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Tag: Name Change Service After Marriage

  • Non-Traditional Wedding Components 

    Non-Traditional Wedding Components 

    Take what you like and leave what you don’t. Non-traditional means that you’re probably not going to be fond of everything on this list, but if you find one thing to incorporate into your big day, it’s been a success.

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    CEREMONY

    The first, and arguably most important, part of a wedding is the ceremony. It’s one of the most important moments in your entire life, and it should be unique to you.

    VENUE

    Tradition tells you that you need to be married in the religious venue of your choice. If you’re religious, this might be a tradition you want to keep. As the years have gone by, I’ve noticed that more and more couples opt for a non-traditional wedding venue.

    These new venues come in many different forms! You can get married in a barn, mansion, library, or recital hall. You can also hold your ceremony in a restaurant, backyard, or on a boat. If you can rent it, it can be a venue.

    Your location can reflect your hobbies or special interests. The venue can also have a special meaning to you and your significant other. Maybe it’s where you first met, had your first date, or even your first kiss.

    The best part is that you can use your theme or wedding aesthetic to help guide you to the perfect location. A non-traditional venue gives you a vast range of pricing. You’ll be able to find a beautiful venue within any budget.

    In addition to finding the perfect pick for your budget, you’ll also be able to find the best venue for the size of your ceremony. You don’t want your guests to be cramped, but you also don’t want to have 50 guests in a room intended for 200.

    OUTFITS

    We all know the traditional outfits for a wedding. The bride wears a white gown, the groom wears a tux, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen all match. Well, that can get boring very quickly.

    Brides have more options than they think they do. The bright white dress isn’t mandatory. You can wear a variation of white, like ivory or eggshell. If you’re a more daring bride, go for a completely different color like pink, blue, or even black! If you really want a non-traditional wedding outfit, skip the dress altogether and wear a pantsuit or jumpsuit.

    Don’t force your bridesmaids into the stereotypical frilly dress. Instead, pick a color from a wedding website and let the bridesmaids choose their own style. The color will match and make everything look uniform, but the bridal party will be able to choose a dress that fits their body type and makes them feel comfortable.

    The groom and groomsmen don’t have to be in the stiff black tuxes, especially if it doesn’t fit your venue or theme. The men can get funky with the color and texture of their suits. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to play with some accessories like suspenders, socks, hats, or bowties.

    WEDDING PARTY

    When it comes down to the actual ceremony, the wedding party’s entrances are important, but the order isn’t set in stone. Some brides are forgoing the bridal party altogether. This allows the happy couple to stand out by standing at the alter all by themselves.

    The bride and groom’s parents don’t have to walk them down the aisle. It’s the 21st century, and parents aren’t literally giving away their children anymore. It’s simply a nod to tradition. It’s time to let your guests focus on the people who are actually getting married.

    VOWS

    A huge traditional aspect of wedding ceremonies is the pre-written marital vows. While these get the point across, modern vows can feel more personal and meaningful. Whether they are based on religion or not, choose or write your own vows.

    Writing your vows gives you and your partner a beautiful opportunity to tell each other how much you value them as a life partner. You can make specific promises that aren’t typically in pre-written vows and that are unique to your relationship.

    RECEPTION

    There are fewer traditional expectations for the reception, but there are still aspects that people anticipate. It’s time to put a spin on it and throw a non-traditional wedding reception.

    SPEECHES

    The most dreaded and anticipated part of dinner is the speeches. Speeches are typically made by the maid of honor, best man, and the parents. Sometimes this is a great idea, assuming your loved ones are articulate and don’t have too much to drink. Other times, it’s best if no speeches are given at all.

    There are several alternatives to speeches that can be just as good if not better than the traditional dinner time sermons. You can have an open microphone during the speech portion of dinner. If you’re not afraid of your distant uncle saying a few words, this can be a fun way to allow everyone to share a story or some advice.

    Alternatively, you can skip the speeches altogether. Set up a confessional, like you see on reality TV, and let people record any speeches, stories, or advice they have for the couple. Then you can look back on the recording for the rest of your life.

    FOOD

    Food is a big part of the reception, and there aren’t many options. Typically, the choice is between a sit-down dinner or a buffet. If you have a venue that will allow it, typically a non-traditional wedding venue, skip the dinner entirely.

    Instead, hire food trucks to stay outside throughout the entire event. This allows your guests to eat at their leisure while being able to sample a variety of food.

    Finally, ditch the huge cake that no one eats and opt for cupcakes or pies instead. If you want something casual, create a dessert bar with all of your favorite types of cookies, cupcakes, and even candy.

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    Whatever you think a wedding should have or what a wedding should look like, toss it out the window. This is your non-traditional wedding, your big day. It can look however you want, and you should be able to eat whatever you want. The only obligatory part of a wedding is the act of getting married. Traditional doesn’t mean mandatory.

  • Side Dishes That Will Impress Your Family During the Holidays 

    Side Dishes That Will Impress Your Family During the Holidays 

    Every year it’s the same food at the same table on the same day. Everyone is a little bored, but no one is willing to admit it. Impress your family and friends by bringing a brand new holiday side dish to the table this year. If you don’t know what to bring, here are some tasty options that everyone will love. 

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    Chipotle Cheddar Biscuits with Fresh Basil

    Canned biscuits are delicious, but you should honor the holidays with a homemade biscuit that will add a bit of spice to your holiday feast! This recipe is so easy you can even get the kids involved. These biscuits are a great introduction to the holiday meal-making process. 

    The biscuits are hand mixed. All you have do is make sure not to overwork the dough before forming the biscuits. It takes 40 minutes to make and bake these beauties. Each batch makes 12 servings, so you might want to double the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving. Everyone will want at least one! 

    Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole 

    This side dish has the fall spirit. The best part of this casserole is that it is an easy chop and dump dish. The only tricky part, which isn’t even all that tricky, is to make sure you don’t overcook the potatoes before they go in the casserole. 

    If you want the best turnout for this recipe, use granny smith apples. If granny smiths aren’t your favorite, you can use whatever apples you want, but don’t pass on the pecans. They add an extra layer of crunch. Take the hour and ten minutes to make this casserole. If you don’t have time on the day you’ll be serving it, you can bake and store it up to 48 hours in advance. 

    Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic, and Thyme Sauce

    When you think of holidays, mushrooms aren’t typically a food that comes to mind. That’s why this simple and delicious dish will “wow” your family. It’s unexpected, but it will fit perfectly with the rest of the food on the table. 

    It’s so easy. The prep time is literally five minutes, and you don’t even have to cut the mushrooms. 

    Even though it’s tossed in butter, it’s still 90% vegetables, which makes it one of the most nutritious food items on your plate. Who knows, maybe it’ll become a holiday staple on your table. 

    Slow Cooker Cranberry Apple Stuffing

    Stuffing is a fan favorite at holiday celebrations, and everyone wants a taste. Of course, you want it to be delicious, but tasting good doesn’t mean it has to be complicated! I love slow cookers for that exact reason. The flavors enhance while it cooks, and you can forget about it until it’s time to eat. 

    It might be a three hour cook time, but this dish only takes 20 minutes to prep. Slow cooker recipes are great for the host that always has a lot to do. You already have so many preparations and so much cooking on your plate, let the slow cooker handle the stuffing. 

    Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese

    This is probably my favorite food on this list. In fact, I’ll be making it for my holiday meal this year. It is perfect because the goat cheese and pecans complement each other while holding two different and distinct flavors. 

    It will take you 15 minutes to prep and an hour cook time to get the carrots soft and delectable. Mix up the dish by using multicolored carrots, and eventually, you will have an overall beautiful side dish worthy of your Instagram feed. 

     

    Pumpkin Risotto with Goat Cheese

    Risotto is a hearty side dish. It’s good for members of the family who don’t like stuffing and the ones that do. Oddly enough, pumpkin flavors aren’t widely used on the holidays except for the pie. This dish is a fun way to incorporate a savory pumpkin flavor into the main meal.

    Risotto sounds and looks fancy, but this holiday side dish only takes five minutes to prep. The 30 minute cook time won’t take much thought at all. 

    Cream Cheese and Bacon Green Bean Casserole 

    This variation of the classic green bean casserole will make your mouth water. Let’s be honest; adding bacon to anything makes it better. Creamy and delicious, as the recipe suggests, this is not a food to eat if you’re trying to lose some weight over the holiday season. 

    Within 35 minutes, this casserole will be ready to serve and eat. It’s completely worth the calories, and if you’re going to indulge, it might as well be for the holidays.

    Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes 

    We all know that mashed sweet potatoes with roasted marshmallows on top are a significant part of a holiday meal, but why do the sweet potatoes have to be mashed? Why do they need marshmallows? They’re sweet all on their own, so why not forget the sugary white puffs and make these potato skins instead!

    They can be made with either Greek yogurt or sour cream. The woman who created this recipe, Nora, also notes that this holiday side dish can be made in a nut-free fashion by replacing any nuts with rolled oats. On top of that, Nora says that the butter should not be substituted for any reason because the topping won’t come out correctly. So, make sure to use butter because the topping will be the best part!

    These sweet potatoes are the best because they are ready in only one hour, which is no time at all for potatoes. Of course, the actual time varies depending on the size of the potatoes you’ve chosen. It’s straightforward to change this dish’s serving size because it’s based solely on how many potato skins you cook.

    Crockpot Corn Casserole 

    Don’t be turned off because this dish is made in a crockpot. There is an option to bake it in the oven! If you want to use your crockpot, it will take 3 hours on high and 6 hours on low to cook. It’ll take less than an hour to cook in the oven.

    If you choose to use a crockpot, this is another great side dish that you can set and forget while you’re making other food until it’s finally time to eat. With a prep time of only 10 minutes, this is a fantastic option for the busy woman who got stuck making 80% of the holiday meal. 

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    Some Words of Advice

    For all of these recipes, pay attention to the serving size. How much will your family eat, and do you want leftovers? Figure out how much you need to add or take away from the recipe to suit your guest list. 

    If you don’t have one or two things on the list of ingredients, there’s always a way to substitute. Get creative, or ask Google, so you don’t have to go to the store last minute. Missing one spice won’t ruin the entire holiday side dish. Most importantly, remember to have a great holiday season!

     

  • Four Steps to Throwing the Best Friendsgiving

    Four Steps to Throwing the Best Friendsgiving

    So, you’ve decided to throw a Friendsgiving. Good for you! Thanksgiving is all about celebrating all of the people you’ve been grateful for in the past year. Since we dedicate Thanksgiving Day to family, Friendsgiving is a unique way to celebrate your chosen family, your friends. It’s also a great way to have two big Thanksgiving meals! 

    Throwing a Friendsgiving can feel overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be. You’re inviting your best friends into your home to celebrate the year you’ve had. They’re your support group, and they’ll support you on Friendsgiving too. If you’re still nervous about throwing the dinner, here’s a four-step guide to throwing the best Friendsgiving ever.  

     

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    Step One: Invitations

    Obviously, the first action you need to take is to pick a date. The night before Thanksgiving could work, but it’s going to be hectic. The best course of action is to make it on the weekend before Thanksgiving while everyone is in town. Talk to your friends beforehand! If you’re all going to be alone at home on Thanksgiving Day, have Friendsgiving on Thanksgiving Day. Do what’s best for your group.

    Create your guest list. Beware! Never invite more people than your house or table can comfortably hold. The last thing you want is for your guests to feel cramped at the table or even while walking around and socializing. Know the limits of your home and work within them. 

    At the same time, don’t forget about your friend’s partners. Include them in the count when you’re sending out invitations. If you don’t, the first question your guests will ask is if they can bring them. It’ll be hard for you to say no.

    When it’s time to send out the invitations, send them out in the best way for your group. That could mean sending out paper invitations, or it could mean sending out a text or email. Whatever will work to get the word out. You know your friends best. Don’t forget to put a date for them to RSVP! Make the date about a week before the dinner to give you, and everyone else, enough time to buy food and prep.

     

    Step Two: The Menu

    First things first, the host is in charge of the turkey. It’s a big responsibility, but you can handle it. Even if you’ve never cooked a turkey before, the best time to do it is when you’re surrounded by friends. Remember, the golden rule for when you’re buying the turkey is one pound per person. Add on a few extra pounds if you want leftovers. 

