Vow Renewal Planning: 12-24 Month To-Do Checklist & Tips

Vow Renewal Planning Checklist: 12-24 Months in Advance

Planning a vow renewal is an exciting journey! It’s a chance to celebrate your love story, but like any special event, it requires careful thought and preparation. Starting the process 12-24 months in advance allows you to secure the best vendors, venues, and accommodations for your day, while giving yourself time to plan everything without stress.

Why Start Planning Early?

Many popular venues and vendors, especially those with great reputations, are booked well in advance. By starting early, you ensure that your top choices are available. Even for smaller, more intimate vow renewals, early planning helps you budget effectively and take advantage of discounts, especially for venues, travel, and accommodations.

Here’s a practical guide on what to focus on first.

12-24 Months Out: The Essential Checklist

1. Select a Date and Time
   • Narrow down a few potential dates and times that work for you and your partner. This flexibility allows you to work with venues that may already have limited availability.
   • Tip: Look into dates that might align with special moments in your relationship, like your anniversary or when you first met, to add more meaning to your celebration.
2. Create a Budget
   • Set a realistic budget. This should include venue, attire, food, photography, and décor, but also consider smaller expenses like invitations and favors. Allocate funds for must-haves first, then adjust for extras.
   • Tip: Prioritize experiences that are meaningful to you both. Is a live band a must, or are you happy with a playlist? Small changes can help you stay within your budget without sacrificing what’s most important.
3. Decide on Your Style and Theme
   • Do you envision a formal event or something more casual? Will it be themed, or will you choose a traditional vow renewal? Think about color schemes, overall vibe (intimate, rustic, elegant), and whether it will be local or a destination event.
   • Tip: Mood boards (Pinterest or physical) can help you visualize your ideas and share them with vendors.
4. Start Considering Outfits
   • If you’re interested in wearing a custom-made gown or suit, or if you plan on ordering something special, start the process now. This allows time for design, shipping, and alterations.
   • Tip: Be sure to coordinate with your spouse on complementary outfits if you’re aiming for a cohesive look.
5. Decide If You Need an Event Planner
   • Think about whether you’ll manage the planning yourself or hire a professional. A wedding or event planner can handle vendor meetings, timelines, and coordination, especially if you’re short on time or having a larger event.
   • Tip: Even if you’re managing things yourself, consider hiring a day-of coordinator to ensure everything runs smoothly on the big day.
6. Choose Attendants (If Any)
   • Will you have bridesmaids, groomsmen, or include your children? Decide if you’d like attendants or just the two of you standing together.
   • Tip: If you’re unsure about including children or friends, consider assigning them meaningful roles, like delivering a reading or acting as ushers.
7. Select an Officiant
   • Determine whether you want a clergy member, a close friend, or a professional officiant to lead the ceremony. Some venues may have restrictions, especially religious ones, so confirm these details early.
   • Tip: If you have a personal connection with an officiant (like a pastor who married you originally), reaching out early ensures their availability.
8. Secure Your Ceremony and Reception Locations
   • Visit possible venues and ask key questions about their rules, vendor restrictions, and pricing. Make sure the venue aligns with your vision and has the capacity for your guest list.
   • Tip: Booking early often comes with discounts or perks like complimentary setup or extended hours, so don’t hesitate to ask.
9. Ask Your Attendants to Participate
   • Once you’ve chosen your attendants, officially ask them! Let them know what expenses they may need to cover (attire, travel) and any special roles they’ll play in your celebration.
   • Tip: Consider creating a small “attendant proposal box” with fun items or personalized cards to ask your loved ones to be part of your special day.
10. Involve Family and Close Friends

• • Start conversations with those who you want involved in the planning and celebration. This could include someone to help with logistics or offer creative ideas.
  • Tip: Designating helpers for specific tasks like managing RSVPs or hosting pre-event gatherings (e.g., vow renewal showers) can lighten your load.

11. Determine the Guest List

• • Start with your absolute must-have guests and then build out. This helps you better match the list with your venue’s capacity and your budget.
  • Tip: Keep in mind that guest count directly affects many costs, such as catering, seating, and invitations.

12. Organize Vendor Information

• • Keeping track of vendor contacts, quotes, contracts, and ideas is essential for a smooth planning process. Whether it’s a physical binder or a digital folder, having everything in one place will save you headaches later.
  • Tip: Create a timeline for booking each vendor. For example, prioritize booking the venue first, then move on to caterers and photographers.

13. Book Key Vendors

• • Research and secure contracts with key vendors like the caterer, photographer, florist, and entertainment. Review their portfolios, ask for recommendations, and check reviews before signing any agreements.
  • Tip: Compare quotes from at least three vendors for each service to ensure you get the best value for your budget.

14. Plan Your Second Honeymoon

• • While you’re in planning mode, start dreaming about where you’d like to go for your post-renewal getaway. Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or an extended vacation, this is the perfect time to plan your second honeymoon.
  • Tip: Look for early booking deals or destination packages that align with your vow renewal theme, like a tropical getaway after a beach ceremony.

What If You’re Starting Late?

If you’re closer to the 12-month mark and just getting started, don’t stress! Use this checklist to handle the major priorities, then move on to our 6-9 month, 3-6 month, and 1-3 month timelines for additional guidance.

Check out our lists for 6-9 months, 3-6 months, and 1-3 months to get on track fast and tackle the priority items.