Thoughts on throwing a non-wedding

If you read online about this sort of event, people are downright nasty about newlyweds having a ceremony/reception after their official wedding day (ie, the day they were legally married). 

They say it’s only ok if you call it a vow renewal, and no way can you have attendants, or wear a wedding dress. And then they go on to say that even a vow renewal is tacky, and what are you saying, that one of you broke your vows and need to renew them? Or are you just gift grabbing? Or are you sad that you are no longer a bride and want to pretend and play dress up? And why aren’t you waiting until a milestone anniversary to do this? 

This sort of stuff is all over wedding forums online. Originally, it made me think “no way could we ever do that.” And it’s not because I share these sentiments, it’s because I would be horrified if someone thought them about me. I’m still worried people will think of me as a gift grabbing, attention whoring, pretend bride. (This post on Offbeat Bride made me feel better, but I’m a worrier by nature.)

So when Mike and I set out on planning this, I knew we had to avoid this stereotype. I didn’t want to be that couple. 

So when it comes to our event, our "vow renewal", or "marriage blessing", or as I like to call it, "Ceremony of Love", we're not doing the norm. We're doing what we want, naysayers be damned. And we hope the folks who come enjoy it! That's sort of the point.