Wedding Etiquette Forum

How would you go about it...

So, in reading an older post from here, I decided to get some opinions from you ladies on how you would go about doing this. Please don't bash or be rude, opinions are fine but be nice.

Hubby and I met 2/23/2006. We started dating on 2/25/06. 6 months later, to the date we got married (8/25/06). We did so, because we loved each other. We had originally planned to wed so soon becuz we were pregnant with our first daughter and hubby wanted me to have his last name before she was born. My family refused to let us get married at a courthouse, becuz they wanted to celebrate too, so we planned a very small intimate wedding. on July 3rd 2006, we lost our daughter due to an illness. But, even throw that hubby had made up his mind. I told him to post-pone the wedding. He wanted to marry me. :) I told him this was not how I wanted my wedding, but he wanted it done then and tehre, and so he promised me we would have a BIG, HUGE celebration just the way I had always wanted on our 10 year anniversary. His logic was, we would have a small, intimate ceremony and celebration when we initially got married, and once we proved to each other that we wanted to be married for the marriage and not the wedding, then we would fork out the money for a big celebration.
So, here we are 3 years and 9 months away from our 10 year wedding anniversary. Hubby has been talking to me some what about what the plan is becuase he is just as excited as I am to plan our "wedding re-do" as he is calling it. We both sat down and discussed what we wanted. None of our out of state relatives were invited to the first shindig. But, this time around we are inviting them all.

How would you go about planning this? Would you say "wedding re-do" or Vow Renewal? We plan to have a "wedding", with the ceremony and reception. I contacted the place we want to do it at and they are super excited to work with me, because they have never had this done before.

Just curous what you ladies thought.

Re: How would you go about it...

  • You already had your wedding and anything you do after that is a vow renewal.  It's not the best form to repeat all of the traditional aspects of the larger wedding.  You had your actual wedding already and that was your opportunity to do these things.
  • What you are planning in a vow renewal - not a wedding redo.  Vow renewals have their own loveliness and significance but they cannot be what you wanted your wedding day to be.  What you can have: an opportunity to publically recommit to each other, beautiful attire, great food and cake, a DJ, a photographer, and a fabulous party atmosphere.

    What you cannot have: pre-wedding parties as you are already married; a huge bridal party - if you have children they can play special roles, but no friends as bridesmaids or groomsmen; no spotlight dances; no bouquet or garter toss; basically no references to being the "bride" and "groom" - you are a couple who has lived a decade of life together, and you are celebrating that milestone. 

    Personally, and I know I'm probably in the minority here, I don't see it as terribly inappropriate for you to cut the cake or for you and your DH to take a special moment on the dance floor - I've seen both done at anniversary parties in my social circle.  Others can voluntarily offer toasts in your honor. 

    There's a website that's referenced by other posters.  I think it's idotaketwo - or some something similar.  It gives a good sense of how a vow renewal might work.  I think in general you can still wait another 18 to 24 months before you really need to make firm decisions but I understand getting a basic understanding now so you can plan and budget accordingly.
    image
    Anniversary


  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:2359dbbb-3b15-45f6-8923-cfbc8c6f880d">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]You already had your wedding and anything you do after that is a vow renewal.  It's not the best form to repeat all of the traditional aspects of the larger wedding.  You had your actual wedding already and that was your opportunity to do these things.
    Posted by cajitasazules[/QUOTE]

