Loading...

17 Relationship Tips for Coming Out of Quarantine Stronger Than Ever

April 8, 2020 | Junebug Weddings


photo by Cedar & Pines

How ya doing, babes? We know this time at home can bring on waves of emotion, but on the bright side: Extra time at home means extra time with your person. And we want all of you to come out of this feeling like total #couplegoals! Now is the time to practice slow living and really invest in your relationship. You have nothing but time and each other, after all!

If you’re searching for relationship tips right now, here are Junebug’s best ideas for coming out of quarantine stronger than ever:

  • Get to know each other again
  • Discover (and talk about your love languages)
  • Bake or cook something new
  • Pay attention to the little things
  • Write each other random love notes
  • Go on a road trip
  • Ask about your person’s job
  • Take a personality quiz
  • Have “date night” at least once per week
  • Dance. Just dance
  • Give each other a little space
  • Make a “chill at home” playlist
  • Document this time with candid photos
  • Host a FaceTime hangout with friends
  • Get outside (if you can) and go for a walk
  • Try a new exercise program
  • Keep a journal record of this time

Scroll on for “how-to’s” and fun ideas to help you rock these tips!


photo by Scarlet O’Neill

Get to know each other again.

With all of the extra time together, it can be easy to “just chill,” but now is the perfect time to go deeper in your relationship. If you need a little help getting the conversation flowing, there are plenty of resources. We love these reflection cards to help prompt the deep questions. Tip: Make it fun with a challenge or over drinks!

Discover (and talk about) your love languages.

While you’re getting to know each other, taking a love languages quiz can be an awesome way to learn about how you show and receive love. You might even be surprised with your partner’s love languages. After you’ve taken the love languages quiz, take some time to talk about them. If you want to go the extra-mile, you can even read the love languages book together!

Bake or cook something new.

Get it poppin’ in the kitchen! Now is the perfect time to head over to Pinterest and find a new recipe to try—together. Doing activities together can be extremely rewarding and a sense of bonding between two people.

Bonus tip: Support a small business by getting the recipe printed on a cutting board  so you can cherish this memory forever.


photo by Karina & Maks

Pay attention to the little things.

You probably haven’t spent this much time with your s/o in quite awhile. Take some time to notice the little things. How do they like to start their mornings? What is stressing them out during this time? What brings them joy? Are they going stirr-crazy or enjoying the extra time at home?

Write each other random love notes.

Walking around the same space everyday can get quite, well, boring. Spice up your environment with little love notes throughout the house. These little gestures will bring a smile to your person’s face—plus, you can keep them forever!

Want to be extra cute? We love these heart-shaped sticky notes.

Go on a road trip.

Good news: You can still hop in the car and drive! Sometimes getting “out” and taking a spontaneous drive to no-where can be extremely refreshing. Pick a destination, jam your favorite tunes, and just drive!


photo by Jaci Berkopec Photography

Ask questions about your person’s job.

If you’re not used to observing your person “at work,” you might not know all of the ins-and-outs about their professional life. Use this time to ask questions about their career, co-workers. Remember: It’s not the time to criticize or judge! You likely have different work styles and ways of going about business. That’s what makes you a great pair!

We also realize there are many people who’s jobs have been affected by the pandemic. Our hearts go out to you, and we’re sending you all of the love. If you or your loved one’s job has been affected by COVID-19, we encourage you to still ask questions. Ask about the things they enjoy or look forward to doing when they’re back at work. And, if nothing else, just lean on each other.

Take a personality quiz.

You probably already know a lot about each other’s personalities…that’s why you’re together, after all! But we’re big believers (and lovers) of personality type tests. Our favorite test right now is the Enneagram. Taking this test can be a great use of a few hours to both complete the quiz and read about your (and your partner’s) type! Then, go follow some Enneagram accounts on Instagram and prepare to become obsessed. Tip: Just search #enneagram!

Not married or engaged (yet)? Find out which ring is best for your Enneagram type.

Have “date night” at least once per week.

Don’t skip date night just because you can’t leave the house! We know you can get creative from the comfort of your home. Get dressed up, support your favorite local restaurant by ordering to-go, make cocktails, and enjoy this quality time with each other! P.S. We’d love to see how you’re celebrating dates at home by tagging #junebugweddings in your Instagram posts!


photo by Karra Leigh Photography

Dance. Just dance.

Any Tik Tok lovers out there? We know, these dances can feel a bit silly, but getting your body moving releases endorphins. And we all could use a little mood boost! If you’re getting married, you could even use this time to practice your first dance together. You’ll be pros by the big day.

RECOMMENDED READING: 80 First Dance Songs You Haven’t Thought of Yet

Give each other a little space.

Everyone needs a little alone time. Remember that even though you’re stuck in the house together, it’s important to take some time to do things independently. Choose at least one activity (aside from work) that you can do by yourself each day. Whether it be a workout class, video game, or reading a new book. This will give you something new to talk to your partner about, too!

Make a “chill at-home” playlist.

