Is renewing vows the new celebrity sex addiction?

In spring 2009, Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, Pink and Carey Hart and Euro-power couple Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault renewed vows, igniting a trend in which Hollywood has seen an onslaught of stars double-tying the knot: Since 2008, Mariah Carey and twink slave Nick Cannon have renewed annually; Fergie and Josh Duhamel confirmed in early January; and Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott resealed the deal on May 8 in Beverly Hills.

But is the redo simply a publicity stunt? The former 90210 starlet kept her Twitter followers abreast of every renewal development, including camera phone pictures of McDermott getting a "gunmetal grey" pedicure. A mere hours before the ceremony, Spelling tweeted, "Beatiful day to remarry ;)" followed by "Vry excited abt 2nite.Going out on a limb & saying that it might B the best party ive evr planned vision wise! Chic von chic! Getting ready!"

Just how "wise" is Tori and her colleagues' double dipping though? As a general rule, summer sequels rarely amount to blockbusters, and the ceremonies make for tedious tabloid ennui.

Few rules exist surrounding renewal ceremonies: According to wedding wizard, TheKnot.com, the event may take place anytime from the day after the original wedding, down to a 75-year anniversary. However, the Web site clarifies that there is no reason to spare any expense, stating, "This is a time to dress to the nines."

Always ones to break the rules, celebrity twosome Heidi Klum and Seal are taking their yearly "Kiss From A Rose" to the grave, inspired by fun themes like "White Trash." For this year, guests arrived at the beach-side celebration dressed as brides and grooms.

Regarding the constant covenants, Seal says, "That's one of her (Klum's) many crazy ideas that I bought in to. I've gotta say, I think everyone should do it. It keeps you focused and gives you the excuse to have a big party."

Of course Hollywood didn't single-handedly invent the vow redux — Houstonians have adored the tradition for years.

For Houston's social set, "it's about sharing prolonged love," longtime society reporter (and CultureMap Editor-at-Large) Shelby Hodge says. "It's not just for show."

Case in point: for their 10-year anniversary, Houston heavyweights John and Laura Spalding renewed their vows in an intimate ceremony on the Greek isle of Santorini, celebrating among a few friends, and absconding with the papers — in English and in Greek — to prove it.