A Mental Health Guide for Pandemic Brides
If you were supposed to—or still are—getting married during 2020, you’re likely feeling the weight of it all. Full disclosure: I say this as a pandemic bride myself. I see you. I feel your pain. No one could have prepared us for the rollercoaster of planning a wedding in the middle of a global pandemic.
The following reflections come from my own experience navigating this process, and I hope they bring you some comfort and clarity during a time that feels anything but normal.
Grieve What Was Lost
We all grew up envisioning our wedding day—the dress, the venue, the flowers, the celebration of love. And for many of us, the pandemic has taken that dream and flipped it on its head.
For me, one of the most painful realizations has been the loss of celebration. People who love us were (rightfully) concerned about safety, and we made the decision to postpone. While I respect their concerns, it shifted the focus away from our love story and toward logistics, risks, and disappointment.
I’m grieving the original date, the original venue, the dress I won’t get to wear on that day. I’m grieving the absence of shared joy, the “big moment,” and the way this milestone will always be marked by the pandemic.
And I’ve wrestled with guilt. Society often shames brides for caring about their weddings—especially during a crisis. But grieving isn’t selfish. It’s human. I’ve learned to be selective about who I share my grief with, and that, too, is an act of self-preservation.
Set Boundaries Around Opinions
Since March, I’ve received a lot of opinions about what we “should” do. Even after deciding to postpone, the commentary didn’t stop.
So I set boundaries. I asked people to hold their thoughts unless I asked for them. I didn’t respond to texts that pulled me into a shame spiral. I let people know how their input made me feel.
It’s hard—especially with family and close friends. But boundaries have helped preserve my emotional bandwidth andmy relationships.
Feel Your Feels
As a therapist, I coach clients every day to sit with discomfort. But wow—this process has tested my ability to tolerate big emotions.
When I allow myself to slow down, I feel it all: sadness, disappointment, anger, helplessness. My chest tightens. My stomach drops. And it is uncomfortable.
In these moments, I journal. I talk to the friends who offer empathy, not tough love. Now is not the time for “silver linings only” advice. It’s a time to feel seen and supported.
Celebrate the Small Joys
Despite everything, there have been glimmers of light. One of my bridal showers still happened—with a small group, outdoors, and plenty of space. I was nervous it would feel awkward, but it ended up being one of the most joyful, normal-feeling moments I’ve had during the pandemic.
It reminded me that while things look different, they can still be meaningful. And that has helped me stay grounded and excited for our “minimony” in the fall.
Therapy Helps
Having a therapist during this season has been a lifeline. It’s been the one place where I could cry, vent, grieve, and be validated—no opinions, no suggestions, just support.
If you’re not already in therapy, you deserve that space. Even without a pandemic, wedding planning can be emotionally intense. Adding a global crisis on top of it? You don’t have to navigate that alone.
To My Fellow Pandemic Brides
This experience has pushed us to our limits. It’s tested our relationships, our emotional resilience, and our ability to adapt.
But please hear this: your wedding still matters. Your joy still matters. Your grief still matters.
You deserve celebration, love, and support—even if it looks different than you envisioned. In the end, you’ll marry your person. And that, no matter what, is something beautiful.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
At Empowering You, we understand the emotional toll that life transitions—especially during a pandemic—can take. Whether you’re grieving wedding changes, navigating anxiety, or needing a safe space to feel your feelings, we’re here to support you.
If you’re a pandemic bride struggling through this season, reach out today. Your experience is valid. And you don’t have to carry it all on your own.
