Honoring Your Original Wedding Date: Creative Ways To Celebrate

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but what happens when you have to postpone or cancel your big day? Well, you can still celebrate your original wedding date in a variety of ways. From hosting a virtual cocktail hour with your wedding party to having a self-care staycation, there are plenty of options to mark the occasion. You could even have a commitment ceremony, where you and your partner get dressed up and recite your vows, or host a mini-virtual reception, inviting your entire wedding party to get dressed up and log on for a virtual celebration. If you're feeling a little more low-key, why not break out the old photos and reminisce about your relationship, or plan a stay-at-home soirée, getting dressed up, cooking a fancy dinner, and popping open a bottle of champagne? It's a great way to reconnect with your partner and remember that love always wins.

Have a commitment ceremony

A commitment ceremony is a great way to celebrate your original wedding date. It is a wedding or elopement that is not legally binding. This type of ceremony allows you to declare your love and commitment to each other without the need for legal paperwork. Here are some ideas and tips for having a commitment ceremony:

Planning Your Commitment Ceremony

First, take time to write down what your dream commitment ceremony looks like for both you and your partner. Consider your budget, destination, activities, and any traditions or personal touches you want to include. You can plan your commitment ceremony in the same way you would plan a wedding or elopement, with invitations, guests, and all the details that are important to you.

Location and Officiant

The beauty of a commitment ceremony is that you can have it anywhere you like! Whether it's a special location that holds meaning for you as a couple or a breathtaking destination, the choice is yours. Since a commitment ceremony is not a legal ceremony, anyone you hold dear can officiate. This could be a religious representative or someone you look up to for relationship advice.

What to Wear

The dress code for a commitment ceremony can be as formal or as casual as you like! You can wear anything from a wedding dress or tuxedo to hiking boots or even your bathing suit. It's all about expressing your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

Vows and Rings

Many couples choose to include personal vows and the exchange of rings in their commitment ceremony. You can write your own vows or use traditional ones. The ceremony can also include other traditions such as a first kiss, dancing, champagne toasts, and epic photography.

Guests and Activities

You can invite as many guests as you like to your commitment ceremony, or you can choose to have a more intimate celebration with just the two of you. When planning activities, consider what would make you happiest. This could be a quiet celebration with close friends or a big adventure in a new location. You can also include pets in your commitment ceremony!

Remember, a commitment ceremony is all about celebrating your love and commitment to each other in a way that feels right for you as a couple. So dream big, get creative, and make it a day to remember!

Host a mini virtual reception

Hosting a mini virtual reception on your original wedding date is a great way to celebrate your love and commitment with your family and friends. Here are some tips to make it a success:

Choose a Platform

First, decide whether you want to go with a live-streaming or video conferencing platform. Live-streaming platforms like Facebook Live or Twitch.TV allow guests to view and chat through a chat feature. On the other hand, video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts enable everyone to see and speak with each other and are more interactive.

Consider Time Zones

Remember to consider the time zones of your virtual guests when choosing the time for your celebration. One of the advantages of a virtual reception is that it allows loved ones from all over the world to attend. Try to select a time that accommodates most of your guests, especially if you have a large number of international friends and family.

Create a Wedding Website

A wedding website is a great way to share information and updates with your guests. You can also use it to provide helpful tips for attending virtually and convey specific instructions to different groups of attendees, such as those joining in person or via live streaming.

Send Invitations and Reminders

Use email or text messages to send invitations and reminders to your guests. You can also include your RSVP link or event details in these communications. If you're sending paper invitations, you can include a QR code that directs invitees to your online RSVP and wedding website.

Manage Guest List and RSVPs

Use online tools to manage your guest list and track RSVPs. This will help you stay organized and ensure you have an accurate headcount for your event. You can also use these tools to collect additional information from guests, such as meal preferences, dietary restrictions, and song requests.

Engage Your Guests

Encourage your virtual guests to participate in the celebration by asking them to pre-record video messages or contribute to a video montage. You can also invite them to do a reading during the ceremony, say a blessing before a meal, perform, offer a toast, or deliver a speech.

Ensure Good Technology

Invest in good technology to ensure a smooth virtual reception. Stable internet connection, sound quality, and great lighting are essential. Test the wifi capabilities at your venue in advance, and consider bringing a separate hotspot if needed. You may also want to invest in an AV Screen or Chrome Casting to showcase the virtual guest gallery so you can see and communicate with your guests.

Assign a Streaming Administrator

Designate a person or professional to be the streaming administrator. They can help guests with technical issues, manage microphones, and choose the appropriate feed to showcase if you're using multiple cameras. It's also a good idea to host a practice streaming session, especially for guests who may be less familiar with virtual events.

Create a Virtual Waiting Room

Consider using a platform that offers a virtual waiting room or 'lounge' where guests can mingle and chat before the event starts. This creates a more open and congenial atmosphere and allows guests to interact before the celebration begins.

Send Meals and Cocktails

Engage your guests by sending them safely prepared meals or specialty cocktails to enjoy during the virtual reception. You can also send mini dessert boxes, charcuterie displays, or local treats to delight your loved ones and make them feel included.

Follow Virtual Wedding Etiquette

As hosts, you can set a virtual dress code or theme for your guests to follow. You can also create a virtual receiving line or a guest book chat room for guests to offer their congratulations. Basic etiquette, such as a firm start time and respectful behavior, should be followed by all participants.

By following these tips, you can host a memorable and engaging mini virtual reception to celebrate your original wedding date!