We are so thankful for the gift of music during times like these. Plus, a new playlist can be a simple way to boost the good vibes in your home! Working on making a playlist together will ensure you can both agree on the songs (we hope) and it can be something you have to “take with you” after this is all over.

Not sure where to start? We love Spotify’s Chill Hits playlist.


photo by Pablo Laguia

Document this time with candid photos.

You may have already realized this, but we’re living in a major moment in history. We likely will all be talking to our grandchildren about what it was like to isolate from the rest of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since we know you’re making the most of it, what better way to be able to tell those stories than with a bunch of cute photos you snapped of each other during your time at home?

Trying to get away from your phone? Now might be the perfect time to invest in an instant camera.

Host a FaceTime hangout with friends.

Where are our extroverts at? If you’re a couple who is used to hanging with friends on the weekends, we encourage you to keep that tradition alive via FaceTime or Zoom hangouts! Pour some drinks, pick a game to play, and log on to get that screen time with your besties!

Get outside (if you can) and go for a walk.

If you’re living in a place that still allows socially distant time outdoors, we highly encourage you to get out and explore your neighborhood on a walk. You never know the people you might meet (from a distance, of course) with everyone trying to get outside a little more often. You might just meet another couple you can hang with when you’re allowed to again!


photo by Jen Menard

Try a new exercise program together.

If you want to go the “extra mile” from a simple walk, there are tons of gyms, trainers, and online programs offering fitness classes right now! Trying a new fitness routine together can be a great way to boost your mood and keep your body movin’ and groovin’ during this time of Netflix binging and couch sitting.

Keep a journal record of this time.

Again, we’re experiencing a moment in history! Even if you’re not usually a writer, we’d encourage you to at least attempt to log your days in writing. Journaling can be a beautiful way to express your feelings, and we think you will love looking back on and reflecting on the thoughts you jotted down.

Looking for the perfect journal? We love these velvet Zodiac journals from Urban Outfitters.

We hope you enjoyed these relationship tips for coming out of quarantine stronger than ever. You got this, babes! Planning your wedding at home these days?

RECOMMENDED READING: 10 Wedding Planning Tasks You Can Tackle from Home


photo by Cedar & Pines

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Bridal Loungewear for Comfy Wedding Planning at Home

April 7, 2020 | Junebug Weddings

photo by Jason Corroto Photo

Alright, alright, is this post just an excuse for us to share some cute loungewear for you to rock while in quarantine? Yes. Do we also think bridal loungewear is a great way to celebrate wedding planning? Also yes. Wedding planning can be stressful and self-isolation certainly is too, so why not get comfy and stylish while you make your way through both? Plus, you can totally wear any of these pieces when getting ready for your big day!

Now for the roundup you didn’t ask for but definitely need — our favorite bridal loungewear for wedding planning at home!

Matching Sets

Lulu’s Laying Low Blush Pink Knit Hoodie and Laying Low Blush Pink Knit Sweater Shorts

American Eagle Fleece Boxy Hoodie and High-Waisted Fleece Pull-On Shorts

Urban Outfitters Billabong Matchmaker Sweater and Billabong Matchmaker Sweater Short

In Bloom by Jonquil Becca Short Satin Pajamas

Free People Throw And Go Set

American Eagle Fleece Color Block Half-Zip Sweater and High-Waisted Fleece Jogger

Lulu’s Be Cozy Heather Grey Cropped Tank Top and Be Cozy Heather Grey Drawstring Lounge Pants

H&M Love + Hearts Pajama Set

Urban Outfitters Out From Under Croix Cropped Top and Out From Under Croix Short

BP. Nori Short Pajamas (also in straight sizing)

Flora Nikrooz Harbor Pajamas

H&M Grey Heart Pajamas

Eberjey “Gisele” Shorty Pajamas

H&M Satin Zebra Pajamas

RECOMMENDED READING: Wedding Planning During COVID-19: Advice for Couples

Sweatshirts, Sweaters, and Hoodies

Lulu’s Leisure Time White Off-the-Shoulder Sweatshirt

Lulu’s Believe It White Lace-Up Hooded Sweatshirt

American Eagle Sherpa Mix Quarter Zip Sweatshirt

Aerie Sunday Soft Distressed Crew Sweatshirt

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic™ Ultra Lite Tie Front Lounge Pullover

RECOMMENDED READING: 10 Wedding Planning Tasks You Can Tackle from Home

Sweatpants + Leggings

Aerie Sunwashed Desert Jogger

Aerie Move Mesh High-Waisted Legging

Aerie Cargo Jogger

Socialite Waffle Knit Wide Leg Lounge Pants

Aerie Move High-Waisted Camo Legging

Shorts

Free People One Of The Girls Printed Shortie

Aerie Move Mesh High-Waisted Bike Short

Free People Ruched Seamless Shorts

Aerie Sunday Soft Short

Aerie Real Me Bike Short

Free People Raffaela Shorts

Aerie Real Me Bike Short

Socialite Waffle Shorts

Free People The Essential Modal Shorts

Tees + Tanks

American Eagle Boyfriend Cropped Oversized T-Shirt

Free People Slinky Slinky Tank

Free People Olivie Eyelet Cami

Aerie Boyfriend Distressed Oversized T-Shirt

Free People Hip To It Cami

Free People Lost Dreams Silk Cami

Free People Cozy Cool Girl Sleep Tee

Robes + Cardigans

Homebodii Serafina Robe

H&M Washed Linen Bathrobe

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic™ Lite Island Cardigan (also in straight sizing)

