Ways to Celebrate your Original Wedding Date as a COVID-Couple

It’s a well known fact that couples tend to put serious thought into their wedding date. By now we’re all tired of the constant mandate and rule changes that have us rescheduling, waiting, and rescheduling again. So how do you keep your original wedding date special when you’ve had to reschedule multiple times as a COVID-Couple? Here are some pretty creative ways to keep the joy alive on a day you may not feel so joyful.

DIY your Private Reception

This isn’t a “reception” in the traditional sense, but why waste your day? Create a playlist for just the two of you, and make sure it includes some awesome slow dance love songs. Order in from your favorite restaurant, and pick up a small cake for dessert. (Check out this “Nearly Married” cake topper for a little extra oompf). You can go as far as pulling out your wedding decor if you feel like it!

Then set your kitchen table, push all your living room furniture out of the way and set up your private, in home reception space. Light a few candles as table centerpieces and enjoy your meal together. When your song comes on, slow dance in the middle of your living room dance floor. Sure, you’re gonna feel ridiculous, but you’re going to have a story to tell your kids when they’re much older. “Your mom/dad and I were supposed to get married in 2020, but the pandemic happened. So we spent the night dancing in the living room instead. Your mom/dad does a mad macarena.”

Have kids? Or just a best friend who would be willing to make it extra special? Hire them to be your “server” for the night so you don’t have to bring any of the elbow grease.

Take a Hike

COVID-couple: Pack your hiking bags and cooler, because what’s more memorable and romantic than a sunset hike on your original wedding day? Living in the PNW you can find gorgeous hikes at almost every turn. Consider hiking Rattlesnake Ledge (be sure you’re in good shape, it’s basically straight up the side of the hill) with a sunset meal at the top. Little Si is another beautiful view to share some romantic moments as the sun dips behind the hills. Mt Peak provides a wonderful backdrop over Enumclaw and Buckley.

Consider packing a picnic of select cheese, meats, crackers and fresh PNW berries from the local farm stand. Finish it off with some apple cider, cold brew or Belvoir Fruit Farms Elderflower lemonade (my recent favorite!) for toasting to your “almost” marriage. Just remember: Pack it in, pack it out. We love our leave no trace around here.

Schedule your engagement photos

Typically, I’d have shot your engagement session by now, BUT being a COVID-Couple is weird ya’ll. So consider booking your engagement session on the day you were supposed to get married! It’s a double win if you can use your HMUA, florals and maybe even that cake for your engagement celebration.

Since you’ve likely already scheduled your photographer (me!) for the day, let’s pick a stunning location and take our time with your engagement celebration. We can photograph a hike, a picnic lunch, sharing some cake and all the traditional engagement shots. It’ll be magical!

Say F#$% it and Elope

It is by far my favorite thing when a COVID-couple says “f#$% it, Let’s Elope!” (or any couple really) because there is so much FREEDOM in elopement timelines. You can want only 2-3 hours with a mini ceremony, first kiss and some epic portraits. On the flip side, you can want an ALL DAY adventure with wine tasting, a picnic lunch (I’m a bit obsessed with picnics), a private cruise on Lake Washington, and a sunset ceremony at Lincoln Park complete with your own personal sized cakes. The choice is completely up to you!

Celebrate Quietly

Of course, it’s never NOT ok to sit with your sorrow. This has been such a trying year for every COVID-couple and sometimes we just have to be a little sad. If this is you, feel free to grab your favorite dinner (thai food here), a tub of ice cream, and watch The Notebook on repeat for the day. Bonus points for your spouse if they sit with you through the fourth “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird”.