    Then, the sides are the duty of the guests. No matter how you do it, make sure you keep track of who is bringing what dish. If you don’t, you might end up with ten different desserts and no stuffing. This holiday is fun because you can have your guests bring their favorite or most exciting dish that they always have at their family’s Thanksgiving. 

    If you think your group of friends would do better if they are assigned side dishes, you can do that too! This is a great way to ensure that you have all the food and drinks you need. It’s a no-hassle route to the best Friendsgiving. Give them basic guidelines, like “dessert” or “casserole,” and see what they come up with. 

    Speaking of dessert, don’t overlook it. Dessert is essential, especially the pie! Still, you don’t want to have too much. A pie or two is enough, maybe with some cookies and coffee. Don’t go crazy; everyone will be full from dinner. 

    Add some spice to your Friendsgiving by making a holiday drink. Make a big batch of sangria or mulled wine. Chop up some apples and throw in some cinnamon sticks to make it extra festive. It will get everyone into the holiday spirit. 

     

    Step Three: The Setup

    Food over décor every time, but if you want to get fancy do it! Break out the fancy plates and check out Pinterest to learn how to fold your napkins elegantly. DIY a festive centerpiece with a cornucopia and fall leaves. Do as much decorating as you want, but don’t think it will make or break the day. 

    The most crucial aspect of décor is to make sure that you have enough plates, glasses, utensils, and chairs for all your guests. You do not want to be short on the essentials. 

    In addition to the turkey, it’s also the host’s job to set the mood. Find or create a holiday playlist! As you’re choosing songs, remember your audience. Don’t pack your playlist with Christmas songs if your guests won’t appreciate it. There are plenty of holiday neutral Thanksgiving songs like “I’ve Got Plenty to be Thankful For” by Bing Crosby or the holiday classic “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays.” 

    If you feel comfortable, invite some friends to come over early to help with prep work. Everyone needs help sometimes, and the holidays are the best time for people to go above and beyond to help the people around them. 

     

    Step Four: Friendsgiving

    Before you do anything else, get some ice or tell one of your guests to pick up the ice! Extra ice is always needed but often forgotten because you need to get it the day of the event. If you want cold drinks and chilled wine, ice is something that you cannot overlook. 

    Once the party gets started, take some time to go around and have everyone say what they’re thankful for or their favorite memory of the year. Reflecting on everything you’ve been grateful for in the past year is one of Friendsgiving’s most important features. 

    Once the night is over, have containers prepped specifically for leftovers. Pack all of your guests a doggy bag to take with them, so you’re not bombarded with leftovers for the next week. Send all of your guests off feeling thankful that you’re in their life. 

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    Everything can’t be perfect, so don’t expect it to be. It’s not about the food or décor. The most important part of the day is spending time with your close friends. Celebrating your year together is what will truly give you the best Friendsgiving.

     

  • 8 Unique Bars That Will Impress Your Wedding Guests

    8 Unique Bars That Will Impress Your Wedding Guests

    Beer, wine, and liquor bars are typical fixtures at modern weddings. Still, they are not the only bars that you can have. If you really want to stand out and impress your guests, you need more. Build your own food stations are the peak of wedding food. 

    Savory Appetizer or Dinner Options

    Savory food bars are an excellent option for appetizers, and they’re a fun stop on a buffet line. As a bonus, any picky eaters will be able to create a side dish that is to their liking. 

    Nacho Bar

    Let’s start strong with a very delicious and very customizable bar. Nachos are a crowd favorite. The only challenging aspect of nachos is that everyone wants something different on them. Well, that won’t be a problem at your wedding. Carnivores can have their pick of chicken, pork, or beef, and vegetarians can pick different mixes of vegetables. 

    Wow your friends and family by having the classic cheese, salsa, and sour cream toppings in addition to shrimp, guacamole, and bacon. When it comes to nacho toppings, the limit does not exist. 

    Mashed Potato Bar

    You can find photos of this all over Pinterest. The mashed potatoes are always classed up by serving them in a martini glass, making it delicious and aesthetically pleasing. No two servings will be the same. Give your guest the option of regular, garlic, or sweet mashed potatoes. Then let them choose between a few different types of gravy before loading on the toppings.

    You can easily turn a mashed potato bar into a baked potato bar. It’s the same concept, just a different form of potato. Wrap white and sweet potatoes in aluminum foil to keep them warm until the servers take the foil off and cut them open. 

    Pretzel Bar

    A pretzel bar will give you so many opportunities to have a beautiful setup and yummy options. Obviously, soft pretzels would be the ideal pretzel to utilize for this bar, but you can always change the toppings.

    Of course, you need to have the classic salt pretzel, but don’t forget about cinnamon sugar pretzels! You can also have everything seasoned and plain pretzels. Dipping sauces can range from spicy mustard to sticky caramel.

     

    This is an excellent option for the bride who has an open bar at her wedding. Pretzels are a great food to absorb some of the extra alcohol your guest will be consuming. 

    Dessert Options

    Dessert is by far the easiest way to incorporate a build your own food bar into your wedding. Everyone needs to eat something sweet, especially after a long night of dancing. This is a great bonus for your guests. Not everyone loves cake, so this will give them an alternative!

    Hot Chocolate

    This is the perfect bar for the winter bride. Once the temperature gets below 40 degrees, creamy hot chocolate will delight your guests. It might seem like you don’t have many options because hot chocolate is hot chocolate, right? Wrong! There are so many ways to customize this winter classic. 

    First of all, there are so many types of chocolate. After you top off your hot chocolate with whipped cream, you can add whatever toppings or drizzle you want. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon to polish it off. If you’re going to get crazy, crush up different types of candy bars and sprinkle that instead!

     

    Ice Cream

    Traditional does not have to mean boring. It’s a known fact that everyone loves an ice cream bar. When there is an ice cream bar at a wedding, without fail, everyone gets excited. If you’re a traditional bride and all of the other options seem too modern or crazy, this food bar is for you.

    Like all of the other food bar options on this list, an ice cream bar will give your friends and family a completely customizable dessert option. Talk about a crowd-pleaser!

