June is here (how did that happen) and for most this marks the start of summer. For some it is bitter sweet as they should have been saying their vows in front of loved ones. As a wedding supplier I have had all of my June and July weddings postpone, I am still quietly hopeful for the end of August but every week is a new development so all we can do is wait. This means that there are many couples who face a non wedding day, an empty date that they had spent months and years planning for.

My advice to you is don’t let this day pass with out marking it, you picked that original date for a reason so it still needs to be celebrated and memories made. So I have put together some ideas for an amazing weekend that made my heart soar and put a smile on my face, all from localish to Bedford Businesses who all need your support right now.

First up has to be The Stay Home Picnic. A collaboration between Nikkita Palmer Designs and myself. Relax just the two of you in a bohemian paradise, sip champagne and graze on the yummiest platter of fresh food from The Bountiful Table. Discuss your dreams and ambitions and lay back picturing the day you will eventually get to say you vows and dance the night away.

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What could be more romantic than having a night under the stars so upgrade your picnic package to include a bell tent from FM Tents, with a starting price of £80. What could be more memorable than star gazing cuddled under a blanket surrounded by candle light (I can provide all the lanterns). Wouldn’t this be the perfect surprise for a couple for their non wedding day, who are maybe feeling burdened by the stress that postponing a wedding brings. All deliveries and setup are contactless and follows government guidelines.

No wedding is complete without photos so don’t let this date be missed. Ayelle Photography are offering relaxed socially distanced mini photo shoots to help capture those memories, get dressed up, grab the flowers supplied with your ‘Stay Home Picnic‘ and make your own mini bouquet. Trust me you will look back on those images in years to come and a smile will spread across your face, not many people will be celebrating a non wedding day in lock down.

Cake! Of course you need cake and I am totally in love with Oh My Cakerys loaded brownies, this gal say’s it how it is, her in your face cakes are the perfect tonic for adding an air of light heartedness to the occasion and they taste amazing.

Pamper and chill. The night before your wedding and the morning of should be spent relaxing and laughing. You might not be able to have your gals and guys with you in person but they are only a Zoom away. Treat yourself to a pamper package from Lords and Ladies, who have just launched their online shop (there is also the perfect one for men). Put on a face mask, sip the champagne, eat the cake and get your friends on the screen. Its amazing how normal a Zoom social gathering soon feels.

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Back to the romance… The whole reason you are getting married is to publicly declare your love and committal to someone. You can still do this. Ok it might not be legal but it can still be romantic. Kelly Hawes is a celebrant who has been conducting virtual ceremonies, yes it sounds totally void of emotion but she says totally the opposite –

”The ceremonies have been a fantastic way to bring everyone together in celebration on a day that would instead feel empty. Ive been totally blown away by the emotion and connection felt between us all despite being through a screen.The couples have all commented just how much they enjoyed the moment and I hope I have left them with an everlasting memory during a difficult situation. ”

So memories and laughter can still be made, your day might not be happening when you originally thought, but you can still celebrate! Having to wait a little longer is going to make it all the meaningful, memorable and enjoyable when it does happen. Plus everyone is going to want to have a huge party!