How to plan a vow renewal: ideas and wording examples
You may have said “I do” years ago, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to celebrate your love story. Whether you’re toasting a milestone anniversary, revisiting your vows after a big life change, or simply craving a reason to gather your favorite people again, planning a vow renewal is a beautiful way to honor your journey together as a couple and family.
Also known as a recommitment ceremony, a vow renewal can be as formal or casual as you’d like. There’s no legal paperwork, no pressure, and all the joy of saying “yes” again—this time with a little more wisdom and a lot more stories to tell.
From choosing your invitations and managing RSVPs to finding the perfect words to say for your vows, we’ll walk you through how to plan a vow renewal that feels uniquely yours and as special as your original wedding day.
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Why renew your wedding vows?
Renewing your vows isn’t about rewriting your past—it’s about celebrating how far you’ve come. Couples choose to host a wedding vow renewal for all kinds of reasons:
- Milestone anniversaries. Many couples plan vow renewal ideas for 10 years, 25 years, or even 50 years after their wedding as a way to mark the occasion.
- A second celebration. Maybe you eloped or had a small ceremony the first time and want to share your love with a wider circle of family and friends now.
- A new chapter. Some couples renew vows after overcoming challenges—whether health-related, emotional, or relational—as a heartfelt recommitment to one another.
However you get there, a vow renewal is a joyful reminder that love isn’t just about beginnings—it’s about continuing to choose each other, day after day.
How to plan a vow renewal: tips and ideas
The beauty of a vow renewal is that it can be whatever you want it to be. Whether you’re envisioning a grand soirée or something simple and sweet, these wedding vow renewal ideas and tips will help you plan a celebration that feels true to your love story.
1. Find your perfect date
The first step when planning a vow renewal is picking a date. You can go traditional and host it on your wedding anniversary, or choose another meaningful day, like the anniversary of your engagement, your first date, or even the day you moved into your first home.
You can also plan around your favorite season or a special location. Just keep weather and travel in mind. If you’re dreaming of an outdoor ceremony and live somewhere with chilly winters, spring or summer may be your best bet.
2. Set your budget
Your vow renewal can be as big or as intimate as you want. Some couples reassemble their original wedding party for a full-scale celebration, while others keep it simple with just close family and friends.
If you’re working with a smaller budget, there are plenty of inexpensive vow renewal ideas to make it meaningful. These include hosting it in your backyard, cooking a favorite meal together, or gathering loved ones for a sunset toast. You don’t need to spend much to create something memorable. The key is to spend where it matters most to you—whether that’s photography, flowers, or food—and save on the rest.
3. Customize and send your invitations
Once you’ve set the date and guest list, it’s time to invite your favorite people. With Paperless Post, you can browse tons of beautifully designed vow renewal invitations that match the style of your event—whether you’re going classic, modern, or beachy.
Once you’ve selected a design, you can customize your invitation, send it via email, text, or a link, and track RSVPs automatically. You can even message guests directly with updates through broadcast or private messages, so you can skip the group text chaos.
4. Pick your venue
Your venue sets the tone for your day, and your options are nearly endless. For an intimate gathering, consider a backyard vow renewal or a cozy dinner party at home. For something more scenic, a beach vow renewal is effortlessly romantic (bonus points for bare feet and sunset lighting).
You might also revisit your wedding venue for nostalgia’s sake, or choose a spot like a botanical garden, hotel, chapel, or restaurant that feels meaningful to both of you. No matter where you celebrate, the best wedding vow renewal ideas are the ones that make you feel connected—to each other, and to the place you’ve chosen.
5. Choose your attire
You may have worn a traditional gown or tuxedo the first time around, but this is your moment to dress how you want. Some couples lean into simple vow renewal ideas with laid-back looks: a sundress and linen suit for a backyard party, or something flowy and bright for a beachside event.
If you still want to feel bridal (without going full wedding-day formal), check out rehearsal dinner or second-look dresses for more casual and comfortable vow renewal dress ideas that are still perfect for the occasion.