    Cheesecake

    I attended a wedding once that had a cheesecake bar. It was an absolute hit. It was set up so that the cheesecake was cooked in buffet trays, kind of like a sheet cake. Then the attendants used ice cream scoops to serve it. 

    After that, we could add any toppings that we wanted. They were mostly toppings that would also be served at the ice cream bar, like the syrups and sprinkles. Still, the base of cheesecake was a fun changeup. I had never seen anything like it before, and I haven’t seen anything like it since. 

    S’Mores Bar

    This is a personal favorite of mine, and I would bet that it would be a home run amongst your guests as well. I mean, do you know anyone who doesn’t like s’mores? I sure don’t. Like the hot chocolate bar, you can have several types of chocolate! Unlike the hot chocolate bar, you can also have different types of chocolate candy like Reese’s, Snickers, and Kit-Kats.

    Level up this bar by introducing your guests to different flavored marshmallows. Availability might depend on what season you get married in, but marshmallows are deceptively easy to make at home. If you decide to make them, you’ll be able to create any flavor profile you want.

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    A cool addition to this food bar would be for you and your partner to create signature s’mores, similar to the signature cocktails. Personally, I would make mine with a honey graham cracker, Reese’s cup, and a homemade salted caramel marshmallow. Doesn’t that sound great?

    Candy

    Finally, you can have the classic candy bar. This is a final surprise for your guests. Not only is candy delicious, but it makes a great photo op. Show off you and your partner’s favorite candy or fill the bar with the vintage candy that always makes people nostalgic. 

    This bar also makes a great goody bag. It’s a wedding favor your guests will happily take home with them. 

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    Don’t be afraid to take these food bar ideas and run with them. Make them your own and have the flavors fit your theme or venue. Spruce up the table and let the bar decorate your space. Most importantly, find time to enjoy the food bar you’ve created!

  • At Home Halloween Activities For Kids

    At Home Halloween Activities For Kids

    This year, Halloween is going to look very different. It’s going to be easy for your kid to become cranky and disappointed by the lack of trick or treating, candy, and costumes. With a little elbow grease and the help of at home Halloween activities, this spooky season can be a lot of fun! 

     

    Classic Activities

    Let’s start off simple with some classic at home Halloween activities that the kids love every year. Just because a pandemic hit, doesn’t mean you have to get rid of tradition. 

    Jack-O-Lanterns 

    Carving pumpkins is a time tested tradition. People have been carving vegetables and squash for over 10,000 years. There’s no need to stop now. This entertaining activity will get your kids creative juices flowing. It’ll also give them, or you, a great arm workout while scooping out the guts. 

    The best part is that the whole family can enjoy it and take part in the fun. Kids will always love getting messy. Teenagers will love that they can put their cool pumpkin on Instagram. You’ll love the memories of the quality time you get to spend with everybody. 

    Don’t be afraid to decorate your pumpkins instead of carving them, especially if you have smaller children. Googly eyes and paint make excellent pumpkin decorations, and sometimes it looks better than a carved pumpkin. Add a ribbon around the stem for some extra flare. 

     

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     Festive Crafts

    Halloween crafts are both festive and time-consuming, which makes them the perfect activity for this COVID season. Crafts will keep the spirit of Halloween alive while keeping everyone safe and indoors. Even better, there’s no mask required.

    If you want to keep it simple, you can have your kiddo paint on a paper plate and create their own monster. You can also paint rocks to look like jack-o-lanterns, black cats, or ghosts. Remember when all the kids went through that phase when they wouldn’t stop making slime? It’s time to bust out those skills and make an extra spooky slime.

    Maybe you prefer your crafts to be more structured, or you have older kids who can handle a more detailed craft. Arts and crafts stores like Michael’s are great places to find craft kits. They’re affordable and often make incredible decorations once they’re made. There are kits for people of all ages, so you can craft with your little one!

    Dance Party

    Big parties and parades may be out this year, but there’s never a bad time for a dance party! This epic at home Halloween activity is a blast, and it counts as exercise. It’s a fantastic way to let your kids burn off the sugar high from the candy they ate. 

    Spotify or any music streaming platform will have a Halloween music playlist. All you have to do is hit the play button and let them go at it! Let them dance as crazy as they can. Show them all the old school dance moves like the running man or the sprinkler.

    Take it up a notch by finding a spooky dance tutorial video for a Halloween track like the “Monster Mash”. Learn the dance with them! Follow along, step by step, until everyone in your family is a master at the “Monster Mash” dance. 

     

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     Special For Quarantine 

    Innovations have to be made due to the pandemic, but innovations mean that there’s room for creativity! Who knows, maybe your family will love these activities so much that they’ll become new traditions.

    Candy Hunt

    Trick or treating is a no-go this year, but your kids are still going to be begging for candy. Don’t just hand it over. Make them work for it! There are a few different ways you can set up a super cool candy hunt. 

    Think of it like an egg hunt. Hide some candy around your house for your kid to find. Stash them in the pumpkins you’ve carved, the fake spider webs, their toy box, and anywhere else you can think of. If the weather permits it, hide some candy outside too! You’ve decorated for Halloween. What better way to appreciate your décor than hiding candy around all of your fake tombstones?

    You can also get fancy with the candy hunt and turn it into a ghost or pumpkin hunt! Head to the dollar store and pick up white and orange tissue paper, ribbon, and a black marker. Wrap a few pieces of candy in the tissue paper, tie it with the ribbon, and draw on either a ghost or a pumpkin face. It’s an elevated and crafty way to do a candy hunt!

     

    Like this idea, but don’t want your child to have so much sugar? Do a scavenger hunt instead! Same idea, but instead of finding candy, they’ll find clues. Then you can give them a bag full of goodies once they finish the hunt. The goodies don’t have to be candy. Dollar stores have a ton of cheap and fun toys like spider rings and plastic witch fingers. 

    Zoom Costume Party

    Everything is happening over Zoom these days, so why not bring a little Halloween fun to the world wide web? Call up the parents of your kid’s best friends and throw an online costume party. Get your child dressed up, prepare some snacks, and let them have some socially distant fun. 

    You know the worst part about this Halloween will be that they can’t wear their costumes out trick or treating, so this is the next best option. There are also so many activities that can be done over Zoom so the kids can enjoy their call. 

