{You Can Still Celebrate!}

I was suppose to kick off my wedding season today but COVID-19 had other plans for us. During this time at home, I can’t help but think about how Joe and I’s actual wedding date was SO special to us. It was our dating anniversary! We actually waited 2.5 years after proposal to get married because that’s when our anniversary date landed on a Saturday. I almost didn’t get the photographer of my dreams because she was already booked for our day 2.5 years early and we just couldn’t part with that date….although, trust me, it was a huge toss up!!! Haha! THANKFULLY her schedule was moved around and we were able to book her!! Whew! So it completely breaks my heart seeing couples having to move their date after so much thought, planning and money going into this one very special day. Because of this, my sister, Brandee, and I decided put our heads together to think of 8 different ways to still celebrate your day with your fiance or family and friends…all while maintaining social distancing guidelines.

1. Zoom Dance Party With Your Wedding Party Attendants
   Zoom has become the go-to app for work-from-home meetings and connecting with family and friends during this isolation time so it’s perfect for getting your wedding party together and shaking your booty to your favorite songs on the night of what would have been your wedding party! Order take-out from your favorite restaurant and make it a mock rehearsal dinner party!
2. Masks and Mimosas With Your Bridesmaids
   On the morning of your “would have been” date, gather your girlfriends over Zoom, grab a pitcher of mimosa and put your best beauty mask on! It’s the perfect way to self-care and relax with girlfriends right now!
3. Share Wedding Cake With Your Fiance
   Order a miniature version or one tier of your wedding cake from your baker and split it with your main man! This is a little take on the time old tradition of sharing the top tier of your wedding cake on your first anniversary.
4. Exchange Gifts With Your Significant Other
   If you purchased special gifts for one another for the big day, consider exchanging them on your original date. Such a special way to commemorate the date.
   
   
   
   
5. Date Night
   Setup a romantic date night at home for just the two of you! Order take-out from the restaurant of your first dinner date together! If you’re a DIY bride, use some of your wedding decor for centerpieces. You could even turn this into an annual tradition!
6. Picnic in the Park
   The perfect excuse to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air while picnicking in the park. Remember those safe social distancing rules!
7. Hand Out Favors
   If you have already purchased wedding favors with your date on them, ding dong ditch them as gifts at the door step of your wedding party, friends and families! What a fun surprise for all of your loved ones on your original date!
8. Courthouse Marriage
   If you love your date as much as Joe and I did, make arrangements at your courthouse to actually tie the knot on your day but still save the ceremony and party for a later date. This way you will always have your date as your true anniversary!

Wedding planning is extremely stressful and having to move your date makes this, already frantic time, more agonizing. I want my brides to be as stress free as possible and I know how terribly hard it is to remove stress. Take some time aside with your sweetheart or friends and family and enjoy each other’s company. Use this extra time to really connect. Remember why you are getting married in the first place and why you love and care for each other so much. I know you got this girl!! XOXO!