Plan a stay-at-home soirée

Planning a stay-at-home soirée on your original wedding date can be a fun and romantic way to celebrate your relationship. Here are some ideas to make your at-home celebration special:

Set the Mood with Decor

Take inspiration from your original wedding theme or colours and decorate your space accordingly. If you had a destination in mind, you can incorporate elements that evoke the feeling of that place, such as lemons and crisp whites for Capri, or deep blues and pops of fuchsia for Greece. Flowers, colours, patterns, and textures can all be used to create a unique and romantic atmosphere.

Create a Cozy Lounge Area

If your soirée is taking place outdoors, create a cozy lounge area with a combination of sofas, armchairs, and side tables. Use throw pillows, floral arrangements, and other home accessories to make the space feel warm and inviting. Add colourful rugs and floor cushions to accommodate younger guests, and don't forget to include comfortable seating for any elderly attendees.

Make it Multi-Sensory

Incorporate music and scents to create a multi-sensory experience for your guests. Scented candles or deliciously spiced meals can enhance the atmosphere and transport your guests to your chosen destination.

Food and Drinks

Food and drinks are a great way to bring people together and create a festive atmosphere. Opt for a menu that reflects your chosen destination or theme. For example, if you're dreaming of a Southern celebration, mouthwatering barbecue would be a perfect choice. Or, if you're leaning towards a New England-inspired soirée, personalized shellfish towers would be a delightful option.

Don't forget to include signature drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails to welcome your guests and set the tone for the evening. If you have the space, consider setting up a bar and hiring a bartender to craft unique cocktails for your guests.

Entertainment

Keep your guests entertained with a live band or singer. Choose a cover band that can play your favourite songs or a standout singer to wow your small crowd. You can also set up a movie projector and screen in your backyard for an outdoor movie night, complete with cozy blankets and theatre-like snack boxes.

The Little Details

Personalized details will make your soirée memorable. Consider writing a handwritten note or leaving a calligraphed romantic musing at each place setting to show your appreciation for your guests. You can also create a photo book with sharpies, stickers, and stationery, or put together a scrapbook of your love story.

Make it Intimate and Sentimental

An at-home soirée is the perfect opportunity to create an intimate and sentimental celebration. Light candles and use subtle, amber lighting to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. You can also add a personal touch by breaking out the fine china, especially any heirloom pieces that have been passed down through generations.

Break out the old photos

"Break out the old photos" is a great way to celebrate your original wedding date and reminisce about the beautiful memories from your special day. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Create a Photo Book:

Collect your favourite wedding photos and create a personalised photo book. This can be a fun project to do together, and you can add captions and decorations to make it even more special. It will be a keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.

Host a Special Dinner:

Prepare a romantic dinner for just the two of you, or invite your wedding party or close friends and family. Decorate your space with your wedding photos—you can hang them on string lights or create a collage on the wall. It will be a wonderful trip down memory lane as you share stories and laughs from your wedding day.

Recreate Your Wedding Menu:

If you saved your wedding menu, now is the time to recreate it! Prepare the same dishes or, if you had a wedding cake, order a small replica to enjoy. Pair your meal with your wedding wine or champagne for a true taste of the past.

Make a Slideshow:

Compile your wedding photos into a digital slideshow, adding your wedding song and other meaningful music. You can even include video footage if you have any. Invite your loved ones over for a special screening, or make it a cosy evening for just the two of you.

Go Back to Your Wedding Location:

If possible, revisit your wedding venue or the place where you exchanged vows. Bring your wedding album and spend time reminiscing about the day. You can even recreate some of your wedding photos, posing in the same spots and capturing new memories.

Celebrating your original wedding date is a beautiful way to honour your commitment and love for each other. Enjoy this special day and cherish the memories you've made together!

Have a self-care staycation

A self-care staycation is a great way to celebrate your original wedding date. Here are some ideas to make it feel like a real vacation:

Planning

First, do some advanced planning. This is a special occasion, so make it a real break from the everyday. Involve your spouse in the planning—what activities do you both want to do? What foods do you want to eat? Try some active brainstorming together.

Unplug

Commit to "unplugging" and being in vacation mode. Tell your boss and coworkers that you won't be checking emails. Disable work email notifications on your phone and remove the email app from your home screen.

Set the Mood

Get out those candles you've stashed away. Stock up on your favourite foods—splurge on those treats you love to eat at a restaurant but never buy for yourself. Break out those extra fluffy guest towels and leftover hotel toiletries. Treat yourself to some new bath and body products and turn your bathroom into a mini-spa.

Activities

• Cuddle up in front of a fire with a blanket and enjoy some quality time.
• Build a campfire in your backyard and make s'mores. You could even try cooking your dinner over an open fire.
• Camp out by the fire in your living room or, if the weather is agreeable, in your backyard.
• Have a real conversation. Ask each other questions like: What was your favourite thing to do as a child? Is there anything you've always wanted to do that you've never shared with me? What’s the one thing you wish that I really understood about you?
• Read a book aloud to each other—maybe a chapter a day.
• Play a board or card game. Put out some snacks and commit to a marathon game.
• Movie night: watch each other's favourite films without complaint, and explain why you love the movie so much.
• Enjoy coffee and breakfast in bed with trays, a carafe of coffee, and a single rose in a bud vase. Make a special breakfast with a waffle iron or pastries from a local bakery.
• Go for a relaxing walk together and enjoy the fresh air and scenery.
• Order your favourite restaurant meal for pickup or delivery and enjoy a romantic dinner at home.
• Take a nap together.
• Reminisce over photos from past events and travels—get out your wedding photos or old family albums.

Frequently asked questions