    Parents can take turns reading Halloween stories while the kids munch on popcorn. You can print out Halloween themed BINGO cards and give out pieces of candy or goody bags to the winners. 

    Crafts are also a great activity to do over Zoom. Have all the parents get black and orange face masks and some fabric pens. The kids can chat while they decorate Halloween themed masks and then show off their beautiful designs at the end. 

    As trick or treating, parades, and parties get canceled, don’t become discouraged. You’ll find the perfect at home Halloween activity for you and your family.

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  • How To Celebrate Halloween After COVID

    How To Celebrate Halloween After COVID

    COVID-19 has changed a lot of things since the beginning of the year, but the main change has been our social interactions and our daily outings. Halloween is one of the most social holidays of the entire year. It’s literally built around parties and community events.

    This begs the question: What can we do this year considering any public or large events are off the table? Just because you can’t celebrate Halloween with dozens of people doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate Halloween after COVID.

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    SOCIALLY DISTANT INDOOR HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES

    When you think about it, there are a lot of classic Halloween activities that were always socially distant. Now, these festivities can be fun and responsible too.

    PUMPKIN CARVING

    Pumpkin carving is an absolute must once October rolls around. It’s a great stay at home activity, and everyone in your home can participate. Make your pumpkin entirely your own by carving your an original design. If you’re feeling creative, or you just want to make life easy, there are a lot of fun designs that you can print for free online.

    The best part is that you can pick up the supplies while you’re getting your groceries. That means no unnecessary trips! All food stores will have pumpkins, and if you’re lucky, your grocery store has a holiday section where you’ll be able to find those adorable pumpkin carving kits. If not, a steak knife and a big metal spoon work just as well.

    If you don’t like carving pumpkins because it’s too messy, don’t forget that you can paint them instead. Sure it’s fun and easy, but it’s also significantly easier to clean up than carving.

    MOVIE MARATHON, BUT MAKE IT SPOOKY

    Movie marathons and Netflix binges have been a quarantine go-to but now is your chance to watch all of the fantastic, funny, spooky, and scary movies Halloween has to offer. There’s a spooky movie for everyone. Go scary with the classic Halloween or Friday the 13th movies or keep it light with Halloweentown and Monsters Inc. There are no wrong answers.

    In case you’re feeling lonely this Halloween after COVID, host a Netflix watch party. It’s a Google Chrome extension that allows you to watch Netflix with your friends while messaging in a chatroom. If you don’t want to download the extension, video chat with a friend while watching the same show. Just make sure to hit the “play” button at the same time.

    MAKE MEALTIME CRAZY

    Fall food is always yummy and heartwarming. Being able to make creamy soups, spaghetti squash, and pumpkin bread is the best part of the season. Halloween gives you an opportunity to take it one step further. You can dress up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to incorporate the holiday spirit into your day.

    Bat, pumpkin, and ghost cookie cutters can be the difference between a typical meal and a festive one. Sure, you can make Halloween shaped cookies, but you can also make sandwiches, pancakes, eggs, cheese for charcuterie boards, and much more with these cookie cutters.

    Spooky season drinks are not only delicious, but they can really add to the holiday. Witches Brew, Pumpkin Juice, and other Halloween cocktails are a cool addition to your Instagram feed, and they’re also outrageously fun to drink. Don’t forget to add gummy worms as a garnish to add a bit of extra holiday excitement.

    SOCIALLY DISTANT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    Staying inside can be fun but fall has some of the best weather out of the whole year. Halloween after COVID doesn’t mean that you can’t go out and enjoy it. Be sure you don’t forget your mask and hand sanitizer!

    HAUNTED TRAILS

    Theatrical groups that have created haunted houses in the past know that confined spaces and screaming guests aren’t exactly the safest conditions anymore, even with masks. Some have found a loophole by creating haunted trails or drive-thru haunted roads.

    When looking for a haunted trail, make sure it is outdoors. It’s also important that everyone is walking in the same direction to avoid crossing paths with other parties. The scares won’t be as up close and personal as they have been in past years, but it will still be a fun and interactive experience. Make a reservation and be patient with the staff. They’ll want to keep as much space as possible between you and the party ahead of you.

    Drive-thru haunted roads are also becoming very popular. They’re similar to drive-thru Christmas light shows, except they have skeletons instead of Santa. These might not be as exciting or scary as the haunted trail, but you can bring snacks and hot apple cider in your car to enjoy during the drive. This is also one of the safest outdoor Halloween experiences because you never leave your vehicle.

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    PUMPKIN PATCHES AND CORN MAZES

    One thing they can’t take away from us this Halloween after COVID is our pumpkin patches and corn mazes. They’re outdoors, which makes them a fantastic option for a Halloween activity. The best advice I can give you for them both is to get there as early as possible. They’ll be super busy by the afternoon.

    Pumpkin patches, or pick your own pumpkin farms, have been doing their best to spread out the pumpkins to keep everyone socially distant. Take hand sanitizer with you and use it before and after you’ve picked your pumpkins. Before you take your pumpkin into the house, clean it off with soap and water.

    Corn mazes are a bit more difficult to navigate when it comes to COVID. You should always be wearing a mask when you’re in public but wearing one in a corn maze is very important. The walkway is always thin, and it will be tough to keep all the traffic going one way once people get lost in the maze. Even if the maze has a limited capacity, there is a high chance that you will run into another group.

    There are so many options for you to celebrate Halloween this year, even though COVID ruined trick-or-treating and parties. It’s still possible to enjoy a lot of the classic holiday festivities. Know your limits, check the infection rate in your area, and always wear a mask. Stay safe out there, ghosts and ghouls!

  • Fall Wedding Colors and Inspiration

    Fall Wedding Colors and Inspiration

    A fall wedding has three main components: rich colors, gorgeous foliage, and a cool breeze. As a fall bride, it’s time to learn what it takes to have the best and most aesthetically pleasing wedding possible.  

    Color Schemes

    Burgundy or a wine red is a popular fall color. The rich tone of the burgundy can be paired with a beautiful warm gray. This color pallet is a favorite because of how romantic it can be. Red roses and silver details will bring this wedding to life. 

