Ribbon Curl

I am doing my own flowers and I wanted to know if there is a good way to get the curl to hold in the ribbon that will be hanging down.

One way is to use ribbon that has a thin wire going down the side (made inside the ribbon, so it doesn't show) which is called French ribbon. The downside is that if the ribbons get crunched anywhere (by setting them down or bunching them together, etc.) they may stay that way. The other suggestion (from a florist) is to use the end of the bolt ribbon for the hanging down part because it is wound tighter to start with, it stays curled more. Use the top or middle of the bolt for the bows. Some craft shops sell ribbon by the yard, so you could find some bolts that are close to the end for the curls.

Rent a Hall

I'm looking for a place to have a wedding reception, either to rent a hall and have food catered and served, or a banquet hall for 75-100 guests with a cheap price but nice setting.

See the Great Ideas (in Plan) in EZ Wedding Planner - especially the article on receptions.

This lists many ideas on where to host receptions and details to consider when booking a location.

Renewal of Vows

RENEWAL OF VOWS

You can do a reaffirmation of your wedding vows anywhere you want and as elaborately or simply as you want. If you want this is a church visit with the clergy member for suggestions on wording, music, service guidelines, etc. Or, you could do it at home, in a park or other scenic location, etc. Since it is not a legal function, anyone can preside, including family members. You could write your own vows or see if the officiant has a standard format.

If you had attendants at your first wedding, you could ask them to stand up again, or many people have their children (or grandchildren) do this. Since you don't need witnesses to sign a license, you don't need any attendants at all. You can wear any type of dress you want (original wedding dress, new traditional, or any nice dress.) A veil is not worn, but you could use a small hat, flowers, jeweled combs, etc. You could carry a small bouquet of in season flowers or a floral bracelet or just a corsage. The groom may wear anything from a tux to his normal suit. (or if you are doing this outside, you could wear something more casual). The groom should also have a fresh floral boutonniere on his left lapel.

You can invite as many or few guests as you like (and can afford). You could do printed invitations, or simply call them and tell them about the event. Depending on the size of the guest list, you could go out to a restaurant, host a meal at home (finger foods, barbecues, pot luck, or full sit down meal). You could have a small wedding cake & even use your original cake topper (if you still have it). Or, you can have a large, formal reception with all the trimmings.

The wording on the invitations to your reaffirmation/renewal of vows could read something like:

The honour of your presence
is requested at the reaffirmation
of the wedding vows of
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Anderson
Saturday, the second of December
at four o'clock
St. Paul's Church
Minneapolis, Minnesota
and at a reception following
in the Church basement

You could use your same wedding rings and have the clergy person bless them, or get new ones (like an anniversary ring, etc.)

Photos are a must (either professionally or with your camera or friends/relatives cameras). You could also put up a photo collage of your years together including first wedding pictures.

You could put out a guest book (if you have lots of guests) so they can write in their best wishes. If you have the original guest book that has extra empty pages, you could use that & everyone will have fun looking at the first signatures.

You don't have to spend a lot of money to have a nice, memorable occasion.