If you’re looking for a way to celebrate your love between you and your spouse, a vow renewal ceremony is the perfect way to do it. It allows you to renew your promises and commitment to each other in an intimate, personal way in front of family, close friends and your kids.
Vow renewal ceremonies are typically used to commemorate your 10, 20 or even 50-year anniversary (it’s the perfect gift to one another) and are definitely more relaxed than a traditional wedding. It’s best to remember that this isn’t a 2nd wedding and you’re only a bride once, so you won’t wear a wedding dress, but it is appropriate to wear something formal or dressy in a white or ivory color. Be sure to keep your ceremony location and style in mind and go with something comfortable, romantic or even a little sexy (your husband will love that!)
Need some inspiration? Here are ten gorgeous dress styles to choose from.
Valencia by The Reformation
Price: $428
First up, this ivory lace mini dress is ultra romantic. We love the scalloped hem, long sleeves and dreamy lace overlay. The structure of the dress is stunning as well, with the fitted bodice, boat neckline and open back. It’s definitely a head-turning option for your vow renewal.
Delfina by A.L.C. at Net-a-Porter
Price: $695
For an elegant midi dress, this asymmetric, one-shoulder gown is amazing. It’s perfect if you’re hosting a more formal vow renewal. The gown is made of white plissé-satin and has a sleek side cutout for a touch of sexy. Simple heels complete this feminine look that you could definitely wear again for a future date night.
Astrid by Ronny Kobo at Anthropologie
Price: $578
It’s all in the details for this next dress option. This ivory sequined maxi gown is truly glam for the wife who wants to make a statement. We love the long sleeves, asymmetric cinched detail and the middle slit for an ultra-chic touch.
Elisa by Dress The Population at Nordstrom
Price: $298
For the wife who loves lace, this fit-and-flare gown is romantic and feminine. The champagne gown with the white embroidered lace overlay is beautiful and the deep v-neck is sophisticated. You’ll love dancing the night away with your husband and all your guests after renewing your vows.
Lottie Jumpsuit by Amsale at Anthropologie
Price: $550
Another statement-making look is a jumpsuit! It’s a super-modern approach to wedding attire and perfect for a vow renewal. This ivory jumpsuit by wedding designer Amsale features flawless tailoring, and the one-shoulder bow is an amazing accent to an overall simple, clean design. The best part is that it looks great on women of all ages.
Ginny by The Reformation
Price: $298
We’re obsessed with this next dress for so many reasons. This ivory gown features an amazing silhouette through the slim-fit bodice and waist and a relaxed-fit skirt. We also love the deep v-neck, double puff sleeves and the peek-a-boo lace throughout the skirt. It’s also the perfect length to show off some stunning heels.
Ruched Jersey Mini Dress by Halston at Net-a-Porter
Price: $373
For the woman who has curves in all the right places, this exclusive Net-a-Porter mini dress by Halston is amazing. This off-white stretch-jersey dress has a timeless look and feel with a hint of sophistication. Plus, the loose overlay and ruched, figure-hugging skirt allows all eyes to be on you.
Satin Charmeuse Mini Dress by BHLDN at Anthropologie
Price: $168
Time for something simple yet elegant. Designer BHLDN created this ivory, satin-charmeuse midi dress and it’s perfect for the modern wife. The cowl neckline is draped beautifully against the silky slip dress and is truly a sexy-romantic option. If you’re wanting something a little more bold, this dress comes in a dozen other colors and is available in plus size.
Cameron by Likely at Bloomingdales
Price: $498
If you’re wanting some with extra flair for your vow renewal, this glam Cameron dress is a great choice. The allover embellishment paired with the feather trim at the shoulders makes this dress extra fun. The square neckline is a classic accent to this sheath silhouette and perfect for a retro-inspired renewal.
Megan by Bronx and Banco at Revolve
Price: $390
The beach is calling for this final dress option. Just imagine renewing your vows at sunset in this playful and sexy mini dress. We love the lace detailing and sheer sleeves, and the flowy skirt is feminine and fun.
Dresses to Wear for Vow Renewal: Questions Answered
Can I Wear a Real Wedding Dress for Vow Renewal?
Question: My husband & I are planning to renew our wedding vows this year on our anniversary. I did research that says the dress for a renewal should be informal. When we got married I just wore a dress that you would wear to church. One of the things that I want different is that I want a “real” wedding dress. Is this going to be ok?
Answer: Since this isn’t a 2nd wedding, you wouldn’t wear a wedding dress. However, there are so many formal white dress options to fit the bill. Try to find something appropriate for your age and venue, and remember that you’re already married. Keep your focus on renewing your vows and your feelings toward your husband instead of needing to look and feel like a bride again.
Wedding Dress for Vow Renewal For Our 30th Anniversary
Question: My husband and I did not have a traditional wedding when we married nearly 30 years ago. I didn’t have a wedding dress or him a tux and we had only a small informal gathering after the ceremony. We have always felt we left things undone and now that we have the money we want do renew our vows in hoping of gaining the “wedding memory” we didn’t have before. I keep reading that a wedding dress is inappropriate. This breaks my heart. Please help.
Answer: Although the dress shouldn’t be a wedding dress, you can certainly buy a beautiful white dress to wow your husband, even after all these years! It’s totally acceptable to find something embellished or floor-length, just try to avoid anything that would be considered a wedding dress. You have a lot to celebrate and having a vow renewal ceremony with a reception after sounds perfect for what you’re hoping to accomplish.
Vow Renewal Dress Too Formal?
Question: My husband and I have been married for 10 years. I already purchased a dress I fear is too formal and need suggestions to “down play” it. I hear it would be better to wear my hair down with not elaborate jewelry? I am not wearing a veil or gloves. The dress has a small train that I will tie up. Anything else I can do?
Answer: I think a dress with a small train is fine, as long as it doesn’t look like a wedding dress. There are no strict rules for vow renewals, as long as you remember you’re not a bride, so ditching the veil and gloves is smart. Since this is a dressier, although more relaxed, affair, I think having your hair and makeup done with some nice jewelry is totally appropriate!
Can I Go Sexy for My Vow Renewal?
Answer: ABSOLUTELY. A short, white cocktail dress or a floor-length gown with a dramatic slit is the perfect way to add just a hint of sexy to your vow renewal look. This celebration is all about you and your husband, so do whatever feels natural and true to your style, without being too inappropriate.