     

    For the fun and adventurous bride, dark teal matched with burnt orange is the way to go. Bright, vibrant colors aren’t typically used at fall weddings, but this is a way around that. They may not be as bright, but they will stand out amongst the brown background of fall. 

    If you have more of a monotone style, rust colors, like red, orange, and yellow, create a seamless flow of color. Autumn is the best backdrop for this color scheme because it reflects the colors of the leaves so well. It’s also an easy color pallet to pair with in-season flowers.

    A wedding that’s being held later in the season could feature a darker color scheme. Emerald and gold make an elegant and regal pairing. Brides with a darker or maybe spookier style will love all the flexibility that comes with this pallet. It allows you to flaunt your darker side while maintaining the classy vibes of a wedding.

    Themes

    While there are several themes that could be utilized in the fall, there are some favorites among brides. Rustic, bohemian, and romantic themes are incredibly prevalent. They provide the best ambiance for an outdoor wedding and allow you to utilize nature in your décor and venue. This gives you a great starting point to start building your wedding. 

    The barn house rustic wedding is a sweet and dreamy theme that opens up a lot of possibilities. Natural wood and leafy floral arrangements always go hand in hand at these events. Venues that allow for indoor and outdoor spaces make for great fall weddings. 

    The indoor space is ideal for dinner and the dance floor. The outdoor space is where your rustic theme can shine, and a fantastic fall breeze will accompany your cocktail hour. Once cocktail hour is over, set up some outdoor games like horseshoes or cornhole. They will keep your guests entertained the whole night. 

     

    Bohemian themed weddings are perfect for the fall, even though they’re not exclusively fall themed. These weddings tend to be outdoors while revolving around nature-themed décor. Autumn is the only season that allows brides to have an outdoor wedding without really having to worry about the heat, the cold, or the rain.

    The bouquets for bohemian weddings are always the showstopper. They’re filled with big bright flowers, lush green leaves, and pampas grass. Pampas grass can also be found in every corner of a boho wedding in everything from the centerpieces to the wedding arch. 

    In addition to all of the unique flowers, boho brides tend to love lace. It adds a delicate feel to the bridal gown as well as place settings and favors. You can incorporate lace in so many pretty and different ways. It’s also something that can be tied into your invitations and thank you notes.

    Boho Styled Bride Wearing Charming Fresh Bouquet Of Seasonal Flowers Taking a Walk by Lake

    Romantic weddings, in my opinion, are one of the best themes for weddings. It’s simple and understated, but it captures the essence of a wedding so well. This is the best theme to go with the burgundy and gray color scheme.

    This theme begs the bride to incorporate roses, candles, and fairy lights all over their venue. Show everyone at your event how much you and your partner love each other. With a romantic theme, they’ll be able to feel the love too. Some might say it’s too sappy, but it’s a wedding! If you can’t be sentimental here, where can you be?

    Inspiration

    Continue the fall theme into cocktail hour by making specialty drinks. Apple flavored liquor makes an excellent specialty drink that will compliment your fall wedding. It can be a complicated apple martini or a large batch of apple pie sangria. Just make sure it’s delicious. 

    What’s the number one fall treat? S’mores! Consider creating a create-your-own s’more bar for you and your guests to enjoy. Get creative and add different types of chocolate and a variety of graham crackers. If you want to get super fancy, throw some other candy, like Snickers, on the bar to use instead of chocolate. It’s a fun and interactive dessert option that everyone will enjoy.

    If you’re not a fan of the wedding cake, a fall wedding gives you a great reason not to have one. Get pies instead! Apple, pumpkin, pecan, the list goes on and on. Instead of everyone having to settle for one or two flavors of cake, everyone can choose a slice of their favorite pie. If you don’t want to skip the cake, there’s no reason why you can’t eat your cake and have pie too. 

    There are ways, other than food, to add fall flair to your reception. Photo booths are a crowd-pleaser, but they’re also a way to tie in your theme. You can stage your photo booth to look rustic with hay bales, pumpkins, and corn stalks. You can also stage it to have a floral background with fairy lights if you want a more elegant and pretty feel.

    Finally, if you don’t want fall to take over your wedding entirely but you still want a fall aspect, put it in your favor. Give out favors that no one will be able to leave at their table. For example, a fall-themed candle, a mini pie in a mason jar, a take home s’mores kit, or a caramel apple. If you’re having your wedding in the North East, give your guests maple syrup to take home. 

    A fall wedding will give you so many options and variations to choose from. Choose a theme or a color scheme and see what fall-inspired aspects will match!

     

  • How To Show Off Your New Last Name

    How To Show Off Your New Last Name

    After the wedding, it takes a lot of time and effort to properly change your name on all your bills, credit cards, subscriptions, and everything else. After exuding all that energy into telling banks and strangers about your name change, it’s time to show off your new last name in fun and beautiful ways.

    Here’s a list of items you can get to show off your awesome new last name!

    Personalize Your Home

    The second someone approaches your home, let them know that the new Mr. and Mrs. live there. Get a personalized or monogrammed doormat that will welcome any visitors and give you a daily reminder of the best day of your life.

    There has been a big uptrend in hanging personalized signs in your home, specifically ones that say your last name and the year you got married. There’s a good reason for this; they’re adorable. Hundreds of variations are being sold online, which gives you the opportunity to discover the sign that will fit perfectly in your home.

    They can vary in font, style, and what they say. Some have sayings like “Bless This Home”, others have first names incorporated, and some thrive on simplicity. Take your time until you find the one that will look perfect over your fireplace.

    I love it when couples get the signs with GPS coordinates on it from the spot of their first date, kiss, or even their wedding. It’s so sweet, and it gives the sign a super personal touch. No one else will ever have the same one.

    Don’t keep the customization in only your living room. You can get Mr. and Mrs. bedroom décor to put above your side of the bed or your side of the closet. Get monogrammed dish and bathroom towels. You’ll have your Pinterest dream house in no time.

    Although it’s seasonal, holiday ornaments and signs can also be completely customized with your name. If you don’t get an ornament or sign that says, “The Smith’s First Holiday”, are you even married?

    It’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t let the price tags of these items intimidate you. There are plenty of options that won’t break the bank, including signs that you can print out at home and put in thrift store frames. Customizing doesn’t have to be expensive!

