A vow renewal ceremony is one where a couple re-commits to their relationship publicly by repeating or renewing their original wedding vows. As a sentimental rather than official event, the vow renewal usually commemorates a major anniversary or an important milestone in the couple's relationship.  

Much like the trend of having a destination wedding, couples are opting for destination vow renewals as well.  A tropical destination is a very romantic way to renew your vows.  Of course, couples may choose some other destination for their vow renewal that may be of significance in their relationship.  

By choosing to host the vow renewal at a resort, couples can make use of the services of the resort's wedding coordinator.  They will be able to coordinate everything necessary for your ceremony and celebration from the officiant to the flowers and even the photography.  

As a general rule vow renewals are a more intimate affair and this also lends itself well to a destination wedding.  You can have a vow renewal that includes only your very closest family and friends or go all out and have a very lavish affair, possibly even larger than the original wedding.  Sometimes a couple will choose to have a very large vow renewal because they did not have a large wedding when they were originally married.  

One of the great things about a vow renewal is that you can have it your way! Many times a couple is influenced by family, especially if they were the ones paying for the original wedding.  This time around it's all you.  Since you are paying for everything, you get to choose exactly what you want.  If you want to have a large wedding complete with a ball gown, go ahead and do it.  Of course, you can go the other extreme and renew your vows in shorts and a Hawaiian shirt as well.  Use your experience, taste and creativity as a couple to truly make vow renewal personal to you as a couple.  

While planning any "wedding" can be stressful and full of details, planning a vow renewal ceremony and celebration is a bit easier.  There is no special paperwork or licensing required since you are already married.  Also, you don't even need an "official" person to preside over the ceremony.  Many ministers, priests and rabbis are very happy to perform your vow renewal. However, you can also choose to have a judge or notary public perform the ceremony.  You can even choose to have a close friend or family member do the honors for you.  It's completely up to you.  

There are many things to consider when planning to renew your vows.  Do you want to have the celebration on  your actual anniversary day?  What is your budget?  Will you be using standard vows or will you write your own vows? Should your children be incorporated into the ceremony?  Are invitations appropriate?  If so, what should they say?  What types of wedding dresses are appropriate for a vow renewal ceremony?  Should we have bridesmaids and groomsmen?  If so, what type of bridesmaids dresses are appropriate?  

Basically, for a vow renewal you can use just about the same wedding checklist as any other couple that is planning their original wedding.  Make it as lavish or intimate and you like, wear what you like, say the vows you like....make it your own and it will be beautiful just because you are expressing the enduring love and commitment you have for one another.