Renewing wedding vows?

I can maybe understand your wanting some type of ceremony since you never had a wedding, but aside from that, after only four years, it's seems like you must need some type of reassurance of what you should already have. Has your marriage been on shaky ground or has there been problems? If not, then I can't understand why someone would want others to have to sit through your repeating vows. It just isn't the same as when people know it's the first time around. It's like watching a bad rerun. Personally I'd rather be at an anniversary party where the couple just made a toast to each other incorporating a commitment to make the the future years better than the past. I don't mean to sound like the pessimist here because I am very sentimental, but I have always looked at renewing vows as an unnecessary event. If a couple feels it needs to be done, then they should keep it between them. Again, if you want this as the wedding you never had, then best wishes to you.

After seeing the first two answers ( which I agree with), I just want to clarify to those that may not understand. You can get married without having a wedding. A wedding is the ceremony normally held in a church or appropriate location with guests usually followed by a reception where you cut the cake, dance, throw the bouquet, etc. Going to the Justice Of The Peace or Magistrate is not having a wedding.

You did have a wedding, actually. That's the name of the ceremony when two people are united in marriage.

You say your chance for a wedding is gone, but your proposed plans say you want to try to make it happen anyways. I think you need to just accept what is and move on. You can celebrate your anniversary and enjoy it without trying to get the wedding experience you feel you missed out on.

My husband and I are having a marriage blessing next year. You should definitely wear a pretty dress, but not a wedding dress. Have your husband dress up in a nice suit, but not a tux. I would keep the ceremony really simple, and have a great party afterward.