What Would You Do?

Julie2013

My DH and I are still trying to decide on a venue for our vow renewal.  I think we have narrowed it down to 2 places.  One is just an hour from us and the other is more like 2 hours from us.  The second one is Eureka Springs, AR, Wedding Capitol of the South (according to them, anyway! LOL).  It's AMAZINGLY beautiful and romantic, a real dream come true!!  But as I said before, it's 2 hours there then 2 hours back.  The other venue looks nice on it's website and I'm checking it out tomorrow, but it's main perk is it's an hour closer.  Our guests would only be on the road half the time and it would probably be fairly easy to coordinate catering, photography, a baker, decor, etc.

My question is, if you were doing a vow renewal/anniversary party, which would you pick?  A venue that's closer and easier on your guests (and probably you, too, when it comes to the planning) or the dream venue that doubles everybody's time on the road?  If this were a wedding, I'd most definitely do it in Eureka Springs, but a vow renewal isn't that big of a life changing event.  It's important to my husband and me, but we realize it's really just a fancy party for our guests.  Opinions and advice would be much appreciated. Oh, and I don't have my husband's opinion yet.  His driving hours at the moment having him sleeping then loading equipment during the day and driving all night.   No chance to talk lately!

Thanks, guys!  

[Deleted User]

I don't know... I mean if it was me. My fianc and I don't really have money for this wedding and our parents have said they'd pay for it, but they don't have a lot of money either. So we've decided that when we save up money for our vow renewal it's going to be a destination renewal somewhere tropic after we've had kids so that they will be there to celebrate it. We aren't really going to be worried about who can come and who can't, because the vow renewal is going to be about us. Our wedding is mostly about the families we just get to be married at the end of it.... So personally if it's your vow renewal it's about you guys. I suggest doing what makes you happy.

pedulaney

I agree with Beth. This vow renewal will be an important day in your lives, and you should be totally worried about what the two of you want. Everyone you invite will drive wherever you would like if they want to be a part of it. My wedding will be in a town that literally NONE of my guests, nor FI or I live in. We decided that we love the place and want to be married that and those people we invite who want to be a part of it will come anyway. I know it may cost a little more for the guests to drive or stay the night there, but again. It's about our day and if those people would like to attend then Awesome! If they can't, then that's okay.

Focus on what you two really have in your mind!

[Deleted User]

Go with your gut! If you see the other place in person and it's so-so, go with the one 2 hours away... a little trouble is sometimes worth it

megannie

Go with the place YOU love.  It isn't worth the regret afterwards if you regret your decision. No one will question your choice if they don't know about the other option anyway.

The ones who really want to be there, will find a way to be there.

Julie2013

I can definitely see all of your points!  No regrets and go with my gut.  I'll be keeping these thoughts in mind as I look at the closer venue tomorrow.  Thanks, guys!

Julie2013

The decision is made!! As I was looking around the closer venue today, it just didn't FEEL right. The place was very pretty and it was a great spot to do parties, but it just didn't grab me. Also, as I was envisioning the way the renewal and party would play out, I decided I really DON'T like the idea of doing the ceremony and meal in the same room. This trip solidified so much for me today!