My husband and I are planning to renew our vows in 2 years for our ten year anniversary. We are also going to have an anniversary party right afterwards at the same place. We originally got married by a JP with only our parents and 3 of our 5 siblings there. Two years ago, we had our marriage blessed in the Catholic Church in another state and no family members were able to attend. I do not want a big formal wedding. I want it to be about reaffirming our love, renewing our vows and celebrating (at that time) 10 years of marriage with our families. I will be wearing a cocktail dress or evening gown and he may wear a tux, and our 2 young boys (now 6 and 3) will be up there with us. His brother will officiate or say something. My question is, since we did not have any type of reception, and since it is an anniversary party also, is it alright to invite both of our extended families (aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents) and our friends (possibly being 200-250 guests! We both have large families) or should it be more intimate? We have 2 years, as I said before, to plan this, and want it to be fun, nice and definitely appropriate. Also we do not want anyone to think we want any gifts, because we do not. Thank you so much for any help.
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Sep 29, 2008, 6:01 PM)
TWQadmin
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Sep 29, 2008, 6:05 PM
Post #2 of 5
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Re: Inviting over 200 guests to a vow renewal
[In reply to]
For the most part, what you're planning seems fine. Remember that the tuxedo is formal evening attire. Most vow renewal ceremonies are not formal.
The anniversary party is the "reception". Inviting that many people is a bit much since it may appear more like a wedding. Only invite those closest to you. Don't worry about the gifts since vow renewals aren't gift giving events. But, don't be surprised if some guests bring a gift.
Have fun planning this special event. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Sep 29, 2008, 7:54 PM
Post #3 of 5
(166 views)
Re: Inviting over 200 guests to a vow renewal
[In reply to]
I agree that your perfect planning may seem a bit over the top with that many guests--too wedding-like. So, be very careful. This is especially true given that you also blessed your vows just recently. It may appear as if you might be a "serial wedder" Just made that word up, but it seems to work here.
Other than that, your planning sounds pretty good. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
hamersgirl
Sep 29, 2008, 7:58 PM
Post #4 of 5
(164 views)
Re: Inviting over 200 guests to a vow renewal
[In reply to]
Thank you to both of you. I am definitely going to rethink the guest list. I do want to add though, the only reason we did the marriage blessing when and how we did, is because we had to. I was joining the Catholic Church (my husband is a cradle Catholic) and before I could be baptized we had to have our marriage convalidated(and I just realized it was actually April 1st 2006!). But I do see what you mean. Thanks for your help so much though!
TWQadmin
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Sep 29, 2008, 8:06 PM
Post #5 of 5
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Re: Inviting over 200 guests to a vow renewal
[In reply to]
God bless you and your marriage. Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
Inviting over 200 guests to a vow renewal
Just made that word up, but it seems to work here. 
Thanks for your help so much though! 