Our gorgeous diary of a real bride Contributor Dana Hajjaj, shared her wedding planning stress management tips with us last month, but this month, she is dealing with a whole new kind of stress and shares her thoughts on the word that is on the tip of all our tongues these days “Coronavirus”. Over to you Dana……

Just thinking about this topic stirs up my anxiety levels. I can’t imagine how hard it must be for those that have had to cancel their weddings on such short notice, my heart goes out to you!

I don’t think anyone expected this to escalate to the level it has, or to affect multiple industries the way that it has. But unfortunately, it has, and while everyone still figures out how to cope with this mess, all we can do is pray that it slows down and becomes contained as soon as possible. I am totally on board with #stayingathome and encourage you all to do so too.

I’ve had a couple of friends cancel their weddings and while mine is still a good few month away, I can’t help but wonder if the government will be extending the “no weddings” ban duration. Almost all summer slots are sold out and having my wedding anytime other date, then planned, won’t do because my brother lives in the UK and my mother-in-law lives in Canada, the only time they visit is either mid-winter or mid-summer, no in-between.

Regardless, how do you even plan a wedding with all this stress? I can barely get through texts, emails and discussions without feeling like I want to breakdown. It’s quite overwhelming knowing that you’re pouring your heart out into these plans with such uncertainty. I have so many questions and concerns and so little answers, although the article published by Bride Club ME the other week, did help me a little.

To be quite honest, the financial side of my planning is worrying me too, which has encouraged me to review all my agreements with my wedding suppliers and start having discussions about possibly postponing.

I’m having custom-made dresses in different countries and I won’t be able to get through to anyone until their bans lift. I mean, the stress is real.

The thing is, certain members of my family are at great risk with this virus, we have a lot of elderly people scheduled to fly in to be with us on our wedding day, and many of our relatives are either hard-core smokers or have underlying health issues that can deteriorate should, god forbid, they come in contact with a contaminated surface or an infected person. I can’t take any chances.

In the meantime, I have no option but to wait and see what happens over the next two months. If the situation does not cease, I will have no option but to act reasonably and postpone the wedding for my well-being and my loved one’s too. I’m hoping and praying for clarity and good luck.

To my brides, do not be sad, this too shall pass. We may not be having our weddings when we planned, but we shall do eventually, and the meaning of celebration with our loved ones will be so much more special. Let’s keep perspective and stay thankful for our health.

Your 2020 (hopefully) Bride – Dana x