Even though the world is beginning to open back up again, a lot of my couples are still feeling pressure to downsize or reschedule their 2020 weddings. 

I mean, sure, in what other time in history could you gift your bridal party with wedding-themed face masks to wear at the ceremony? But if matching face masks aren’t really your jam, and you want to keep your loved ones safe from a potential 2nd wave of the virus, rescheduling may not be a bad idea.

Rescheduling can be hard, and when the day comes when you were supposed to get married, you are totally valid in grieving. But I have been encouraging my clients to still find a way to celebrate their original wedding date with their partners. Certainly, you need to acknowledge your grief, but find a way to transform it into an expression of love for your partner. 

Here are some ideas to celebrate your original wedding date:

1.Date night: Celebrate the world opening back up by having a good old fashioned date night with your partner. Go to a favorite restaurant, a drive-in movie, a picnic, or a romantic walk in the city. Bonus points if you wear your wedding attire and we snap a few photos to show off at the wedding! 

2. Small ceremony: A lot of couples are opting to keep their original wedding date and just have a small ceremony, with plans to throw a big ol’ reception when it is safe to have large gatherings. I think, secretly, a lot of couples would prefer the “no fuss” of a small wedding, but are afraid of disappointing their friends and family. But, hey, what better excuse than a global pandemic?

3. Write letters: One of my favorite wedding traditions is when couples write letters to one another to read before the ceremony. But what if you decided to write this letter on your original wedding date, only to present it to your partner on your new wedding date? This is a great way to link the two wedding dates and look hopefully towards the future when you can get married surrounded by all your friends and family. 

4. Photo session: Not everyone has the time to get engagement photos done before the wedding, but now there is no excuse! Mark your original wedding day with an “almost married/still engaged” photo session. Since Philly is now in the yellow, you can schedule a front porch or outdoor session with Heather McBride Photography! 

I can’t wait to see how you all get creative in celebrating your original wedding date! 

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