When a couple is reaffirming their wedding vows, is giving a gift expected? And what should one wear to such an occasion?
The somewhat elaborate invitation invited us to both the ceremony and reception. No mention of gifts or not. I asked the “bride” what to wear and was told whatever was comfortable and that it will be outside. So if I wear jeans and everyone else is dressed,I will feel very uncomfortable. But if I wear a nice dress and everyone is in jeans, I will feel very silly.
Needless to say I do not know the " bride" that well. She worked for my H. I have never met her H. She is not young, i.e. not in her 20’s or maybe even 30’s. And she no longer works where H and I work. There was a reorganization that meant H was no longer her supervisor. She hated the new organization and left.
The only other people I know attending are a gay male couple. Their not much help with what I should wear.
Given the age of the couple, it seems unlikely jeans will be the prevailing attire. For an outdoor event, how can you go wrong with a sundress or a summery patterned skirt with a casual blouse, in each case with low sandals??
I can’t even guess at whether a significant gift is required. The whole concept of a ceremony and reception to renew vows is weird to me and verges on the narcissistic. I’m sure their marriage is of great meaning and value to them, but why would anyone else want to celebrate it, especially people like you and your H, who don’t even qualify as close friends? But I wouldn’t show up at even the most informal event without some kind of gift for the hosts, like a nice bottle of wine (or check out the “Go-to Hostess Gifts” thread). I guess I’m saying to treat the whole shindig like a summer party, no more, no less.
You need more information. If the invitation was elaborate this could be a redo for their
wedding. Maybe they eloped or went to city hall but promised themselves a "real"wedding
at a later point. You need information!
I wouldn’t go formal at all. Just wear a pretty dress or ponte pants and pretty top like @HImom suggested. This is the type of event I enjoy dressing for. You can wear those clothes that are a little dressier. I doubt it’s a jeans event, especially outdoor in the summer. I think lots of people enjoy an excuse to get a bit dressed
.
I would get them a gift card/certificate for a nice dinner out. A friend who had a courthouse wedding always wanted to renew her vows with full blown wedding, so I can understand the desire. The every-year people like Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey, I don’t understand.
I’m also not a fan of the vow renewal thing – thankfully I’ve never been invited to one! I guess I can see it in the case described above but that’s about it. But if you go, I’d probably opt for a sundress and sweater or slacks with flat shoes so your heels don’t sink into the grass. And definitely bring a light jacket or sweater as well. As for gifts perhaps a bottle of champagne, a gift card for a dinner out or something along those lines.
@TQfromtheU Nick Cannon & Mariah Carey are divorced now so I guess it didn’t work so well LOL.
If not, especially since you already made the mistake of talking to the repeat “bride” about it, wear a nice summer dress or nice linen separates and AT MOST bring a bottle of champagne or a box of special chocolates, or something of that sort.
Thankfully, I have never known anyone who felt compelled to “renew” their vows. Yuck.