    So basically, in your opinion, if someone gets married- because they love their spouse- but can't afford a big to do until later, they shouldn't be allowed to do so? I guess I just don't see how that is fair, especially to those who marry for the right reasons. My husband and I spent under $3000 to get married and that included our wedding night hotel. Iwe have been married a little over 6 years. I had a friend spend $24,000 on a wedding and get divorced 18 months later. I loved my husband, I knew I wanted to marry him. But, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that till I had spent a few years loving him while married. Marriage, signing that paper, changes things. I know people who were together dor 10+ years. Once they married, things got bad and 2 years later they got divorced.
    I guess I just don't see why its a "bad" thing. If I am paying for it (not family), why am I not allowed to celebrate was 50% of couples WONT celebrate?
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:02051202-f28b-4773-baaa-74e40053aa25">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : So basically, in your opinion, if someone gets married- because they love their spouse- but can't afford a big to do until later, they shouldn't be allowed to do so? I guess I just don't see how that is fair, especially to those who marry for the right reasons. My husband and I spent under $3000 to get married and that included our wedding night hotel. Iwe have been married a little over 6 years. I had a friend spend $24,000 on a wedding and get divorced 18 months later. I loved my husband, I knew I wanted to marry him. But, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that till I had spent a few years loving him while married. Marriage, signing that paper, changes things. I know people who were together dor 10+ years. Once they married, things got bad and 2 years later they got divorced. I guess I just don't see why its a "bad" thing. If I am paying for it (not family), why am I not allowed to celebrate was 50% of couples WONT celebrate?
    Posted by CorieGriego2b[/QUOTE]

    Because it's in poor form to celebrate the same thing twice? Your wedding day is your wedding day unless you get divorced and remarried. If you have lurked on E at ALL, you'd know how these kinds of 're-do' threads work out for the OP. Anything besides the day you sign your marriage license and say your vows is a vow renewal, the end.

  • rsannarsanna member
    500 Comments 5 Love Its First Anniversary
    edited November 2012
    I will jump in with the usual comparison. OP, if you graduate from college or high school, and you only spend a few hundred dollars on a graduation party, do you feel like you are entitled to a party 5 years later? A bigger and better, re-do graduation party?  Life doesn't come with a reset button. You can't have a sweet sixteen party, 10 years later that is bigger and better and it is a redo, because you aren't 16 anymore.  That ship has sailed.  Does that make sense?

    By all means, have the biggest and baddest party ever.  Stand up in front of your friends and families and renew your vows and recommit your love to one another. But please, please, don't make it into a redo wedding.  By doing that, it comes across like your first one wasn't good enough.  There are many brides that just get married at a courthouse and that is their wedding and they love it.  You saying that you deserve a redo, because it isn't fair, is saying that all of those other weddings aren't real weddings either.

    I get it.  Life happens.  Some people may disagree, but I think you could probably get away with wearing a white dress (just not a big, poufy, princess ball gown, or something similar that is really in your face and screams wedding). You and your husband could open up the dance floor by dancing alone to the beginning of a song.  I even agree with the PP that you could probably do some form of cutting the cake. Again, a vow renewal does not mean that you can't have a "ceremony" of sorts, where you and your husband stand up in front of everyone and recommit your love. Just don't make it out to be like a wedding ceremony, but more a reaffection of your love for each other.

    But no bachelor/bachelorette parties. You are already married.  But you don't need a party to hang out with your friends.  You don't need something "wedding" related to have a good time. No showers, because you are already married. Your close family and possibly some friends may still get you gifts, and may try to throw you one. You may be able to get away with a very small shower, if it is only like your mom, grandma and sisters or something like that, when you are 100% certain that they are perfectly okay with it.  I mean, it isn't proper etiquette related, but if your family is okay giving you one it is really no one else's business.  But keep it to family and possibly a few close friends. But even then, showers are never expected (and it is not like you could throw yourself one anyway), so you still may not get one. 

    So I hope you have a wonderful vow renewal and the huge party you and your husband want.

    ETA: Seriously post, why are you centered?
    image

    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • How would you go about planning this? Would you say "wedding re-do" or Vow Renewal?

    We are calling ours a vow renewal. I've read enough posts here that I'd definitely NOT call it a "wedding re-do" here no matter what you and your husband choose to call it between you. I have a friend and his wife who did a 20 year vow renewal on the beach last September. It was just him, his wife, an officiant, and a couple of very close friends. They weren't dressed for a wedding and didn't decorate the space or anything like that. They just met on the beach in nice clothes, said vows, exchanged new rings, and then took the whole gang out to dinner. He kept calling it their "second wedding" and still talks about how wonderful their "re-marriage day" was. None of us that know them really care what they called it.

