Home » DIY » Seasonal Projects » Valentine's Day

25th Anniversary Decorations: Vow Renewal Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links which won't change your price but will share some commission. Read more here.
ByMarty Walden
 
These 25th anniversary decorations are perfect for an an easy and inexpensive vow renewal service celebrating 25 years of marriage together!
 
25th wedding anniversary vow renewal ceremony and decorations
 
Marriage is hard. Can I get an amen?
 
Those words are probably the most understated ones I could use to describe the journey my husband and I have taken over the last couple of years.
 
As I recently told our youngest daughter, her dad and I committed our lives to each other and to God when we married so many years ago. Regardless of the tests these past two years have presented, neither one of us walked away from that commitment and the faith that binds our family together.
 
Our family motto and my favorite gallery wall proclaims, “Family is forever.”
 
When my husband Tim and I got married we chose Valentine’s Day for the special occasion. He always said it was so he wouldn’t forget our anniversary!
 
Even though we celebrate 32 years of marriage this year, our 25th anniversary will always stand out to me as the perfect one!
 
25 years 1987-2012 red graphic in white circular frame
 
My husband, oldest daughter and niece pulled off a surprise vow renewal service for me, and it was the shock of my life!
 
I hope you’ll enjoy reminiscing with me plus I’ve got great tips for celebrating a silver anniversary (or any special party!) These pictures of my long dark hair should also give you a few laughs. My husband and I sure have changed in seven years!
 
For our 25th wedding anniversary “date,”  all I knew was that my husband was dressed in a suit and we were going to dinner at 4:30 Friday afternoon.
 
After a delightful Italian dinner I was blindfolded and told since I had “trust issues” I needed to just relax and enjoy the ride. No questions, no lookey see.
 
Of course I responded I had no Xanax handy so he better take care of me. (Insert slightly hysterical, not sure what to expect, laughter)
 
My mind raced as I pondered what he had in mind.
Our old favorite bed and breakfast in the woods?
A Broadway show in town or a concert?
A night in a hotel?

After 45 minutes of suspense we slowed down on a gravel road. I found out later my actor husband was just pretending as he said, “reservation for Walden. This wasn’t supposed to happen.” He’s such a funny man. Totally trying to throw me off.

We arrived (at our daughter’s church) and he led me inside (to the worship center).

Before he took the blindfold off he told me, “25 years ago I asked you to spend the rest of your life with me. I wanted to make this year and this night memorable. Please join me as we renew our vows.”

He took off my blindfold and in the dark before me were candles in mason jars, lining the aisle of a darkened church. 

As we went out into the lobby friends and family lined up to surprise me (including my youngest two children who remained clueless until we walked out the door for dinner!)

Guests welcome the "bride" celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary

My daughter had bought a beautiful white dress for me and a bouquet of fresh white roses.

Tim had written the entire ceremony and had my vows printed out (in large type, ’cause I can’t see anything with my contacts!) for me to read and approve or change.

Knowing how hard I am to surprise, my family went to extreme measures to create the perfect evening.
 
25th wedding anniversary invitation for Valentine's Day
 
My oldest two sang “I Will be Here,” by Steven Curtis Chapman, a song Tim and I had often sung at other people’s weddings. It was amazingly touching to see my grown children use their talents to bless their mom and dad.
 
Husband and wife gazing at each other at 25th wedding anniversary vow renewal service
 
One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was the unity sand. There were five different colors of sand in glass cylinders, to be poured into one container, symbolizing our individual lives joined together as one. Not just a husband and wife but our children celebrating our union.
 
25th wedding anniversary party with couple and children
 
My niece and oldest daughter plotted and planned for the reception that followed. (Jennifer and Rachel also designed and implemented Rachel’s peacock wedding theme.)
 
Even though they were limited to the basement of my daughter’s church they did a great job transforming it into a beautiful celebration. Here are a few tips for your own 25th anniversary decorations.

 

Decorating Tips and Hacks
Get my FREE guide: How to decorate your home for practically nothing!
Featured Image
We hate spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

25th Anniversary Decorations

Tip 1: Choose a theme or color

Decorations centered on the colors of Valentine’s Day: red, white and pink. Decorating a church poses its own problems, but I love the way my niece used a sheet and tablecloth to keep the focus on the beautiful food.
 
sweets and treats banner above Valentine's Day anniversary reception table
 
Cupcakes were homemade with simple toppers made from scrapbook paper. Paper hearts were scattered across all the tables as well for a festive look.
 
Large red initial topper for cupcake stand and Valentine's Day table

Tip 2: Use items from the ceremony as part of the decor

The unity sand was used as a centerpiece (and conversation starter) for one of the tables, as well as my roses for the “bride’s” table.

Layers of sand in specialty glass jar representing family on 25th wedding anniversary

Tip 3: Use memorabilia and photographs as part of the decorations

Unbelievably, my husband smuggled out our wedding album so the decorations could include pictures from our wedding.
 
The “bride’s” table held the wedding album I made for our 15th anniversary. I don’t have a lot of time for scrapbooking these days, but I still treasure the memories recorded of our special day.
 
The flowers are the bouquet my daughter bought for me to carry during the ceremony. And, of course, my bridal portrait was on display!
 
A stack of flyers on a table

Tip 4: Use candles for decoration and ambience

Candles are always an inexpensive and beautiful way to dress up any party or event. Wrap some glass jars in yarn or a white dollar store candle with ribbon. So simple!

A cake sitting on top of a table

Arrange a candle with graphic from the invitation in a pretty frame and you have a lovely centerpiece!

A birthday cake with lit candles

Tip 5: Set up a photo booth to capture new memories

We had such fun with the photo booth and props and encouraged the guests to take pictures as well.

Valentine's Day photo booth with family celebrating silver anniversary

Always hamming it up!

Husband and wife centered in empty frame with kiss me sign in photo booth
 
Fun ideas for 25th wedding anniversary decorations or adapt them for any celebration!
 
To the man I married on Valentine’s Day almost 32 years ago, I cherish this life we’ve built together. The work we’ve done in these last months to restore and rebuild what the devil meant to destroy have become a shining example for our children.
 
Nothing worth having comes without tears and perseverance. You are God’s treasure and mine.
 
Husband and wife with pink and silver backdrop and black, clear and pink balloons
 

 

Decorating Tips and Hacks
Get my FREE guide: How to decorate your home for practically nothing!
Featured Image
We hate spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

60 Comments

  6. HAPPY 25th!!! LOVE everything!!! It looked so perfect!

    Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

    Reply

  24. Every thing looks so pretty! You did a great job. Happy Anniversary. Thanks for sharing with us at Link It Up Thursday.

    Reply

  27. I think it is such a sweet thing to renew vows, My husband and I did just that a few years ago, it was amazing. Yous looks like it was beautiful, I just love your blog I am now following on GFC. I would like to invite you to come visit me @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
    I have a Sunday linky party too if you wand to share anything.
    Hope you come
    Roes

    Reply