With all this in mind, then, it’s clear we need to find a way to be there for our friends at this time. If you’re struggling to find a way to articulate your support, though, scroll down for a list of suggestions for what you should and shouldn’t say, as shared by brides-to-be who have found themselves in this unfortunate situation.

DON’T lay it on too thick

One bride-to-be says: “The condolences are nice as long as they’re not piled on too thick. Yeah, it’s disappointing but we have bigger things to worry about!”

DO make it clear you will still be attending

“Most people will probably say sorry about the postponement,” reveals one bride-to-be. “But I’d prefer them to just simply accept the news and say something along the line of, ‘OK no problem, I’ll be there for sure!’”

Another adds: “My favourite thing to hear though is when people say that no matter when it happens that they’ll be there.”

DON’T say it’ll give them more time to plan

“I don’t want anyone else to say, ‘oh well, at least you have more time to plan,’” says another bride-to-be. “I was seven weeks out from the wedding when I had to postpone. I’m planned already, I don’t need more time to plan!”

DO let them know you’re thinking of them

“My head bridesmaid secretly dropped off a gift bag on our doorstep with a card, champagne, chocolates and snacks, along with a voucher for online takeaway,” says one bride-to-be, of the day that should have been her wedding. “We were blown away. It was so wonderful to be able to raise a glass and celebrate together.”

DON’T press them for details

“One of the hardest things is people pressing you for an answer as to what’s going on when you don’t know yourself,” says another bride-to-be. “It’s incredibly stressful just trying to manage it without the added stress of pressure to come up with a decision by guests. Even worse? When they try to tell you what should/will happen, as if you don’t have enough to worry about!”

Another adds: “People asking me what’s happening is not great for my anxiety.”

DO encourage them to share their emotions

“The most helpful thing one of my friends has said is, ‘you’re allowed to be angry and upset, it’s only natural,’” says one bride-to-be.

DO opt for some big picture reassurance

“Someone saying, ‘you’re making the right choice, it will still be great’ is nice to hear,” says one bride-to-be.

DON’T point out that it’s nothing major in the grand scheme of things

To you, this may be the case. To the bride who’s just cancelled her wedding in the middle of a pandemic? Not so much. Try to be kind and considerate of her feelings.

Friend cancelled their wedding due to coronavirus? Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) say