    Through The Mail

    After the wedding, the people at the post office will be your best friends. Think about the dozens of letters and thank you notes you’re going to have to send. It may feel like a burden to write out a ton of notes, but buying new return address labels will brighten your mood!

    Don’t be afraid to use your new return address labels on more than just thank you notes. Stick them on birthday cards, holiday cards, even any bills you have to mail in.

    To top off your return address labels, go ahead and customize your mailbox. It may seem like a little bit of an overkill at first, but hear me out. Whether you buy a waterproof decal and stick it on your current mailbox or buy a new professionally designed mailbox, it’s a cute and subtle way of showing off your new family name.

    On The Go

    These on the go options are super fun because they are small and you can use them every day. For instance, you can get an engraved or monogrammed to-go cup. You have coffee every morning anyway; you might as well jazz it up with a personalized mug.

    If you’re more of a water drinker, that’s fine! Customized water bottles or tumblers will have the same impact. Any to-go cup can be extremely personalized. You’ll be able to flaunt your new last name while still maintaining your personal identity while designing the rest of the cup.

    If you want a monogram without any maintenance, like washing your to-go cup, get a car decal. I’m not telling you to put your whole last name on your car, but there are adorable one or three initial monogram decals. They come in a million different colors, fonts, and sizes. All you have to do is apply it to your car and drive away.

    Wear It

    Jewelry is a small and beautiful way to announce your name change. No, I’m not talking about a wedding band; I’m talking about necklaces, engraved rings, and bracelets. Really, any jewelry you can think of can be engraved or designed to display your name.

    Like many of the other items, the jewelry can promote either your full last name, your whole monogram or just your last initial.

    When you got engaged, I hope you got “Future Mrs. Smith” apparel. It was you’re one chance to wear it. Now that you’re married, you have to get at least one “Mrs. Smith”, or whatever your actual last name is, sweatshirt. It’s a right of passage and the only time you can really wear it is right after your wedding, so you might as well!

    Easy To Find

    Craft stores, like Michaels, always have big decorative letters for sale. They’ll even coincide with whatever holiday or season is coming up. They’ll bring out pastel letters for the spring and metallic ones for the fall. It’s a great way to keep your home seasonal while still flaunting your monogram.

    Home stores like the Christmas Tree Shop, Burlington Coat Factory, Home Goods, and other similar retailers will have monogrammed dish towels, placemats, and doormats. If you’re lucky, you could even find dinner and glassware with your new last name’s initial etched into the side.

    Consider this a warning. If you find something you like with your initial on it, buy it. Don’t assume it will be there when you come back. Chances are it won’t be. Every store has a certain number of each letter, and once they’re gone, they’re gone, especially when it comes to holiday items.

    via GIPHY

    Search around your local department stores. You’ll be surprised by all of the adorable and personalized items you can find.

  • Fall-inspired recipes to Cook with Your Partner

    Fall-inspired recipes to Cook with Your Partner

    These can be cooked in single servings or small portions. They’re perfect for two people and you can even turn some of them into date nights!

    Breakfast Recipes

    Pumpkin French Toast

    Let’s start off strong with a classic French toast breakfast but make it pumpkin! The moment September hits you can get pumpkin flavored everything. This recipe uses 100% pure pumpkin to transform this breakfast into a fall delight. 

    It’s as easy to make as regular French toast and only takes about 25 minutes before it’s ready. Take it slow and enjoy this meal, it’ll be over before you know it. Make sure to sprinkle on some cinnamon for an extra umph.

    If you’re not a pumpkin person, don’t worry. The next breakfast is exactly what you’re looking for. 

    Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Hash

    This hash can be made for breakfast or brunch, but either way it’s a people pleaser. Your partner will be thrilled when you hand them this dish alongside an apple cider mimosa. 

    Cook eggs on the side or get fancy and add them into the hash. This recipe requires equal amounts of bacon and sweet potato, although I don’t think you can never have enough bacon. The total cook time is a half an hour which will give you plenty of extra time to relax and sip on those mimosas or your coffee. 

     

    Lunch Recipes

    Turkey, Apple, and Brie Panini 

    Other than pumpkin, the next best fall food is the apple. The perfect pairing of apple and brie should be enjoyed all year round, but something about it hits differently in the fall. 

    It’s easy to make this sandwich your own by switching the type of apple you use. What a great way to use the apples you picked at the orchard! Chicken is also a good substitute if you’re not a fan of turkey. Don’t let your lack of a panini maker stop you. Make it a grilled sandwich instead! The total cook time is ten minutes making it an easy go-to fall-inspired recipe. 

    Cranberry Cream Cheese Turkey Sandwich

    Yes, another turkey sandwich, but hear me out. When you’re craving Thanksgiving leftovers, but it’s only October, what are you going to do? You’re going to make this sandwich. 

    It requires four ready to use ingredients and ten minutes of your time. Make it as easy as possible by using deli turkey and canned cranberries. It’ll satisfy that Thanksgiving food craving all fall long. 

     

     

    Dinner Recipes

    Oktoberfest Sheet Pan Brats with Roasted Vegetables 

    Sheet pan recipes are the best and I’ll tell you why. Not only do all of the flavors intermingle while everything is being cooked to perfection, but the clean up only takes about two minutes. It’s one pan and you cover it with aluminum foil for an even easier clean up.

    This means that you won’t have to fight with your partner over dishes or waste precious time scrubbing at pots and pans instead of spending time with your significant other. 

    Make a night of it and do a whole beer tasting that pairs with the brats. That would truly make it Oktoberfest. This meal has a longer cook time of 45 to 50 minutes, but once it’s out of the oven you’ll be ready to eat. 

    Dump-and-Bake Maple Balsamic Chicken 

    This chicken is designed to taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it has a quick ten-minute prep-time. The herbs that are combined with the maple scream that fall is here, but once you’ve tried this chicken, I’m sure you’ll make this fall-inspired recipe all year round. 

    The bake time is 30 to 40 minutes, which is just enough time to whip up some mashed potatoes and steamed carrots for the perfect well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to cover everything in the rich maple sauce from the chicken!

