly, and a little bit stressful. Luckily, it’ll all be worth it in the end when you see your partner waiting at the altar for you once again. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind when planning your second proclamation of love. 

• Include New Rings — As much as your I do part two is about honoring your relationship in the past, it’s also about setting the stage for the future. One of the best ways to look more ahead than behind is to signify the occasion with a new set of wedding rings. You don’t have to go over the top, though. In fact, many people honor the new milestone with personalized silicone wedding rings or forgo the rings for necklaces or dog tags.
• Write Your Own Vows — Even if you didn’t do this the first time around, writing your own vows is a must for the recommitment ceremony. Be sure to include words that reaffirm your love for one another. Look online to get inspiration on your vow renewal ceremony and incorporate personal touches from shared favorite poems, songs, and books.
• Have a Second First Dance — Of all the traditions you can forgo, don’t make it the first dance or, in this case, the second first dance. This tradition gives you the opportunity to put yourself mentally back to the big day and gives the event a personalized and intimate vibe. One thing you can forgo is the DJ. Have a friend or family member play tunes via a streaming service on a laptop or phone instead.  
• Keep it Intimate — There’s no need to stress about inviting everyone you know to your vow renewal ceremony, as it’s generally accepted that these are smaller, more intimate get-togethers. It’s perfectly fine to keep the affair between you, your partner, and an officiant or to invite only a select few loved ones to attend.
• Or Make it Huge — On the other hand, your marriage refresh is as good a reason as any to throw a huge fiesta with all your family and friends. If you were limited the first time around by time or finances but always dreamed of having a big wedding bash, give yourself the party of your wildest dreams this time around and make it huge!
• Consider a Mass Vow Renewal — Mass vow renewals are events where officiants or religious leaders renew the wedding vows of multiple couples at the same time. You can attend a group vow renewal ceremony in Times Square or hop into a mass ceremony like the one held at Western Michigan University, which set a Guinness World Record for the most vow renewals in one place at one time. Prefer something more personal? Consider linking up with other couples you know personally and sharing a ceremony and reception.

Incorporate Parts of the Original — We’re not saying you should attempt to re-rock your original dress or tux — though if that’s an option, why not? — but we are definitely suggesting that you incorporate some homages from your first ceremony into your second one. Think of it as your “something old.” Here are some ideas:

• • Have it on your anniversary.
  • Include your original wedding photos.
  • Redesign your invites based on the originals.
  • Set out your original guest book next to your new one.
  • Recreate your bouquets and centerpieces.
  • Have it at the same venue.
  • Show a slideshow or video of your original ceremony.
  • Wear your original shoes, veil or headpiece.
  • Dance to your first dance song, again.
  • Invite the same band or musicians to perform.
  • Use the same officiant.
  • Have an honorary bridal party.
  • Have a second honeymoon.
  • Have your bakery recreate your original cake.
  • Make a playlist with hits from the year you got married.

Incorporate New Things, Too — Again, your vow renewal ceremony is about looking forward as much as it is looking back, so don’t forget to work in some components that represent your current and future relationship goals. This is especially important to consider when crafting the actual vows — they should reflect your marriage today, not yesterday. You might include promises that emphasize growth, adaptability, or shared dreams for the years to come, showcasing how your bond continues to evolve. Think about the little rituals or habits you’ve developed together and weave them into your vows as a nod to the present and a commitment to strengthen your relationship at home. By incorporating these meaningful elements, your ceremony will feel authentic, forward-thinking, and uniquely you. You could also consider incorporating sensoryfriendly wedding planning tips to ensure the ceremony remains comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your guests, making the experience truly inclusive. Whether it’s creating a serene atmosphere with calming music or choosing thoughtful details that resonate with your shared interests, these touches can make the event even more personal and memorable. By focusing on elements that celebrate where you are now and where you’re headed, your vow renewal will beautifully capture the essence of your enduring journey together. You might also find it meaningful to tie in special moments from your original wedding day, creating a beautiful bridge between your past and future. While it’s essential to look ahead, taking a moment to remember your wedding memories can add a nostalgic and heartfelt layer to the ceremony, reminding you of the promises that started it all. Blending these cherished reflections with fresh vows and aspirations ensures your renewal feels like a complete celebration of your love story, both then and now.

• Use Traditional Anniversary Gifts to Guide You — If you’re one of the many couples who want to use a special anniversary as a great reason to renew their vows, why not look to traditional anniversary gifts as theme inspiration? For example, the traditional 15-year anniversary gift is the crystal, so you could go with a royal or bling theme. The traditional 20-year anniversary gift is china, so you could go for a traditional or tea party theme.
• Have a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party — You may never get the chance again to have all your best friends together in one place, so take advantage and host a big night out on the town. Most likely, in the time since the first wedding, you’ve gained and lost friends, so make sure to invite your newer friends and not just the ones who were with you the first time around.
• Keep it Casual, But Not Too Casual — Generally speaking, marriage recommitment ceremonies are not meant to be as formal as weddings, so feel free to make it more on the casual end. Skip the pomp and circumstance of the big dress, plated dinner, and DJ, opting instead for a more laid-back vibe. At the same time, be sure to keep some formal elements, such as the paper invitations and the second first dance.

Our most important tip? Just like you did the first time, make sure you keep your recommitment ceremony all about love and positivity. The vow renewal is about celebrating how far you’ve come and restored your commitment to one another in the future, so do your best to keep it personal and joyful every step of the way.