Plum Pretty Sugar Midi Robe

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic® Unisex Robe

Looking for some bridal loungewear that’s more on the sexy side? Check out our roundup of the prettiest bridal lingerie!

photo by Jason Corroto Photo

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

5 Wedding Traditions Couples Can Skip

April 6, 2020 | Junebug Weddings


photo by Peyton Rainey Photography

If you’ve explored Junebug Weddings, you know we cheer on couples who decide to skip wedding traditions and say goodbye to all the “have to” checklists to do things their way. We’ve featured a feminist wedding that ditched language like “you may kiss the bride,” countless adventure elopements to destinations near and far, a California wedding with a marajuana bar, and many more. 

Nothing is off-limits in our book. And—quite frankly—the more unique, the better. 

So, you might be wondering, “What wedding traditions should we skip?” Let’s dig in. 

Wedding Traditions Aren’t Bad

Before we continue, it’s important to note that wedding traditions aren’t inherently “bad.” In fact—if you love traditions, you should absolutely keep every one of them. That’s the beauty of it being your wedding after all. 

As we discuss a few of the most common wedding traditions and why some couples choose to ditch them, keep in mind that you might decide you really want to keep a few of them. 

We’ll cheer you on either way. That’s our thing. 


photo by Brooke Taelor; see more of this real wedding here.

1. Wearing White

The Tradition: Wearing white was originally intended to be a symbol of innocence and purity.

Why Some Couples Skip It: “Innocence and purity” might not be the first words that come to mind describing your wedding vibe. Plus, wedding designers are continuously playing with colorful wedding gowns. Changing up this tradition can be a fun way to wow your guests—and your partner. 

SHOP NON-TRADITIONAL WEDDING DRESSES

 

2. Waiting Until the Ceremony to See Each Other

The Tradition: Arranged marriages were very common everywhere until the 18th century. During that time, the bride and groom were forbidden from seeing each other before they were at the altar. This is also where the tradition of the wedding veil comes from. Some still say that a sneak peek before the ceremony is “bad luck.” 

Why Couples Skip It: In recent years, the “first look” has become increasingly popular—even for couples who consider themselves “traditional.” A first look allows couples to spend more time together on their wedding day, can make your photography timeline flow more smoothly, and helps ease pre-ceremony jitters. 

Trying to decide if a first look is for you? Check out these heartfelt first looks to help you visualize your own special moment.  


photo by Eye Witness Stories; see more of this real elopement here.

3. The Bridal Party

The Tradition: A bridesmaid’s traditional purpose was to attend to the needs of a bride on her wedding day—from primping hair and makeup to bustling her dress and holding bouquets of flowers. In some areas of the world, bridesmaids were also said to protect the bride from evil. ‘Maids would even wear similar dresses to confuse dark spirits. Did you just discover a newfound love for bridesmaids? Us, too. 

Why Couples Skip It: While the original intention of a bridesmaid was pretty hardcore, the responsibilities—and cost—of having ‘maids has drastically changed. Some couples prefer to skip the traditional wedding party altogether and have their best friends attend as guests. 

Junebug Weddings Tip: 

Ask your friends to wear similar mismatched colors and snag a few group photos together. 

wedding photographer search

4. Flower Girls

The Tradition: Flower girls are lovely, adorable, and many times provide comic relief as they make their journey down the aisle. Historically, the flower girl was meant to represent a young, innocent version of the bride and would often be a close relative who resembles the bride. 

Why Couples Skip It: Again, it’s unlikely you have “innocence” written on your wedding mood board. Even if you do—you might not have a close relationship with someone you’d want to adorn the aisle you walk down on the big day. Instead, consider a flower boy, or flower groomsmen, flower pup, or a flower granny. We’ve had our hearts melted by incredibly creative flower people of all ages, genders, and even species! 

5. Bouquet and Garter Toss

The Tradition: While the bouquet and garter toss are most commonly performed as fun reception games, the tradition dates back to the Middle Ages. Men would rush the bride to steal her garter as a prize and symbol of luck. Similarly, women would try and steal pieces of a bride’s dress or flowers to bring them good fortune in marriage. 

Why Couples Skip It: Since the person who catches the bouquet or garter is said to be “the next to marry,” you may want to skip this if you won’t have single friends in attendance. Many couples also choose to skip this tradition for the sake of not interrupting their reception party—and we love a good dance party. 

Now that we’ve spilled the tea on wedding traditions, you can feel confident when you choose which ones to keep—or ditch. Has this post inspired you to also forgo traditional wedding vows? Read these vow writing tips from wedding experts.


photo by Peyton Rainey Photography

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings