What to call our ceremony?

For the record? Many of my SS couples have gotten legally married before the celebration too. It doesn't make their marriage or their celebration any less significant.

I find it incredibly sad that so many people now a days are 100% content on lying to their loved ones, potentially costing the guests thousands to witness a fake ceremony. This happened to me. I went to the "wedding", had to take my kids out of school, spent several thousand dollars to find out at the reception that the couple had been married for quite a while. I was LIVID, and so were 2/3 of the other guests. We left the reception, gifts in hand, and went out to dinner and caught up, mainly talking about how selfish the couple was. I have zero problem attending a celebration of marriage, just do not lie to me.

Also-for all you that say "no one will care".......if you are so sure no one will care or everyone will be fine with it, why hide the fact that you are already married and the party isn't a wedding? That part has never made sense to me.

Pretty Princess Day sounds like something for a 5 year old's birthday party. The OP never said she wasn't going to tell her guests. Celebration of Marriage sounds good, because vow renewal would seem like they've been married for years.

I wouldn't think anything of it as a guest. I would be happy to celebrate with the couple. I think marriage celebration or celebration of love sounds great.

Guys... Pretty sure OP never said she was hiding her marriage from her guests. Wanting advice on what to call it this time = not lying. So you all should relax with that a little.

But also- I agree with Celia. Who cares. I have bigger things in life to worry about than wanting to know when the marriage license was signed for a wedding I'm attending

Just a little over a week ago I photographed a vow renewal for one of my military couples. They had been married for a year and a half, but he was on deployment for most of that time. Everyone knew they were married, but it didn't make one bit of difference. Their family and friends showed up in full force to help them celebrate. The officiant made it clear during the ceremony that they were re-affirming the vows that they had made, and the couple also chose to write their own words to each other at that time. It was one of the most beautiful weddings I've been to.

I don't think you have to call it anything different. Who ever goes is going to watch you get married and is there to celebrate with you. Due to legalities and circumstances papers are signed prior to actual celebration or behind closed doors. Honestly as a guest I wouldn't care I'm going to your wedding to celebrate the couple. ETA: everyone is entitled to there opinion on this one. OP I would just make sure the family knows what they are attending so there is not any hurt feelings or discrepancies.