It’s a date you’ve looked forward to for so long. But now, thanks to COVID-19 (or perhaps another reason that’s beyond your control), your wedding is postponed. First of all, I’m so sorry! It’s a big disappointment, and it’s understandable if you feel really sad about it. But remember that all is not lost. Your love is what truly matters, and a great way to honor that love (and do something positive) is to plan something special for your original wedding date. After all, it’s still a day worth celebrating! There are lots of fun ways that you can mark the milestone, while looking ahead to the day when it will happen (following CDC guidelines, of course!). And having something to look forward to right now really matters, especially when dealing with a postponement.

Here are ten lockdown-friendly suggestions to celebrate your original wedding date, even if it looks a little different than you expected!

Write each other love letters. There’s nothing quite as romantic as a good old-fashioned love letter! Pen a note to one another about how you’re feeling, how excited you still are to marry them, and how much you appreciate their support during this crazy time. Exchange your letters on the day or, if you want to, seal and keep them for the morning of your actual wedding. It’s a great way to connect the two dates if your wedding is postponed.

Have a video call with friends and family. A wedding is about the two of you, of course, but it’s also about celebrating your marriage with your community. Invite your family and closest friends to a Zoom party to share drinks, laughs – maybe even stories about your relationship. Or play a version of the newlywed game, with guests betting on who will get the answers right.

Make up a batch of your signature cocktail. Did you have a signature drink planned for your wedding reception? Mix up a batch for the two of you to enjoy. Then toast to spending your happy ever after together.

Dance! Music is a great way of working through difficult times, so dance it out! Put on your reception playlist and have a dance party in the living room. Or simply play the song you chose for your first dance, and make it a romantic moment that the two of you will always remember.

Read your vows to one another. It’s traditional to wait until your wedding day to share your vows with each other, but exceptional circumstances call for new rules! Sharing your promises with each other will help you feel connected emotionally while looking towards the future. You could even turn it into an informal commitment ceremony (with or without guests via video call). While this isn’t a legal union, it can still be a powerful and emotional moment. And technically, depending on your state, you might be able to make it legal. Some states are allowing legal video weddings!

Enjoy a special meal. Make a date night of it! Dress up in your finest, set up a beautiful table or living room picnic, and enjoy a lovely meal together. You could recreate your planned wedding menu, order your favorite takeout, or make something special together.

Open a wedding present or two. If gifts from your registry have already been delivered, they can serve as a sad daily reminder that your wedding is postponed. Use the opportunity to open up a few and put them to use. You could also Facetime the person who sent the gift so they can share the moment with you – something wedding guests rarely have the opportunity to do.

Exchange wedding gifts. If you’ve been planning a special gift exchange on your wedding day, why not present your gifts to one another early? Of course, it doesn’t have to be the gift you planned. It could also be something you know they’ll appreciate during this time. Either way, it’s sure to make them smile on this big day.

Have a wedding movie marathon. Why not take your minds off your postponed wedding with a fictional one? Father of the Bride, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Wedding Crashers, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Bridesmaids, The Wedding Singer… There are so many wedding-themed movies to choose from!

Support your wedding vendors. Now is a great time to show your vendors some love while celebrating your original wedding date. For example, you could order a smaller version of your wedding cake to enjoy together. Or how about a bouquet of your wedding blooms (especially if they’ll no longer be in season on your new wedding date)? You could even ask your wedding DJ to host a virtual dance party for you and your friends.

The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone in this, that your big day WILL come. And when it does, it will be amazing!

xoxo,
Mindy