Maybe you’re a past couple, or you’re someone who knows a couple who has needed to postpone or change their plans because of covid-19, or maybe you just want to know how to help others! You’ve come to the right place 🙂 I’ve created a small list below that goes over how you can support couples with weddings affected by covid-19!
-
Listen. Support. Offer help.
Sometimes it’s not just about fixing the situation. A lot of times, just having someone there to listen and empathize and hug and cry with is more than enough for a couple! But if there are practical ways that you CAN help, ask them about it! Whether it’s financial, or whether it’s taking over for planning a little bit (with your input of course) there are definitely ways you can help support and help a couple affected!
If the couple you are thinking of happened to book with me and you know they postponed their wedding for a later date because of financial reasons, you can actually purchase a gift card that they can put towards their final payment by clicking on this link! Follow the button prompts for the one titled “Additional Hour/Wedding Contribution Gift Card.”
Take it from someone who did have to postpone because of financial issues – they will love you for it!
-
If you’re a wedding planner, maid of honor, best man — really anyone. Offer to help with contacting guests about postponement/cancelation!
One of the more practical ways to help is to offer to contact their guests to let them know that the wedding is canceled/postponed. That is a very daunting tasks for couples and given that my husband and I had to do that – it would have been SO helpful for us to have someone who would be willing to do that! It can be REALLY hard to contact 100, 200 even 300+ people and have to say the same sad news over and over – that is VERY emotionally taxing. Offer to help in that way!
-
Plan ahead and send flowers/a small gift on their actually planned day.
Now.. this is a very touchy tip. You know the couple you’re thinking of better than I do, so you would know if this would be comforting or if it would sting. If you don’t know them well enough to make that decision, either reach out to them directly and ask, or if you want it to be a surprise, reach out to a mutual friend in the wedding party or someone who you know would know that information.
-
Check-in regularly. Be genuine.
It’s also important to remember that not all couples are dealing with the situation the same. Some ARE completely and totally heartbroken and frustrated/disappointed. Others might be sad for sure, but they could also be a little relieved that they no longer need to plan a whole shebang anymore. Regardless, check in and be genuine! Send some encouragement and love. That will be kind and thoughtful no matter what!
-
Create videos – show your face. Emails are great but the more personally connected, the better.
If you are a guest from the wedding and want to send encouragement there is truly nothing like a hand-written note, but there is also truly nothing like receiving a fun video and actually watching your encouragement on your face instead of reading it. Get creative! But show your face – it will help. Especially during this time of quarantine.
-
Do a quick google search of how other companies are supporting specific people.
If you enjoy doing things from behind the scenes or anonymously, there are actually companies out there that are helping out in specific ways for specific people. If the couple you know is out there on the front lines with their non-essential job, there are creative ways to still help out via the lovely world wide web. This link is an example of that! Check it out and search for ways on your own as well!
-
Remember that everyone processes these kinds of situations differently – don’t judge, and be compassionate.
Obviously, if the couple you are thinking of are deciding to make decisions that will put them or others in harms way (or if they are doing something illegal) you are more than right to speak up and step in. However, if a couple’s decision is simply just different from yours or something you don’t agree with – you don’t need to voice that. They have already been through so much and are truly just trying to make a decision that is best for them. Support them, even if deep down you may not necessarily agree or your preferences are different!
-
Share positivity and and kindness
There is truly nothing like a smile or a compliment. Even just simply saying the words “Hey. I realize this is something that neither of you could have dreamed of. I can’t imagine how many different emotions you are feeling! But I know you both are strong and passionate individuals, and that whatever you guys decide will work out exactly as it needs to!” Acknowledge their strength, highlight the areas you know they are doing well in, and just spread that joy and positivity! It will mean more than you know (take it from a couple who just went through this) 🙂
leave a comment