[MrsWest84]

[]I was married in November of 2006. We didn't have a wedding or a reception, and our families were not present. We were married by my co-worker who is a notary on our lunch break(how romantic). We want to have a party/ reception so that families can see us "get married", but I was thinking of doing it on our 1st Anniversary, which would make it us renewing our vows. What advice can you give me to go about doing this.

[the_admin]

Well, really, your friends and family won't be witnessing you "getting married" since you're already married but a vow renewal or a blessing of your marriage in church can be nice. However, the vow renewal is typically done for benchmark anniversaries or after a couple has had a particular hurdle to conquer. Neither of these services are weddings and should be planned properly in order to be viewed as positive by your guests. Please read our many pages on these subjects right on this site.

[MrsWest84]

I read somewhere about a belated reception, what is that?

[Etiquette Now]

This is a reception that is held after the wedding. It can be held any time within the first year, but the sooner the better, as the longer you wait the more the traditional elements seem a bit odd. For example, a couple who has been married for months may want to skip the first dance because they have been 'dancing' for some time. So, this is still an option for you. Just skip some of the more traditional elements that don't seem right for a 'old' married couple. []