Don’t forget to set the tone for your guests, too. Include a dress code note on your Paperless Post invitation’s event page to make sure everyone knows what they need to wear. You can even upload a few outfit inspiration photos in a Photo Gallery Block to help guide them.
6. Set the scene with décor
Décor brings your event to life. Whether you’re going for an elegant, bohemian, or minimalist vibe, the right touches make your ceremony feel special. You can elevate even the simplest space with a few thoughtful details—proof that beautiful décor doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Some of our favorite wedding vow renewal decoration ideas include:
- A flower arch or greenery backdrop for your ceremony spot
- Candles in glass votives or pillar holders for a soft, romantic glow
- Crisp tablecloths and linens for a classic, polished look
- Personal touches like framed photos or handwritten notes to guests
7. Plan your food and drinks
From full-service dinners to potluck picnics, your menu should match the tone of your event. You could hire a caterer for a seated dinner, pass hors d’oeuvres at cocktail hour, or opt for something relaxed like a DIY charcuterie spread. For dessert, why not recreate your original wedding cake—or go modern with cupcakes, cookies, or mini desserts? A Champagne toast is always a hit, especially if you’d like to open the floor to guest speeches.
If you need to get food preferences or dietary restriction information from guests, you can do it all directly through your Paperless Post invitation. You can easily enable Guest Questions, so guests can share their preferences right when they RSVP—whether that’s choosing between chicken or fish, or noting any dietary needs.
8. Make it personal
At its heart, a vow renewal is about the two of you—so lean into that. Display old photos from your dating years, wedding day, and family milestones. (Bonus points for including a few hilarious throwbacks your guests will love.) Set up a slideshow with your favorite songs as the soundtrack.
Instead of gifts, create a guest book for loved ones to leave memories or well-wishes. Or, make it more interactive: have guests write you letters to open on your next milestone anniversary. You can even exchange small, meaningful gifts as a couple, like engraved jewelry or a fresh inscription inside your wedding rings. And if you have children or grandchildren, invite them to read something during the ceremony—it’s a lovely way to bring generations together.
Vow renewal ideas and script examples
Whether you use your original vows or are looking to write something new, your words are what make the day truly special. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few wedding vow renewal ideas to help get you started:
Classic vow renewal script
“From the moment I first saw you, I knew my life would change forever. I promise to continue growing with you, learning from you, and loving you with my whole heart. Today, I reaffirm the promises we made years ago—and I’ll keep making them, every day, for the rest of my life.”
Funny vow renewal script
“I still promise to share my fries with you (most of the time) and to let you have control of the thermostat, at least occasionally. You’ve been my best friend, my biggest supporter, and my favorite person to laugh with. Here’s to another chapter of inside jokes, late-night snacks, and love that only gets better.”
Simple vow renewal script
“I loved you then, and I love you even more now. You’ve been my constant, my comfort, and my joy. I promise to keep choosing you, to stand beside you in all things, and to cherish the life we’ve built together.”
10-year vow renewal script
“Ten years ago, I said ‘I do,’ not fully knowing what our future would hold. Now, with every memory, every challenge, and every laugh we’ve shared, I know I’d say it all over again in a heartbeat. Here’s to the first ten—and to all the years still to come.”
Family-focused vow renewal script
“Standing here with our family and friends, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come and how much love surrounds us. You are my partner in every adventure, my co-parent, and my home. I promise to keep growing together, to nurture our family, and to love you endlessly.”
Pull off your vow renewal ideas with Paperless Post
Your wedding vow renewal deserves a celebration that’s as thoughtful as the love you’re honoring. From planning the perfect date to coming up with vow renewal dress ideas and wedding vow renewal decoration ideas, you can make the day entirely your own—with a little help from Paperless Post.
Our customizable invitations make it easy to design, send, and manage your event, all in one place. Track RSVPs, collect meal preferences, send updates, and keep everything beautifully organized. Whether your celebration is intimate or grand, classic or casual, Paperless Post is here to help you pull it off with style and ease.
Customizable, easy-to-share designs to celebrate your unique love story.
