Photo courtesy of Absolute Photography
We love it when couples want to celebrate their anniversary! Mazel tov! Way to go! Staying happily married is HARD WORK, and we totally agree that you deserve a party to celebrate. One of my first questions for these couples is always, are you interested in an anniversary party or a vow renewal? The two can be quite different!
Anniversary Parties
Much like any other type of party, an anniversary party can really run the gamut in terms of size, timing, and general scale. You can go more upscale by celebrating your anniversary by throwing a swanky dinner party at a favorite restaurant. Go more low key by putting together a barbecue and pool bash in your backyard. You can even go down the middle with creating a beautifully elegant evening of cocktails and passed tidbits. The choice is yours!
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Rogers Photography
I must say, I loved the way my parents celebrated their 35th through 40th anniversaries! Every year, we’d drop off a case of sparkling wine from their favorite Napa vineyard with the fine folks at their favorite local steakhouse. Beginning at 5pm, the restaurant would serve a glass of bubbles to everyone in the bar and restaurant. My parents would invite some close friends (and of course, their charming daughters), take over the bar, and party until the bottles ran dry. Super fun, but casual for people to drop in and out at their own leisure. They would finish up with a late dinner in the restaurant. This was a style that really reflected my parents’ interests in good food and wine, and a fun and upbeat environment in a sophisticated but welcoming environment.
A great anniversary party plays to your strengths and interests as a couple. What makes your marriage yours?
Vow Renewals
A vow renewal can also be a casual affair, but often I see couples celebrate a vow renewal for one of two reasons:
1. They did a justice of the peace ceremony for their wedding, and now they’re ready to invest in a full blown second wedding to celebrate
2. Something significant has recently happened in their marriage, and they want to celebrate the changes in their relationship by rewriting and renewing their vows to each other.
Either way, they tend to be a bit more like planning a wedding, and a bit less like throwing a party. I see many common wedding vendors being used for a vow renewal (photography, videography, venue and catering, cake or dessert, entertainment, floral and decor, and paper goods). That being said, you could certainly make your vow renewal more relaxed than a wedding if that’s your preference! But because there are a couple different parts to the day, you should think about the flow of the event to make it enjoyable for all.
Whatever way you are choosing to celebrate your wedding anniversary, make sure you do indeed celebrate! Each year is another chapter in your love story. Are you planning an anniversary party or a vow renewal? We’d love to help! Contact us and tell us about the details.