    Desserts

    Apple Crisp Stuffed Apples

    Single serving desserts are amazing because it means you’ll never have to fight with your partner over the last bite. These apples are the ultimate comfort food with an impressive presentation. 

    They take 45 minutes to make and then they’re ready to devour. Top it off with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce. This dessert won’t be complete without it.

    Maple Cheesecake with Roasted Pears

    The best part about this cheesecake is that you and your partner can make it together. A lot of people forget about pears in the fall, but they are a sweet and tasty treat. They’re also a great alternative for when you’re getting sick of pumpkin and apple.

    This dessert serves 8 to 10 people, so you’ll have plenty of leftovers. It also happens to be the perfect midnight snack. It’ll take about an hour to prepare the cheesecake, but the flavors are more than worth the time you’ll invest.

    Honorable Mentions

    These honorable mentions are technically desserts, but really, they’re more like sweet snacks. Take them on a picnic or as a treat while you go apple or pumpkin picking. You won’t regret it. 

    Pumpkin Spice Krispie Treats

    Get taken back to your childhood with this fun revamp of the Rice Krispie Treat. It only takes ten minutes to prep and they’re super fun to make. Warning: you’re going to get sticky.

    If the recipe is going to make too many servings for you, just chop all the ingredients in half so you can get the perfect amount. Although, I don’t know if you can have too many of these.

    Caramel Apple Bark

    I almost drooled when I saw this recipe, so I knew I had to share it. It’s only four ingredients, but it’s a whole lot of “yum”. 

    The only bad part about this recipe is the 30 minutes it has to sit in your fridge so it can become firm. Cut down the recipe (or scale it up, no judgements here!) as much as you need to so it will fit you and your partner’s appetites. 

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    The best part about all these fall-inspired recipes is that you can change it however you want! Switch out some vegetables or the type of fruit. Add some extra spices and make the dish all your own. Happy cooking! 

     

  • After COVID Weddings: The Unconventional Ways Couples Are Celebrating Their Weddings

    After COVID Weddings: The Unconventional Ways Couples Are Celebrating Their Weddings

    Brides are being faced with a major dilemma in 2020, how to recreate their dream wedding while keeping everyone safe. If you’re one of those brides, you know it’s a tough task, but you’re going to get through this. 

    Of course, you could completely postpone your wedding, but you’ve been building up to this day for a long time. Completely postponing it would be too painful. If anyone is going to find a way to celebrate, it’s you. Women are creative problem-solvers and once we have our hearts set on a goal nothing can stop us. 

    I want to give you a helping hand. Here are six different ways for you to take back your wedding date. Change them up, mix and match, make them your own, and always double-check your state’s guidelines.

    Elope!

    When you hear eloping, most people think of a courthouse or Las Vegas wedding. Throw that mentality out the window! If you want to go down either of those paths, more power to you, but those aren’t your only options. There are so many ways you can elope. 

    You can get married on a beautifully lit balcony overlooking your favorite city or on a boat circling the Statue of Liberty. Take the time to decorate your backyard and turn it into a romantic scene with candles and fairy lights. 

    The best part of eloping is that you can do it anywhere. Plus, eloping can be more personal and romantic than a huge wedding. There’s a vulnerability that you’re able to get with your partner when reciting your vows that is nearly impossible to get when there are a hundred people listening.

    Small Wedding Now, Big Wedding Later

    This has been a popular solution for a lot of brides. They want the wedding of their dreams, but that just isn’t possible right now. If we’re being honest, no bride wants to wait another year to finally be a wife. You waited long enough for the ring. 

    The first ceremony is typically held with the couple’s close family and bridal party. The goal is to keep this event as intimate as possible. The second wedding will be the big bash you’ve always wanted.  

    Two ceremonies, parties, memories, and anniversaries mean there is no downside. A couple of years from now, you might even love that you had to split it up. For the rest of your life, you will have two days a year when you can celebrate your love. It’s a beautiful silver lining.

    Live Stream The Ceremony

    Streaming your wedding is truly a modern solution. All you need is an officiant and a good Wi-Fi connection. It’s the most cost efficient idea on this list and it’s also my favorite.

    You can have an unlimited number of people at your wedding. There are no wedding niceties where you have to go around and greet everyone individually, there’s no cost per-plate, and there is no hassle. 

    Simply get married, thank everyone for coming, end the stream, sign the marriage certificate, and order a pizza. Real pros will already have the pizza waiting in the oven. The rest of the night is yours to spend as you please with your brand new husband. 

    Find A Large Outdoor Space And Social Distance

    I don’t recommend this option if your state is having a hard time with COVID, but in less populated areas of the nation a large outdoor space could be a great venue. You can choose from farms, parks, and other large open spaces.

    Set the chairs six feet apart, keep the group small, and maybe bring a microphone so the people in the back can hear you. Cater the event or make it a BYOB picnic! This is a great option for the laid back bride.

    Car Parade

    It feels like I hear the honking and screaming of car parades every day in my neighborhood. Every birthday, graduation, anniversary, and any other occasion now demand one. So why not a wedding?

    This is a great idea to combine with elopements or live stream weddings! If your friends and family can’t attend your ceremony, this is a fantastic way to get them involved on the actual day.

    Plan ahead and have everyone decorate their cars. Make a playlist and jam out while your loved ones line up down the street to say congratulations. This is a great way to spend one-on-one time with each car-load of people. Thank them individually for their love and support on your wedding day.

    Drive-In Wedding

    Everything is drive-in or drive-thru now, so why not a wedding? Instead of watching Jaws, a drive-in classic, have your ceremony! If Las Vegas can have drive-thru weddings all year round, you can have a drive-in wedding during a pandemic. 

    Rent out a beach or park that people can drive on. Set up a platform with a microphone and speakers or get everyone synced up so they can hear it on the radio like a real drive-in. 

    Servers can go around with drinks and snacks before and after the ceremony to keep everyone happy. As an added bonus, your guests can stay cool in their car’s air-conditioning.

    Don’t Give Up Hope!

    Think hard, keep your eyes open, and use your imagination. The solution to a COVID-19 wedding could be right around the corner. This is the perfect time to be as unconventional and creative as you want. 

    Don’t let anything get in the way of celebrating your special day.