Weddings are woven in tradition — from white dress to first dance to champagne toast.

But renewing wedding vows doesn't require reception halls or dress fittings. You can even skip something borrowed and something blue.

"Anything goes," said Christa Vagnozzi, senior editor of WeddingChannel.com.

"It's a way for couples to reaffirm their commitment to each other and they can do it anyway they want."

Some couples splurge with a country club bash, complete with DJ, ice sculptures and lavish, sit-down dinner for 200. Others host a casual family barbecue that asks guests to wear flip-flops.

And some celebrate alone, together.

Lewis Mann Jr. and Cheryl Richards-Mann, who renew vows every five years, recently reaffirmed their love in a church chapel.

"We are best friends and we have all sorts of things in common," said Lewis Mann. "And I am very attracted to her physically. But there's still a day-to-day compromise."

Renewing wedding vows has blossomed into a trendy affair, according to Vagnozzi who pointed to a string of celebs like Madonna, Amy Winehouse and Heidi Klum who have re-pledged love to their spouses.

LeeVant and Amanda Glass of Decatur renewed vows after less than three years of marriage and shortly after the birth of their daughter Chanell.

"It was romantic," said LeeVant Glass who is 31. "She looked in my eyes and I looked in hers and it felt like that moment of the wedding all over again. It took me right back to that very place."

Bill and Claire Barkley of Alpharetta

How they met: At a golf resort on the first tee. Claire was golfing for first time. Bill Barkley, who was a golf pro, suggested she take lessons. She passed. They later met on the dance floor. In a letter to her sister, Claire said, "Bill danced like a dream." After a couple dates, Bill proposed in a letter.

Married: May 26, 1956

Renewed vows: May 26, 2006

Highlights of the renewal: Ceremony held at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Alpharetta. Claire and her daughter, KT Curran, sang "In this Very Room" together. Each child gave their mom a red rose. Bill gave her the 12th one to complete the dozen. "It's a much deeper love than when we were first married. It's a very strong bond," said Claire Barkley, who is 74. Nothing could ever tear us apart."

Tips for marriage: Don't be petty. Make time for each other, even if it means skipping sleep. While raising their 11 children, the Barkleys woke up every day at 4 a.m. for a couple hours of grown up time. They would sip coffee, chat and, on cool mornings, cozy up around the fireplace. "That was our time together," said Claire Barkley. "It helped us to stay connected and keep things in perspective."

LeeVant and Amanda Glass of Decatur

How they met: At an Avondale Estates bus stop. The two chatted briefly and LeeVant later spotted Amanda in a business ethics class at DeVry University. He invented excuses to talk to her and waited more than three years to ask her out on a date.

Married: Aug. 27, 2005

Renewed vows: March 30, 2008

Highlights of the renewal: LeeVant spontaneously asked his wife to join him in a renewing of vows ceremony at his church, Power of Purpose Christian Center. They were one of 10 married couples who participated in the Black Marriage Day event.

"It's important to my wife that I tell her I love her," he said. "This was a way to tell her that the love has not gone anywhere since we first got married."

Tips for marriage: Don't keep score. Sometimes you'll need to give more than 50 percent; don't get upset about it. That's just part of marriage. And once an issue is resolved, let it go.

Lewis Mann Jr. and Cheryl Richards-Mann of Oak Grove neighborhood of DeKalb

How they met: Sharing mutual acquaintances, they chatted at a Buckhead club over cocktails after work. Once Lewis realized Cheryl shared his passion for UGA football, he invited her to a homecoming game.

Married: Aug. 8, 1992

Renewed vows: Every five years

Highlights of the renewal: They always read their original vows, which are framed and hang in the hallway. They've renewed vows at home, the Druid Hills Country Club and most recently at a church chapel followed by an evening at the Four Seasons Hotel. "Every time I do it, I get nervous and giddy and it reminds me of when we first got married," said Lewis Mann. "As I'm standing there and reading the vows, thoughts go through my head about where we've been and what we've experienced in the past 15 years."

Tips for marriage: Avoid arguments from getting overheated. "If doing cartwheels down the living room floor is what it takes, do the cartwheels," said Lewis Mann.

Don'ts for renewing vows...

• Don't register this time around

Gifts are designed to help a newly married couple get started, not upgrade the kitchenware.

• Don't set up bachelor parties or bachelorette parties

You are not single. Need we say more?

• Don't have bridesmaid dresses

No need to add details, costs and in some cases, dreaded attire, into the mix

...and the Do's

• Do personalize your vows

Think about why you got married and why you love your spouse and special moments during the marriage. You can read your original vows or craft entirely new ones. Online Web sites can help.

• Do include children and other family members in the event

Your children can do a reading, sing a song or play an instrument. You may also want to invite your original bridal party and recognize their presence.

• Do your planning

Even though it may require far fewer details, don't wing it. Orchestrating an event, particularly for a large group, requires time and planning. (And don't forget to send out invitations.)

Source: WeddingChannel.com and electpress.com