Vow Renewal: What to Wear?

Nov. 16, 2004 -- -- For Becky Bonavitacola, it will be a simple, but elegant pink silk dress. For Anthoula DeKnatel, a chic ivory lace pantsuit will do the trick, and for Carol Cohen, the perfect look will be nothing short of a glamorous taupe and silver brocade gown.

If the style statements of the three women are wildly different, it's because Bonavitacola, DeKnatel and Cohen are entering into sartorially uncharted territory: what do you wear for your marriage vow renewal ceremony?

In a mega-celebration of love and commitment, "Good Morning America" this week is set to share the heartwarming stories of husbands and wives who have longed to reaffirm their love by renewing their marriage vows. On Thursday morning's show, 125 couples will reveal their special bond.

It's a celebration of a trend that has been on the rise in recent years, according to Millie Martini Bratten, editor-in-chief of "Bride's" magazine.

"We are seeing more and more married couples looking around at their families, this family they have created, which is something they're proud of, something lasting, and they're saying 'this is pretty great -- let's celebrate.' So, more people are renewing their vows," Martini Bratten said today on "GMA."

A Matter of Dress

But what do you wear for a vow renewal ceremony?

Unlike most marriage ceremonies, Martini Bratten says there are no traditions to adhere to. "It can be a very simple ceremony on vacation, reciting your vows over dinner at home, or as elaborate as the wedding you never had," she says.

On "Good Morning America" today, the three women -- who along with their spouses will be on the show Thursday -- displayed very different looks for their upcoming renewals.

Bonavitacola, who has been married to Tony for several years, chose an informal pink dress.

DeKnatel opted for a chic lace suit paired with a special bouquet with red and white roses, which symbolize unity, and an ivy spray to symbolize wedded love. The look, she said, was very different from her dress when she married her husband, William. "I had a very white long gown, traditional veil with headpiece," she said. "So this is very different."

Cohen, who has been married to Jeff for two years, described her dress as "strikingly similar" to what she wore on her wedding day.

Here are details about the three women's looks:

Look 1: Lunch

Becky -- JCrew dress, about $180, available in catalogue and on Web site

A sweet, pink, triple ply silk dress, flattering to many figure types

Dressy but informal -- beautiful drape

Pretty and light

Perfect for lunch, home, church, outdoor setting like garden, vacation because it can be easily packed.

Look 2: Cocktail

Anthoula -- Monique Lhuillier, about $4,300

Ivory lace, fabric reminiscent of wedding, ready to wear

Cocktail look

Wear to chic party or restaurant, penthouse, gallery, loft

Look 3: Evening

Carol -- Watters & Watters, about $325

Taupe and silver brocade strapless dress: glamorous, evening look with ribbon detail at waist

Similar neckline to Carol's original wedding dress

Dress has a grandness to it

Wear to an elegant mansion, historic home, any formal sophisticated space, perhaps a black tie occasion

Flowers:

Red and white roses together symbolize unity, and ivy symbolizes wedded love.

For more fashion ideas, go to www.Brides.com.