[Carla22383]

My husband and I are going to renew our vows next year. We never had an actual marriage ceremony. We went to the courthouse. I have had a very nice dress that I have been saving for the last 10 years and since we just went down to the courthouse I was unable to wear it. Would it be appropriate to wear it for the renewal ceremony? We were thinking we could do something nice because we never had a ceremony.

Thanks for the help in advance.

[the_admin]

Dear Carla -
A courthouse wedding is a marriage ceremony since the outcome was a marriage. [] It may not have been the white wedding of your dreams, but it was a wedding, no matter what was worn.
Planning a wedding vow renewal ceremony is a terrific way to celebrate a milestone anniversary. But, know that this won't be a replacement for the wedding you think you never had. Please read our pages about vow renewal ceremonies to get some great ideas.

If you can still fit into that dress from 10 years ago (kudos!) and it does not appear to be a wedding dress, and it matches the style and formality of your renewal ceremony, then go for it.
Happy Anniversary - and many, many more years of happiness,

[Carla22383]

Actually, I am about 150 lbs. lighter than I was 10 years ago so it would have to drastically be altered, which leads me to my next question. Would it be appropriate to alter the dress and wear it?

[the_admin]

Wow that is a very admirable accomplishment.
If the dress looks like a bridal gown you'd be better off selling it on Ebay or saving it for future brides in the family. I would think that it would need a lot of alterations. It might be better, and more budget friendly to buy a new, more contemporary dress more suited to the vow renewal.
Please try to focus on what you have ( a great marriage, better health, etc) than what you think you may have missed out on with your original wedding.

[Etiquette Now]

I agree. This shouldn't appear to be a wedding in any manner.