The uncertainty of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the world seemingly overnight. This is especially true for brides planning a wedding in 2020. Whether you were planning to have your wedding here or abroad, it’s likely your plans have changed because businesses have shut down, large gatherings of any kind are prohibited, and everyone is practicing social distancing. Not to mention, we’re still unsure of when things will return to normal.

There is a lot of planning that goes into a wedding. Not seeing those plans come to fruition can be heartbreaking. If you are a bride who has had to postpone your wedding, here are some helpful tips for how to deal with this stressful situation.

Use technology. If you need to look for new options or iron out plans with current vendors for your postponed wedding date, schedule digital meetings. Having a digital conversation is a safe and effective way of checking things off your to-do list during this time. If you’ve already paid your vendors in full for their services, connect with them digitally to see about having your balance transferred to your new wedding date if it’s available. If it’s not, the vendors should be willing to work with you and offer a refund.

Make alternate plans. If you can forgo the big reception for now but don’t want to wait to tie the knot, there are plenty of options. You can host a Zoom ceremony for your friends and family to attend. People are even getting married in their living rooms! If you’re set on marrying that special someone on your original date, get creative and celebrate in the limited ways that you can right now.

Get ahead of the game. A wedding venue in Montgomery County suggests that if your wedding is planned for this summer, start connecting with your vendors now. While it’s possible that the world could go back to normal by the time your big day rolls around, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Ask the right questions when speaking to vendors, like “Are you canceling events for the month of June?” and “How can we use your services if my wedding has to be rescheduled?” Now is the time to be proactive.

Find support. Postponing your wedding can be difficult to navigate. You can find some great online tips on how to plan the wedding after this unpredictable situation. Turn to your friends, family, and bridal party when you need someone to talk to or for an extra set of hands with rescheduling. You can also find support in the most unlikely of places — like online!

There are plenty of resources on the internet that you can turn to for guidance during this time. Molly Gregor, an editor of the New Jersey Bride magazine based in Morristown, runs a Facebook support group for current and past brides in the state. The group now has more than 10,000 members and over 200 posts daily. This outlet has become a place for April, May, and June brides to talk through their options and seek guidance from other brides who have postponed their weddings.

If you had to cancel or reschedule your wedding, know that someday soon, you’ll be able to have the ceremony and reception of your dreams. Exercise patience and remember to remain calm and positive during this time. After all, marriage is about the connection you share with your partner- the party is a fun bonus!