    If you are planning a vow renewal that is pretty similar to a wedding, I guess I would follow those guidelines with when to do what. I see there's a budgeting tool and check list here on The Knot. I've read mixed reviews from the brides on how well they like it, though.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:5e19d783-728c-4dc7-a173-e814dc728fdf">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]I will jump in with the usual comparison. OP, if you graduate from college or high school, and you only spend a few hundred dollars on a graduation party, do you feel like you are entitled to a party 5 years later? A bigger and better, re-do graduation party?  Life doesn't come with a reset button. You can't have a sweet sixteen party, 10 years later that is bigger and better and it is a redo, because you aren't 16 anymore.  That ship has sailed.  Does that make sense?
    Posted by rsanna[/QUOTE]

    I love this comparison.
  • edited November 2012
    I'd go ahead with a Vow Renewal. Don't call it a Wedding Re-Do.

    I agree with most people in that you shouldn't expect a shower, or bachelorette party. However for the Renewal itself, I think you should do whatever you like. If you want a nice "wedding dress" get a nice wedding dress! If you want a full ceremony, do a full ceremony. You want a big reception. Do a big reception.

    10 years is a great accomplishment and sadly these days its not very common. YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE!!!!!

    Do whatever you want, its your day!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • i think a vow renewal is appropriate, and ill give some props to the OP for doing it at 10 years rather than 2 years like we usually see on here.

    all that aside tho, i personally just dont get do-overs/re-dos/vow renewals, etc.

    im really sorry about the loss of your daughter, OP.
  • Go about planning your vow renewal like you would any kick-butt anniversary party.

    Have a nice ceremony that reflects your continued commitment with hubby. Decorate the space however you wish. Don't have really anyone be the BP (if you do, one and one each).

    Have a wonderfully hosted celebration with whatever food/bar hostings you and hubby decide.

    Don't have a wedding cake- have an anniversary cake (different toppers). It won't be a first dance, but you can have a spotlight dance. Make sure your invites say "Vow renewal and anniversry celebration"-- NOT wedding/marriage/re-do or anything of the sort.

    I highly suggest you don't do a pouffy white dress, but you can certainly wear a beautiful gown.

    Have fun, but realize that you ARE already married, that courthouse weddings are just as valid, and that trying to make it look like another wedding will make you guys look like AW's.

    Good luck!
     Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • edited November 2012
    I guess what I don't get is why anyone would feel entitled to a huge, fancy wedding if they don't/didn't have the means for it. I absolutely loved my cheapie little wedding because I got married. And that's the important part.

    ETA: It's like saying "Well, [rich dumb socialite] got to go to Fashion Week, so I should get to go to Fashion Week." Duh, she goes because she's rich and can afford to. Us middle- or lower-class folks can't do stuff like that because we don't have the money.
    image
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:02051202-f28b-4773-baaa-74e40053aa25">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : So basically, in your opinion, if someone gets married- because they love their spouse- but can't afford a big to do until later, they shouldn't be allowed to do so? I guess I just don't see how that is fair, especially to those who marry for the right reasons. <strong>My husband and I spent under $3000 to get married and that included our wedding night hotel. Iwe have been married a little over 6 years. I had a friend spend $24,000 on a wedding and get divorced 18 months later.</strong> I loved my husband,<strong> I knew I wanted to marry him. But, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that till I had spent a few years loving him while married.</strong> Marriage, <strong>signing that paper, changes things.</strong> I know people who were together dor 10+ years. Once they married, things got bad and 2 years later they got divorced. I guess I just don't see why its a "bad" thing. If I am paying for it (not family), why am I not allowed to celebrate was 50% of couples WONT celebrate?
    Posted by CorieGriego2b[/QUOTE]

    You are comparing two separate relationships.  One has nothing to do with the other.  FYI, my brother spent less than $3,000 on his wedding.  He divorced 2 years later.  See, no comparison.

    So you were test-driving the marriage to see if it would last?  Thats strange.

    Like how?  I have been with my FI 10 years.  I cannot imagine signing that paper would change anything, except now I am his wife and he is my husband.
    image


    Wedding Countdown Ticker


  • Since this thread is about a vow renewal, may I ask which forum people doing them chat most in? I've looked up past posts in The Knot's search feature and read talk about a board all it's own for them, but I don't see where that happened.
  • artbyallie - entitlement is the whole problem with society today.

    weddings used to reflect the income of the bride's family.  rich people had fancy weddings, poor people more modest weddings.

    now the guy who flips burgers for minimum wage has a $40K wedding that he clearly cant afford.

    i cringed when one of my staff was telling me about the loan he took out for his wedding day.  it was for about $20K, he earns about $40K a year.  so he borrowed half is annual salary for a party.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:dc34d8f4-67d2-4199-a8f1-c83a2bd58261">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]Since this thread is about a vow renewal, may I ask which forum people doing them chat most in? I've looked up past posts in The Knot's search feature and read talk about a board all it's own for them, but I don't see where that happened.
    Posted by BH2013[/QUOTE]

    <div>There was a knottie a few a months ago trying to get a vow renewal board started by TK. You can email Lili your support on that, since they haven't made any sort of concrete decision on it yet. </div>
                                                                                  Follow Me on Pinterest
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:316a42b1-9f8b-4624-a269-cc7800590d48">Re:How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re:How would you go about it...: A big fancy party is not an inherent right. You are an adult and made the decision to get married when and how you did. If you want a big anniversary party or a vow renewal, then fine. But it should not be a do over wedding. <strong> I also fail to see how having your husband's last name is the "right" reason to get married. Sounds pretty superficial to me.</strong>
    Posted by StageManager14[/QUOTE]

    Oh yes, and this.  OP, I'm very sorry you lost your child.  I couldn't begin to imagine how horrible that must have been on you and your H.  IMHO, getting married because you got KU is a piss-poor reason, and FAR from "right."  That child could have had his last name without you being married.
    image


    Wedding Countdown Ticker


  • We had originally planned to wed so soon becuz we were pregnant with our first daughter and hubby wanted me to have his last name before she was born.

    no, the hubby wanted HER, meaning OP, to have his last name.  which means he assumes that getting married means a woman would take his name, without question/discussion.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:72cc7a0f-4072-46b1-a01e-56d1ed15c30e">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]We had originally planned to wed so soon becuz we were pregnant with our first daughter and hubby wanted me to have his last name before she was born. <strong>no, the hubby wanted HER, meaning OP, to have his last name.</strong>  which means he assumes that getting married means a woman would take his name, without question/discussion.
    Posted by Calypso1977[/QUOTE]

    Reading fail on my part.  Still doesn't change my opinion.
    image


    Wedding Countdown Ticker


  • s-aries8990s-aries8990 member
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Love Its 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited November 2012
    OP, just as long as it's a anniversary party/vow renewal, go for it. You aren't entitled to a re-do, but if a bit party is something you and hubby really want from deep down, and can afford it without going into debt (doing so wouldn't be financially sound) go for it.

    ETA: clarity
     Daisypath Anniversary tickers
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:c71f6948-fc39-4535-bd67-7727db2fe1a0">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : There was a knottie a few a months ago trying to get a vow renewal board started by TK. You can email Lili your support on that, since they haven't made any sort of concrete decision on it yet. 
    Posted by cnf2013[/QUOTE]

    Thanks, cnf. Would you know what Lili's email address is? I'd like to send in a yes vote if it's still being decided.
  • I'm really confused by all the women who want to "redo" their marriages. As if their relationship is less and unwanted because they didn't blow 30k on their wedding. It's just a party. "redo" comes with the connotations of erasing and starting over. I'd be crushed and angry if my husband thought ten years of marriage needed to be redone. Why is renewing your vows so distasteful? Why is one type of party so beneath you and distasteful? They are noth parties
    Don't make me mobilize OffensiveKitten

    image

    Anniversary

  • I hope you have a kick-bad-asp party! Do it as Mr. Harry87 said. Talk to your minister about wording.
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:02051202-f28b-4773-baaa-74e40053aa25">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : So basically, in your opinion, if someone gets married- because they love their spouse- but can't afford a big to do until later, they shouldn't be allowed to do so? <strong>I guess I just don't see how that is fair,</strong> especially to those who marry for the right reasons. My husband and I spent under $3000 to get married and that included our wedding night hotel. Iwe have been married a little over 6 years. I had a friend spend $24,000 on a wedding and get divorced 18 months later. I loved my husband, I knew I wanted to marry him. But, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that till I had spent a few years loving him while married. Marriage, signing that paper, changes things. I know people who were together dor 10+ years. Once they married, things got bad and 2 years later they got divorced. I guess I just don't see why its a "bad" thing. If I am paying for it (not family), why am I not allowed to celebrate was 50% of couples WONT celebrate?
    Posted by CorieGriego2b[/QUOTE]

    Life isn't fair.

    My parents originally planned a large traditional wedding celebration with their families and friends in NYC, but my father was in the Air Force stationed in Texas at the time.  And he couldn't get leave to come to NYC for the wedding at the originally planned time.  So my mother, aunts, uncles, and grandparents went to Texas for a small wedding.  My parents consider that, without all the bells and whistles, still to be their wedding and never felt the need for any further celebration to consider themselves "married."  And they consider it "fair."

    You get one wedding per marriage, and even if it's the legal, courthouse one and not the big splashy one, that's still your "wedding."  Anything else is a re-enactment.  A much later celebration with recitation of vows is a "vow renewal," and even that isn't considered in the best of taste by the most traditional etiquette upholders.  Here in this forum, it's accepted, but with limits:  Some of the things associated with a traditional "wedding", such as showers, registries, and so on, are not considered appropriate for a "vow renewal."
  • courtski2004courtski2004 member
    Seventh Anniversary 1000 Comments 25 Love Its Name Dropper
    edited November 2012
    <div align="left">In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:02051202-f28b-4773-baaa-74e40053aa25">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : So basically, in your opinion, <strong>if someone gets married- because they love their spouse- but can't afford a big to do until later, they shouldn't be allowed to do so?</strong> I guess I just don't see how that is fair, especially to those who marry for the right reasons. My husband and I spent under $3000 to get married and that included our wedding night hotel. Iwe have been married a little over 6 years. I had a friend spend $24,000 on a wedding and get divorced 18 months later. I loved my husband, I knew I wanted to marry him.<strong> But, I wasn't going to spend anywhere near that till I had spent a few years loving him while married</strong>. Marriage, signing that paper, changes things. I know people who were together dor 10+ years. Once they married, things got bad and 2 years later they got divorced. I guess I just don't see why its a "bad" thing. If I am paying for it (not family), why am I not allowed to celebrate was 50% of couples WONT celebrate?
    Posted by CorieGriego2b[/QUOTE]

    See, nobody is telling you that you can't have a fabulous party. You can have your 10 year vow renewal then have a celebration afterwards.

    If, while engaged, I would have told my FI that I was all set to marry him but that I wasn't ready to drop significant coin on a party to celebrate the marriage because I wanted to test the waters to make sure that it was going to last, he would have shat a brick. You do realize that people go into a marriage not planning to divorce, right?</div>
  • Have a vow renewal, as all of the PPs have suggested.  You can have a wonderful renewal ceremony.  You can buy a pretty white dress, just avoid the big poufy princess dresses.  You can have an anniversary cake, with tiers and everything.  Personally, I'm ok with even having an anniversary dance after your vow renewal.  (the DJ could say "and now, for their first dance since recommiting their lives to each other" instead of "now, for their first dance as husband and wife").  You just have to rework a lot of the language that will be used.

    Things you shouldn't have.  A gift registry, a wedding party (since this is not a wedding), bridal showers, bachelor or bachelorette parties, father/daughter dances, a bouquet or garter toss.

    There are ways to make a vow renewal beautiful and meaningful.  But, make it about renewing your vows to each other, and having a beautiful party after.  If you are doing this just so you can be a pretty, pretty princess for a day, then you may want to reconsider your motiviations and skip the whole thing.
  • edited November 2012
    Wouldn't it be in poor form to throw an Anniversary Party for yourself as one should not throw a party in their honor? Legitimate question. Every Anniversary Party I've been to was hosted and planned by the children or siblings or close friends of the couple. ETA: I don't mean a vow renewal and a party after to thank the guests. I mean a legitimate "We've been married for 20 yrs.! Celebrate us!" Party.
  • No one is saying you can't have a vow renewal; people are taking issue with you implying that how much you spend on a wedding is somehow related to how successful the marriage is. I don't get why you made a comment about only wanting to spen a little money until you'd been married a few years--why? To test drive the marriage before you spend big bucks? That's....odd. And not really in the spirit of getting married.

