Money as a couple: How to plan a vow renewal budget
A vow renewal budget covers the venue, food, outfits, an officiant and photos, and it's usually far smaller than a wedding because the focus is on the couple and close family. In a worked example, a vow renewal for 30 guests costs about 1,500.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- A vow renewal budget covers venue, food, outfits, an officiant and photos.
- In a worked example, a vow renewal for 30 guests costs about 1,500.
- Keeping the guest list small is the biggest way to control the cost.
- Holding it at home, in a garden or at a favourite restaurant keeps it personal and affordable.
How do you plan a vow renewal budget?
Decide on the size and style first, then set an amount for each part. A vow renewal is a chance to celebrate a marriage, often on a milestone anniversary or after a difficult time weathered together. In most places, it's a symbolic ceremony rather than a legal one, which gives you freedom to make it as simple or as grand as you like.
Most couples choose something smaller and more personal than their wedding, with close family and friends. That keeps the cost far lower. Before you start, agree what matters most to the two of you, whether that's the ceremony, a great meal or time with family, and spend there first.
What does a vow renewal cost?
Here's a worked example for 30 guests, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food and drinks | 750 |
| Venue | 300 |
| Photos | 200 |
| Outfits | 150 |
| Officiant and extras | 100 |
| Total | 1,500 |
Your own figures depend on the guest list, the location and what you include. A ceremony at home with a family meal can cost a few hundred, while a destination renewal can cost much more.
How do you keep the cost down?
The guest list matters most. Each extra guest adds to food, drinks and space. Inviting only the people closest to you keeps the celebration intimate and affordable. Other ways to save:
- Hold it at home, in a garden or in a park where gatherings are allowed
- Choose a favourite restaurant and book a private room with a set menu
- Pick a weekday or an afternoon, when venues often cost less
- Ask a friend or family member to lead the ceremony
- Wear something you already own, or an outfit you'll wear again
How to host dinner on a budget has ideas for feeding a group at home.
Returning to a meaningful place
Some couples renew their vows where they married, met or had their first date. If it's a public place, like a beach or park, the ceremony can cost almost nothing, with a meal afterwards for the celebration. Check whether you need permission for a gathering there.
Who leads the ceremony?
Anyone you choose. Since a renewal isn't usually a legal ceremony, a friend, family member or one of your children can lead it. Some couples ask a celebrant or a faith leader, which may involve a fee or donation. Writing your own vows, or reading the original ones, makes it personal without any cost.
Involve your family
Children and grandchildren can take part by reading, walking you in or giving a short speech. It turns the day into a family celebration and often becomes the part everyone remembers.
What about rings and photos?
Many couples keep their original rings, sometimes cleaned or resized. Others add an eternity ring or have the original engraved with the new date. Photos can be taken by a friend with a good camera, or you can book a photographer for an hour instead of a full day. A short session at golden hour often gives the nicest results for the least money. Asking guests to share their photos in one online album adds lots of informal pictures for free.
How do you plan the food?
Match it to the time of day. An afternoon tea or a lunch costs less than an evening dinner. A buffet or sharing platters cost less than plated meals. If friends enjoy cooking, a potluck where each brings a dish can be warm and personal. Buying drinks yourself, if the venue allows, saves a lot compared with bar prices. A cake from a supermarket or a talented friend, dressed with fresh flowers, can look just as lovely as a custom one.
How do you save for a vow renewal?
Divide the budget by the months until the date and set that aside each month. A 1,500 renewal saved over ten months is 150 a month. Keeping the money in a separate pot means it's ready when deposits are due. A sinking fund works well for planned celebrations. If you're comparing costs with a first wedding, the wedding budget shows where the bigger spending usually goes. Some couples also combine the renewal with a family holiday, so travel money does double duty, though that can raise the total quickly.
How do you track a vow renewal budget in Wealtie?
Add a savings account for the celebration and move money into it each month as a transfer, which isn't counted as spending. Log costs in an events category in your expense categories, so you can see what the day cost. A monthly limit in the budget tracker keeps everyday spending steady while you save.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, about 1,500 for 30 guests, covering food, venue, photos, outfits and an officiant.
Keep the guest list small, hold it at home or a favourite restaurant, ask a friend to lead it and wear something you own.
Anyone you choose, since it's usually symbolic. A friend, family member or celebrant are common choices.
No. Many couples keep their original rings, or have them cleaned or engraved.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
