My husband and I got married almost 10 years ago in a courthouse with only a few family members. Most of his family I hadn’t even met yet. I was only 18 and knew nothing about planning a wedding so we kept it very simple. Now that our 10 year is coming up, we’d like to have a celebration to celebrate our marriage and renew our vows. My husband has become wheel chair bound since we’ve been married and we want everyone to know that we meant our vows and are in love more now than ever. We were thinking of doing a very intimate renewal at sunrise on a bluff over looking the ocean with close family and then later that day, a big party at a catering hall or country club with everyone we know. We were thinking of making the ceremony part optional to everyone since we know not everyone is going to want to wake up so early.
I was thinking of wearing a prom or evening type dress, something like the picture below. It will be summertime. Is all of this reasonable?
Thanks in advance!
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc
Congratulations on 10 successful years of marriage. Sounds like it wasn’t always easy but I’m so happy to hear that you’re even more committed to one another now!
The dress is lovely, but with the stones and glitter, it’s more of an evening dress. Maybe you can choose something more suited for the AM and wear this dress for the evening party? I’d definitely go for a very lightweight, maybe gauzy, fabric if the weather will be warm. Because you’re so young you might want to search for beach bridesmaids dresses and choose something that is informal. I’d stay away from prom dresses since those are usually very young and very formal.
Bottom, line – the dress should match the setting and, above all, should not look like a wedding dress.
I’m going to post a couple of photos, just for reference.
AppleLady
Thank you so much for your help. I like the idea of getting two dresses and saving the formal dress for the party and something more informal and light for the ceremony. That actually opens up my options more because I was having trouble finding a dress that would work for both. Thanks again!
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc
My pleasure!
Just remember that vow renewal ceremonies, and the party to follow, are not weddings and are usually less formal. Plus, sparklies are reserved for the evening.
Let me know what you ultimately decide. I’d love to see what you pick.
Take good care of that hubby! :wub:
Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca
Great advice as always. I’d also like to add that some of your guests may be confused about being invited to a 10th anniversary even though your reasons are very valid. If they ask about the typical wedding related elements, such as a registry, it might be best to politely remind them that this is an anniversary party and not a wedding.
Taylor Eisenberger, Owner, Designer at Taylored for You Bridal Boutique
Great advice. I love the idea of wearing two different dresses for the two different settings. A bridesmaid style dress in white or ivory would be appropriate. I agree that something flowy, like a chiffon fabric would be great. You could always add a little sparkle in your jewelry or a headpiece/headband. Can’t wait to see what you ultimately decide. Good luck and Congratulations!!!!
Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc
Taylor, Do you have any photos?