    Also, no one is owed an expensive wedding. it's not a right; so it isn't " not fair" that you couldn't afford a big wedding. You made a CHOICE to get married sooner rather than later. You've weathered some difficult things in your relationship and there is no reason you can't celebrate your marriage at a party. But it is not a re-do wedding because you don't, nor should you NEED or WANT, a do-over. You are already married.


    Image and video hosting by TinyPic

    Vacation
  • I'm going to have to agree with most of the posts here. You chose to do the quickie wedding, regardless of the reason. You seem to feel entitled to the large party and I don't understand that. You also seem to sound like getting married is the only way to totally love someone. I have loved a man for 5 years and we're not getting married for another two. Why? Because we cannot afford the wedding we want. I still love him completely and unconditionally. I would love to be his wife now, but we also don't want to reget not having our "ideal" wedding.

    I also like the comparison to other milestones in life. I never had a graduation party because my family couldn't afford to have one. We didn't want to invite everyone over to give me gifts and celebrate my graduation if we couldn't afford to feed them. I was working three jobs and would rather have purchased my car than have a party. Now my parents have a little more money. Am I going to have a party now...8 years later? No, because that's ridiculous. 

    If I received a formal invitation to a vow renewal and anniversary party, I would automatically see it as gift-grabby and selfish. I will, though, admit that I am very quick to judge. 

    IMHO, if you want to have the big party, do it. But do it in your backyard or something like that and let people know through word of mouth (hell, or even on the invites) that gifts are not expected. And do not do the huge dress and the cake cutting and all that jazz. 
  • Burtonbaby145Burtonbaby145 member
    10 Comments
    edited November 2012
    In my opinion, yea you made a choice to get married then, but part of that choice was made with the plan to have a big celebration for your 10 year so celebrate it how YOU want! If you want to wear a white gown, cut an anniversary cake and have an all out danceparty reception I say go for it! I would probably refer to it as a vow renewal followed by a reception to celebrate your 10year anniversary, not a wedding redo. And as many have suggested, I wouldnt think it appropriate to do the showers and gift registry but I certainly don't see the harm in you and your husband having seperate boys and girls nights out to celebrate if you really want to and feel like you missed out! Obviously don't call them bachelor/bachelorette parties and avoid the typical debauchery I'm sure your much classier than that anyways! I also understand why some people are saying no to wedding parties, but of you have family members like children or a sister you want to include and have stand by you or do a reading or something, my vote is do it! What it boils down to is its a celebration about your love it doesn't matter if it's your actual wedding day or 10 years later. Celebrate it how you see fit and in a way that is appropriate for you! although I do agree with the post above, try not to make it seem 'giftgrabby. And to the analogy of the Sweet 16 if you didn't have a sweet 16, no your probably not gonna "redo" that party but you may choose to have a huge blowout for your 21st, or 30th or even 50th instead. That's more how I see the situation. Happy planning :
    Always try to be a little kinder than is necessary. ? J.M. Barrie
  • In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_how-would-you-go-about-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:282034f8-cf38-4d95-8d70-f1039471754fPost:f959e484-69bf-447a-aa2d-130d43e3f0c5">Re: How would you go about it...</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: How would you go about it... : See, nobody is telling you that you can't have a fabulous party. You can have your 10 year vow renewal then have a celebration afterwards. <strong>If, while engaged, I would have told my FI that I was all set to marry him but that I wasn't ready to drop significant coin on a party to celebrate the marriage because I wanted to test the waters to make sure that it was going to last, he would have shat a brick. You do realize that people go into a marriage not planning to divorce, right?</strong>
    Posted by courtski2004[/QUOTE]

    Exactly what I was thinking.  That's a pretty f'ed up mentality to have when marrying someone IMHO.
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards